Local Terroir
Geological Influences
The principal geological form in the Sacramento Valley is the massive basin formed over 100 million years ago. That depression led to the region filling with ocean water and, much later, becoming a natural course for the Sacramento River.
Mountains/River/Other Key Influences
The Sacramento River, California’s largest, is fed by run-off and snow melt from significant mountain ranges to the east and west. Feeder streams create alluvial fans. The Sacramento deposits fluvial soils as it floods and then recedes.
The large river complex, including the river itself, but also countless streams, channels, sloughs, canals, and marshes, do more than deposit soil though. They provide water for irrigation and moderate temperatures during what would otherwise be an excessively hot growing season. This moderating effect becomes a cooling one as warm, afternoon air rises and cool, maritime air rushes into the low pressure zone.
Soil Diversity
The Sacramento Valley is huge and home to scores, possibly hundreds, of soil series. Most are variations on a consistent theme—alluvial and fluvial top soils resting on sedimentary subsoil. Some topsoils are volcanic in origin, others are sedimentary. Loam textures vary: clay, silt, sand, and gravel. So does drainage, ranging from poor to moderately good.
Grape growers choose grape varieties and rootstocks carefully, depending on the soils in their vineyards. If necessary, they break up clay hardpan to improve drainage and root penetration. They also tailor water management to the circumstances. Sometimes that means irrigation. In other instances, such as in the Clarksburg and Merritt Island AVAs, water removal may be required.
Climate
The Sacramento Valley enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which means a long, warm, dry growing season with mild, mostly dry weather in the spring and autumn. Almost all of any given year’s precipitation comes during the winter. Part of the region has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, which means that summer temperatures are considerably higher than those during winter. Parts of the valley which benefit more from maritime temperature moderation are classified as warm-summer Mediterranean. On the Winkler-Amerine degree-day scale, most of the valley is Region IV or V. Some areas very close to the bay, such as southern Suisun Valley, are Region III.
Sub-AVAs and Counties
Location/Geography
A rectangular AVA, about 4.8 x 12.9 km (3 x 8 miles), within Solano County, immediately south of Stags Leap District AVA and east of Solano County Green Valley. The southern boundary is just south of Interstate 80. In an area of 6,216 ha (15,360 acres), about 1,214 ha (3,000 acres) are planted to vine.
Name Background
The Suisun were a Native American tribe in the area. The name is said to mean “where the west wind blows.” Suisun Bay was the first geographical location to be given the name.
Topography/Elevation/Water Sources/Geographic Features
A majority of vineyard land is flat. A couple of vineyards include a small portion that slopes. Three others are in the western hills and slope aggressively.
The two most important geographical features are San Pablo Bay and the Vaca mountains. The bay provides cooling winds. The Vaca blocks the northern third of the AVA from much of that wind.
Geology/Soil Composition
Brentwood clay loam, Sycamore silty clay loam, San Ysidro sandy loam and Rincon clay loam.
The subsoil is hardpan clay.
Climate
Warm-summer Mediterranean, Winkler-Amerine Region III-V, depending on the year. It averages 3,350 degree days (1.843° C). The area is cooled during the growing season by all-day breezes coming off Suisun Bay. It is rarely foggy.
Daytime temperatures vary dramatically over the 13-km (8-mile) run from north to south. The southern third is similar to Carneros, the northern third more like Calistoga.
Main Grape Varieties
At least 24 varieties are grown, emphasizes Petite Sirah
Location/Geography
The AVA is in eastern Solano County, bordering Napa County and Wild Horse Valley AVA. It includes about 162 ha (400 acres) of vines. (Not to be confused with the Green Valley AVA in Carneros).
Name Background
Named for the town of Green Valley, a township since at least 1890, and Green Valley Creek
Topography/Elevation/Water Sources/Geographic Features
The valley runs roughly north-south between the southern ends of the Mt. George and Vaca Ranges.
Geology/Soil Composition
Volcanic, Conejo clay loam, alluvial
Climate
Warm-summer Mediterranean, Winkler-Amerine II-III, cooled by moist breezes off San Pablo and Suisun Bays. Frequently foggy
Main Grape Varieties
Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah
Location/Geography
Located in the Vaca Mountains above the city of Napa. The AVA is one of the smallest in the United States, covering just 1,350 hectares (3,300 acres) of land on the hills above Coombsville.
Name Background
The first grapes were planted in the 1880s by Joseph Volpe and Constantino Malandrino. Back then the area was home to many wild horses, hence the name.
Topography/Elevation/Water Sources/Geographic Features
Elevation: 259-650 m (850-2,130 feet).
Rainfall: 94 cm (35 inches) annually.
Geology/Soil Composition
Volcanic in origin, with basaltic red color; shallow, with limited water retention, so irrigation is often essential.
Climate
Due to elevation and proximity to San Pablo Bay, this is the coolest Napa Valley AVA. The air mass that passes over Carneros cools another 12.2°C (10°F) by the time it rises to the AVA.
The Solano County side, however, is warmer, because bay breezes are largely blocked by hills.
Main Grape Varieties
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the Napa side. There are no active vineyards on the Solano side.
Location/Geography
26,159 ha (64,640 acres) in Sacramento, Solano, and Yolo Counties, generally between the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers. Much of the AVA comprises islands within rivers and sloughs.
There is a proposal to expand the AVA. The comment period ended on January 11, 2021. Expansion will be in Sacramento and Solano Counties. The added terrain shares all key viticultural characteristics with the existing AVA.
Name Background
Named for the town of Clarksburg, which took its name for Judge Robert Clark, a pioneer who arrived there in 1849.
Topography/Elevation/Water Sources/Geographic Features
Flat with altitudes ranging from 3 m (10 feet) above sea level to 3 m (10 feet) below sea level.
The water table is high. Drains and canals are required to lower the water table within vineyards.
Highly water-tolerant rootstock is required.
Landforms are alluvial fan-basin and flood plain-basin-blackswamp.
Geology/Soil Composition
Poorly drained clay and clay loam
Climate
Warm-summer Mediterranean. Winkler-Amerine Region III. Climate is moderated by the considerable amount of surrounding water. Mean temperature during growing season is 20° C (68° F), with a daily min/max of 11°/30° C (52°/86°). Rainfall is 41 cm (16 inches) a year on average (in non-drought years)
Main Grape Varieties
Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Petite Sirah
Location/Geography
Northeast of Lake Berryessa and on the eastern side of the Vaca Range. Total AVA acreage is 41,440 ha (102,400 acres), of which only 10 ha (25 acres) or so are planted to grapes.
Name Background
Capay means “creek” in the language of a local Native American tribe
Topography/Elevation/Water Sources/Geographic Features
The AVA includes slopes, bench and valley floor. The three wineries are on bench and valley floor terrains. Cache Creek runs through the valley.
Geology/Soil Composition
Capay series soils: very deep alluvium eroded from sandstone and shale. Drainage varies from moderately well to somewhat poor.
The benches feature Hillgate and Corning series, which are less deep, better draining, and less fertile.
Climate
Hot-summer Mediterranean
Mean, annual rainfall is 53 cm (21 inches)
Main Grape Varieties
Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Grenache, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
Location/Geography
Just northeast of Capay Valley AVA, 48 km (30 miles) northwest of Sacramento
Total acreage is 36,017 ha (89,000 acres). More than 809 ha (2,000 acres) are planted.
Name Background
Named for A.W. Dunnigan who settled there in the 1850s
Topography/Elevation/Water Sources/Geographic Features
Elevations of 30-122 m (100-400) feet in rolling hills, which run northwest to southeast
Geology/Soil Composition
Mostly Corning-Hillgate association, well-drained, gently sloping gravelly loams
Climate
Hot-summer Mediterranean, irrigation is required.
Slopes and streams promote air movement, which reduces frost risk, but also makes the AVA cooler than the nearby valley floor.
Main Grape Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
Location/Geography
A 2,023 ha (5,000 acre) island with the Sacramento River on its east and Elk Slough on the north and west, and Sutter Slough south. It’s about 10 km (6 miles) due south of the city of Sacramento. The Merritt Island AVA is nested within the Clarksburg AVA.
Name Background
The island has been identified as Merritt since at least 1879. A nearby town, also called Merritt, was named after Hiram Merritt, who settled there in the mid-19th century.
Topography/Elevation/Water Sources/Geographic Features
Due to its flat topography, low altitude, and surrounding waterways, Merritt Island has a high water table. Irrigation is not required.
Geology/Soil Composition
Fertile, alluvial and fluvial sandy loams deposited by the Sacramento River.
Climate
Warm-summer Mediterranean, Winkler-Amerine Region III. Surrounded by rivers and near the Sacramento River delta, the AVA is cooled by maritime breezes. That leads to daytime temperatures which are typically 12° C (10°F) cooler than Sacramento.
Main Grape Varieties
Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Petite Sirah
Location/Geography
Within the larger Sierra Foothills AVA, near the town of Marysville and west of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and northeast of the Sacramento Valley, totaling approximately 91 square km (35 square miles) or 9,065 ha (22,400 acres)
Name Background
Yuba is thought to be a derivation of the Spanish word “uva” for grapes, so named for the wild grapes seen growing along the banks of the Yuba River when settlers arrived
Topography/Elevation/Water Sources/Geographic Features
Steeply sloped, rocky and remote mountainous terrain, with vineyards planted between 305-701 m (1,000-2,300 feet) elevation
Geology/Soil Composition
Decomposing granite, quartz and volcanic rock
Climate
Interior Mediterranean, marked by warm days and cold nights during the growing season
Main Grape Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir
Location/Geography
North-central part of Lodi AVA; falling entirely in Sacramento county
22,420 ha (55,400 acres), with about 2,145 ha (5,300 acres) of planted grapes
Name Background
Spanish for “high table,” alluding to the mesa topography historically used to describe area
Topography/Elevation/Water Sources/Geographic Features
10.5-41 m (35-135 feet) elevation tabletop topography, 0.7-1.5 m (2-5-feet) deep before hitting clay and sandstone hardpan
Geology/Soil Composition
San Joaquin series (shallow, sandy clay loam with some gravelly clay loam)
Climate
Mediterranean
Main Grape Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Primitivo/Zinfandel, Verdelho, Vermentino, Albariño/Alvarinho, Grenache Blanc, Moscato Giallo, Torrontés, Tannat, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz/Tempranillo, Tinta Cão, Souzão, Alvarelhão, Tinta Amarela
Location/Geography
Central/northwestern edge of Lodi AVA; falling in both Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties
2,833 ha (70,000 acres), with over 4,856 ha (12,000 acres) of planted grapes
Name Background
Borden Ranch founded in 1864, giving name to surrounding community
Topography/Elevation/Water Sources/Geographic Features
22-158 m (73-520 feet) elevation, hilly, prairie mound topography, largely volcanic, rocky slopes with some alluvial stream deposits
Geology/Soil Composition
Redding series (rocky clay loam)
Climate
Mediterranean
Main Grape Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Primitivo/Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo, Verdelho, Garnacha Blanca
Location/Geography
Northwest corner of Lodi AVA; mostly in Sacramento County
Currently 22,136 ha (54,700 acres), with the smallest amount of planted wine grapes (about 1,416 ha/3,500 acres) of Lodi’s seven sub-AVAs
Name Background
Cosumnes River water
Topography/Elevation/Water Sources/Geographic Features
1.4-14.5 m (5-48-feet) elevation; lower areas consist of alluvial floodplain, sloughs and wetlands; higher terrace areas with shallow clay hardpan
Proximity to Delta fog and near-sea level elevation make this one of Lodi’s cooler climate appellations
Geology/Soil Composition
San Joaquin series (shallow, sandy clay loam)
Climate
Mediterranean
Main Grape Varieties
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
Location/Geography
West-central part of Lodi AVA, falling mostly in San Joaquin County
The smallest of Lodi’s seven AVAs — comprising 11,331 ha (28,000 acres), with 3,642 ha (9,000 acres) planted
Name Background
Jahant family began farming in area in 1850s, lending name to several local landmarks and businesses
Topography/Elevation/Water Sources/Geographic Features
30.5-137 m (100-450 feet) elevation; rolling hills woodland environment with sandy alluvial fans in vicinity of Mokelumne River
Geology/Soil Composition
San Joaquin series (shallow, sandy clay loam)
Climate
Mediterranean (among coolest in average degree-days in Lodi AVA)
Main Grape Varieties
Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Primitivo/Zinfandel, Carignan, Petite Sirah, Barbera, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Teroldego, Montepulciano, Nero d’Avola
Location/Geography
Northeast corner Lodi AVA; falling entirely in Sacramento county
31,890 ha (78,800 acres), with about 3,287 ha (8,000 acres) of planted grapes
Name Background
Historic hotel called Slough House (est. 1850s) located along a slough of the Cosumnes River, giving its name to surrounding community
Topography/Elevation/Water Sources/Geographic Features
33.5-180 m (110-590 feet) elevation, hilly, woodland topography, largely volcanic, rocky slopes with some alluvial fans
Geology/Soil Composition
Redding series (rocky clay loam)
Climate
Mediterranean (warmest in average degree-days in Lodi AVA)
Main Grape Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Primitivo/Zinfandel, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Tannat, Teroldego, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Muscat varieties