Wine-Growing Areas
Sémillon in California
Here is an overview of principal California American Viticultural Areas, (AVAs), the U.S. equivalent of appellations, associated with Sémillon. For a deep dive into specific regions, please visit our Regional Guides.
California Sémillon Acreage by County (2021)
| COUNTY | 2021 TOTAL GRAPE ACRES (bearing and non-bearing) |
2021 TOTAL GRAPE HECTARES (bearing and non-bearing) |
|---|---|---|
| Napa | 163 | 65.96 |
| Yolo | 107 | 43.30 |
| Sonoma | 98 | 39.66 |
| San Joaquin | 73 | 29.54 |
| Lake | 35 | 14.16 |
| Sacramento | 17 | 6.88 |
| Mendocino | 16 | 6.47 |
| Santa Barbara | 12 | 4.86 |
| Nevada | 7 | 2.83 |
| Alameda | 6 | 2.43 |
| Other | 27 | 10.93 |
| STATE TOTAL | 560 | 226.62 |
Although Sémillon is grown in 19 of California’s 58 counties, its best premium expressions are concentrated in four spots: Lake County, Napa Valley, Yuba County, and Sonoma County. Given the historic and viticultural challenges, producers who are committed to quality are the state’s focus. Plantings of fewer than 243 ha/600 acres in the ground are a testament to the dedication of those who are invested in growing and vinifying this grape variety.
Sémillon Around the World:
While the number of vines planted has decreased rapidly over the last 100 years or so, it is still found in most wine-producing countries around the world.
- France: Bordeaux (Médoc, Graves, Sauternes, Barsac, Entre-Deux-Mers), Bergerac, Monbazillac
- Australia: New South Wales (Hunter Valley), Western Australia (Margaret River), South Australia (Adelaide Hills)
- New Zealand: North Island (Gisborne)
- South Africa: Stellenbosch, Swartland, Franschhoek
- The Americas: Washington state, Argentina (Mendoza, San Juan, Rio Negro), Chile
- Other countries: Portugal, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Russia, Cyprus, China, Canada (British Columbia), Turkey