Santa Maria Valley AVA

Santa Maria Valley AVA is a recognized since August 5, 1981 wine-growing region in the U.S. state of California and part of the national Central Coast AVA.

Location

The vineyards here are spread over the districts of Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County.

History

The production area has a comparatively long history in this part of California. Vineyards are documented in writing since the 1830s. From the 1960s significant new plantings were made and the region served large wineries in other regions as a supplier of grapes. The foundation of the appellation also self-marketing winemakers settled. Meanwhile, the area under vines is 3000 hectares ( roughly corresponding to the size of the German wine-growing region Rheingau).

Geography

The valley of Santa Maria Valley opens in the west to the Pacific Ocean. The terrain rises from 60 m above sea level. NN near the U.S. Highway 101 up to 980 m above sea level. NN on the Tepusquet Peak. The vineyards lie in the valley at an altitude of 90 m above sea level. NN or up to 240 m on the slopes. The soil consists of a mixture of sandy and clayey loam.

Climate

By the opening of the valley to the ocean the morning mist can easily enter the valley and provide in this way for one in this situation unusually cool climate. In particular, the vineyards on the valley floor are cooled in this manner while the vineyards on the slopes to better benefit from the sun 's rays and are therefore suitable for late-ripening varieties. The slow ripening of the grapes under the influence of the dry but cool climate makes for the development very aromatic berries.

Varieties

The valley is known for the cultivation of the earlier maturing varieties Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc, which thrive well in this rather cool climate.