Arroyo Grande Valley AVA facts for kids
| Wine region | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 1990 |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | California, Central Coast AVA |
| Total area | 42,880 acres (17,353 ha) |
| Grapes produced | Chardonnay, Counoise, Grenache, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Pinot blanc, Pinot gris, Pinot noir, Riesling, Sauvignon blanc, Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier, Zinfandel, Picardan, Malbec, Alicante Bouschet, Carmenere, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Cabernet Franc, Blaufrankisch, Merlot, Picpoul Blanc, Fiano |
The Arroyo Grande Valley AVA is a special farming area in San Luis Obispo County, California. AVA stands for American Viticultural Area. This means it's a place officially recognized for growing grapes that make wine.
This valley is part of a bigger area called the Central Coast AVA. It's known for its unique soil and cool ocean breezes.
About the Arroyo Grande Valley
The Arroyo Grande Valley AVA was officially recognized in 1990. It's a long valley, about 16 miles (26 kilometers) long. It stretches from east to northeast.
Location and Climate
The valley is in California, a state on the west coast of the United States. Its special direction helps cool ocean breezes from the Pacific Ocean blow through it. These breezes keep the valley from getting too hot. This moderate climate is perfect for growing certain types of grapes.
The ground here is made of different kinds of soil. There are soils from old rocks and volcanoes. Underneath, there's a layer of bedrock called the Franciscan Complex. These soils help the grapevines grow well.
The Fog Line and Grapes
A cool fog often rolls in from the coast. This fog creates a "fog line" in the valley. This line divides the valley into two main parts.
- Higher areas: Closer to Lopez Lake, the higher parts of the valley are a bit warmer. Here, you'll find grapes like Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and grapes often used in Rhône-style wines.
- Cooler middle valley: The central part of the valley stays cooler because of the fog. This area is ideal for growing grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot noir. These grapes prefer a cooler climate to develop their best flavors.
The different climates within the valley allow a wide variety of grapes to grow well. This makes the Arroyo Grande Valley AVA a special place for grape growing.
