Ramona Valley AVA facts for kids
| Wine region | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 2006 |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | California, South Coast AVA |
| Climate region | Mediterranean |
| Precipitation (annual average) | 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) |
| Total area | 89,000 acres (360 km2) |
| Size of planted vineyards | 100 acres (40 ha) |
| No. of vineyards | 80 |
| Grapes produced | Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Mouvedre and some Iberian varieties. |
The Ramona Valley AVA is a special area in California where grapes for wine are grown. It's about 28 miles (45 km) northeast of San Diego. This area is unique because of its weather, how high it is above sea level, and its soil.
In 2006, the United States government officially recognized the Ramona Valley as an American Viticultural Area (AVA). This means it's a specific grape-growing region with its own special features. The valley is about 89,000 acres (360 km2) big. It is a wide, flat valley surrounded by hills and mountains. This helps keep it separate from other areas. Vineyards here are usually about 1,400 feet (427 m) above sea level. The area gets about 16.5 inches (42 cm) of rain each year.
Ramona Valley's Location and Weather
The Ramona Valley is part of a larger area called the South Coast AVA. It was the third AVA to be named in Southern California. The first two were San Pasqual Valley AVA (1981) and Temecula Valley AVA (1984).
Experts say the Ramona Valley is great for growing grapes. This is because it's located about 25 miles (40 km) east of the Pacific Ocean. It's also about 25 miles (40 km) west of the Colorado Desert. This unique spot gives it a special climate that helps the grapes grow well.
Grape Growing in Ramona Valley
Today, the Ramona Valley AVA has more than 80 commercial vineyards. These vineyards grow over 100 acres (40 ha) of different types of grapes. Both white and red grapes are grown here. As of 2016, there were more than 20 wineries making wine in the Ramona Valley AVA.
