San Pasqual Valley AVA facts for kids
| Wine region | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 1981 |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | California, South Coast AVA |
| Climate region | Mediterranean |
| Total area | 9,000 acres (3,642 ha) |
| Grapes produced | Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Viognier |
The San Pasqual Valley AVA is a special area in northern San Diego County, California. It's where grapes are grown to make wine. This valley is part of the Peninsular Ranges in Southern California.
It was one of the first places in the United States to be called an "American Viticultural Area" (AVA). This happened in 1981. Cities like San Diego, Poway, and Escondido are growing close to the valley. This means there isn't much space left for new vineyards.
Valley Weather
The San Pasqual Valley has a climate that is a bit like a desert. But cool breezes from the Pacific Ocean help keep it from getting too hot. This area has long growing seasons for grapes. The average temperature stays above 50 °F (10 °C) all year.
Winters are warm, and temperatures rarely drop below 35 °F (2 °C) at night. Summers are also warm, but daily highs usually stay below 95 °F (35 °C). The cooler evenings and granite-based soils are good for the grapes. They help the grapes keep their bright colors and balanced taste.
Grape Vineyards
Many different types of grapes are grown in this area. Some of the most common include Grenache, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, and Viognier.
The San Pasqual Valley AVA mainly includes both sides of the San Dieguito River. It is located east of I-15, between San Diego and Escondido. The vineyards are found up to 500 feet above sea level.
There is one main commercial vineyard in this AVA called Orfila Winery. Other wineries, like Ferrara Winery and Cordiano Winery, are in the San Pasqual Valley area. However, they are just outside the official AVA borders.
