Talking Points

Big Valley is the garden spot of Lake County and from its great size, compared with other valleys in the County it well deserves to be called Big Valley. It is surrounded by the Mayacaymus Mountains on the southwest. Mt. Konocti on the east and southeast, and by Clearlake on the north. The valley covers about 31 square miles attaining a maximum length and width of 7 miles. Big Valley contains over 48% of Lake County's agricultural land.

The area was once a lake bottom, and the nutrient-dense soil that makes up a majority of Big Valley was created by marine life dating back thousands of years. This evolving watershed has left behind gravely streambeds that interrupt the fertile blocks of loamy soil, and have proven to be a great area for winegrape growing. Big Valley soils consist primarily of the clay loam, which retains water very well, contrasting with the porous soils on the Red Hills area. This fertile soil is well suited for many varietals. Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Cab Franc and Chardonnay do well in the versatile soil types.

Big Valley is a structural basin that is part of the larger Clear Lake basin. Elevations on the valley Floor range between 1,330 and 1,440 feet. The surrounding mountains rise to heights of 2,550 feet to, 300 feet above sea level.

During the growing season, Big Valley experiences a nearly 50% change in temperature from day time to night. The average summer daytime temperature is 94 degrees, while falling at night to 48 degrees. The annual average rainfall in the Big Valley area is 28-36 inches.

The Kelseyville Bench is one of three distinct microclimates in the Clear Lake viticultural area. Originally a lava flow, it is a transition between the volcanic mountains and the alluvial flood plain. The Kelseyville bench is 1600 feet above sea level and gives winegrape excellent exposure.

Big Valley growers were among the first visionary growers to discover Big Valley's winegrape potential and in 1960 began planting new vineyards. Winegrape growers that produce winegrapes in the Big Valley are passionate about quality employ state-of-the-art technology, materials, and growing techniques. These growers are leaders in sustainable winegrowing efforts and several of them are moving toward organic farming.

Although several other varieties are grown, Big Valley grower's are most well known for producing world-class Sauvignon Blanc. Balanced fertility is the key in growing winegrapes from Big Valley, producing lively crisp and bright flavors, which are more melony than grassy and herbal. Produce lively crisp and bright flavors, which are more melony than grassy and herbal. Other premium winegrapes produced in the Big Valley make wonderful Cabernets and other rich red wines.