Benmore Valley AVA
Located in southwestern Lake County, the Benmore Valley AVA is within a mountaintop valley that is much cooler than surrounding areas. Named for a 19th century cattle rustler, the Benmore Valley was established as an AVA in November 1991.
| Elevation | 2,400-2,700 feet |
| Soils | The appellation contains mostly alluvial (Manzanita loam) soils. |
| Acreage | 1,440 acres |
| Climate | Significantly cooler than neighboring areas with little coastal influence and no fog. The region is the recipient of an annual average of 40-50 inches of rain. |
| Varietals | While Chardonnay was the grape of choice when the appellation was formed, Benmore Valley is not currently planted with vineyards. |
