Clear Lake AVA
Established in 1984, the Clear Lake AVA is a sub-appellation of the North Coast AVA, which also includes Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino. The natural freshwater lake at the center of the AVA provides a moderating influence on temperatures which, along with the high elevation, explains why this is one of the coolest wine-growing regions in California.
| Elevation | Vineyard elevations range from 1,300 to 3,000 feet. Higher elevations and Lake County’s pure air allow for greater levels of UV light, as much as 10% more than neighboring sea level valleys. This UV intensity triggers thicker skins, greater tannins and intense wines with high phenolic content. |
| Soils | Variation is the theme here. From the red, iron-rich volcanic soils of Red Hills to the cinder ash and silt blends of High Valley, the alluvial soils of Big Valley, and the mix of gravel, volcanic, and alluvial soils in Kelsey Bench, the terrain in Clear Lake offers growers and winemakers the opportunity to match grape variety to its ideal location. |
| Acres | 174,798 acres |
| Climate | As a region, Clear Lake is notable for differences among microclimates, from vineyards planted at lake level to those along volcanic ridges. But two common climate factors are elevation and lake influence. These two factors have a cooling effect on temperatures that can be quite warm during the day. Temperature differences from day to night—the diurnal swing—can be significant, up to 50 degrees or more. This combination of hot days and cool nights allows winegrapes to ripen at a slower rate while developing complexity and maintaining acidity and balance. |
| Varietals | Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel. |