WINE GEEKS
National Wine Regions
When a US winery wants to tell you the geographic pedigree of its wine, it uses a tag on its label called an Appellation of Origin. Appellations are defined either by political boundaries, such as the name of a county or state, or by federally-recognized growing regions called American Viticultural Areas (AVAs).
As of 2016 there are 235 AVAs in the United States, covering 3.79 million square miles of land mass, which is 2.4 billion acres of total land, and 956,000 acres of grapes (includes table grapes and raisins). The US has more than 24,000 grape growing farms an over 5500 wineries. Grapes are grown in 50 states.
The wine industry is HUGE. The US produces 752.2 gallons of wine (2012) and is the 4th largest producer in the world - after France, Italy and Spain.
Let’s narrow that down a bit - California has 138 AVAs. That’s 66% of total US production! We have more designated growing regions than all the other states combined. That’s impressive. California produces 90% of all the wine produced in the US, boasting 3800 wineries and over 4600 vineyards.
The Santa Cruz Mountains has played a pivotal role in the history of winemaking in California, with roots going back over 100 years, and including well-known winemakers such as Paul Masson, Martin Ray, David Bennion (Ridge), David Bruce and others. The appellation has seen significant growth and change since the start of the 21st century: in the space of a few years the number of wineries has grown from 40 to now over 60, and vineyards are proliferating. The precedence set by these legendary figures (along with best and sustainable practices in the vineyards and wineries) can be tasted today in our world-class wines.
Santa Cruz Wine Region (AVA)
Santa Cruz Wine Region (AVA)
The Santa Cruz Appellation is full of gorgeous mountain vineyards – many not open to the public – and many fun tasting rooms.
Our focus will be mostly Santa Cruz vineyards and wineries but once in a while we’ll venture out to the other great appellations and visit other great wines.
The Santa Cruz Appellation covers 3 counties – San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. The total land mass of our AVA is 480,000 acres, yet only 1500 are planted with grapes. Of those 1500 acres, there are over 200 vineyards and close to 80 wineries. That means some of our vineyards are very tiny – only an acre or two, in some cases. This translates to small, family-owned vineyards where the owner of the land is probably the vineyard manager and the winemaker. And in many cases, the office manager, wine club manager and chief bottle washer.
You’ll hear AVA mentioned a lot. It means American Viticultural Area. It’s a geographic, designated region that has been determined by the TTB (Alcohol, Tobacco and Trade Bureau). The Santa Cruz AVA is 408,000 acres and spans 3 counties – San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz.
Recognized as an AVA in 1981, the Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation was among the first to be defined by its mountain topography, following the fog line along the coast to encompass our highest vineyards on the ridgetops at 2600’ elevation. Our vineyards and wineries and the wines they produce reflect this mountain terrain, and their proximity to the ocean and the resulting maritime climate.
The appellation is characterized by intimate, artisan wineries tucked in among the trees along beautiful mountain roads, or perched atop the ridges with sweeping views into the valleys or along the coast. Visitors can meet with and talk with the winemakers and enjoy exploring the mountain and coastal ambience and little towns. Wine tasting here is as much a discovery of the natural beauty of the mountains as it is a delightful discovery of our world-class wines. Visitors can taste at several nearby wineries in a day, and drive from the mountaintops (where it snows in winter!) to the coast and enjoy a sunset walk on the beach!
The appellation encompasses some 480,000 acres, from Woodside in the north to Watsonville (Mount Madonna) in the south, some 60 miles as the crow flies and 100 miles to drive. Within this area are 80 wineries and over 200 small vineyards totaling only app. 1500 acres of wine grapes. That’s .003% of the acreage planted with grapes. It’s divided about ¼ evenly among Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and ‘other’ varietals (most notably Merlot and Zinfandel). A single vineyard in some appellations has as much if not more acreage as we have in our entire appellation! Our winegrapes are rare and in demand.
The broad region is marked by diverse microclimates: warm on the eastern (inland) side where Zinfandel, Cabernet, and Merlot predominate; and on the coastal side and ridgetops, cooled by ocean breezes and fog, cooler climate varietals such as Pinot Noir are grown. Soils are varied (decomposed rock, clay, loam, limestone); an abundant mineral content often releases a fresh, mineral character to the wines.
The region’s vineyards actively support sustainable winegrape growing. The Viticulture Assn. has stressed best vineyard and sustainable practices, including cover crops, erosion control, canopy management, etc. Since the first sustainable workshops in 2004 the region has seen an increase in the adoption of sustainable vineyard practices. Some have adopted alternative energy such as solar and biodiesel. Several vineyards grow organically, and one is certified organic by the CCOF.
Santa Cruz Mountains wines reflect our special mountain terroir and, notwithstanding the different varietals and winemakers, typically are known for their minerality and balanced acidity, their complex flavors and long finish, and their ability to age. The result is wine that pairs particularly well with complementary foods, and age worthy wine that matures and improves in the bottle.
While the Santa Cruz Appellation covers 3 counties – only 1500 are planted with grapes. Of those 1500 acres, there are over 200 vineyards and close to 80 wineries. That means some of our vineyards are very tiny – only an acre or two, in some cases. This translates to small, family-owned vineyards where the owner of the land is probably the vineyard manager and the winemaker. And in many cases, the office manager, wine club manager and chief bottle washer. Most have full times jobs on top of it. But you won’t catch them doing anything differently – winemaking gets in your blood and there’s nothing else like it.