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[{"county":"Sonoma","name":"Alexander Valley","established":"1984","cities":"Healdsburg, Geyserville, Cloverdale","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon (9), Chardonnay (6), Merlot (5), Zinfandel (4)","description":"A warmer inland valley known for producing powerful, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon that rivals some of Napa's best, alongside high-quality Merlot and Chardonnay.","slug":"alexander-valley","unofficial":false},{"county":"Sonoma","name":"Bennett Valley","established":"2003","cities":"Santa Rosa, Kenwood","topGrapes":"Merlot (8), Chardonnay (7), Syrah (6)","description":"A cool, bowl-shaped valley influenced by the Petaluma Gap, producing distinctive Merlot, Chardonnay, and cool-climate Syrah.","slug":"bennett-valley","unofficial":false},{"county":"Sonoma","name":"Chalk Hill","established":"1983","cities":"Healdsburg, Windsor","topGrapes":"Chardonnay (9), Cabernet Sauvignon (7), Sauvignon Blanc (5)","description":"Named for its white, volcanic ash soils, this small, relatively warm region within the Russian River Valley excels at producing rich Chardonnay and powerful Cabernet Sauvignon.","slug":"chalk-hill","unofficial":false},{"county":"Sonoma","name":"Dry Creek Valley","established":"1983","cities":"Healdsburg, Geyserville","topGrapes":"Zinfandel (10), Sauvignon Blanc (6), Cabernet Sauvignon (5)","description":"A sheltered valley renowned for its Zinfandel, especially from old vines. The hillsides have iron-rich soils perfect for Zinfandel, while the floor is ideal for crisp Sauvignon Blanc. It is the historical heartland for robust, spicy Zinfandel.","slug":"dry-creek-valley","unofficial":false},{"county":"Sonoma","name":"Fort Ross-Seaview","established":"2012","cities":"Jenner, Cazadero","topGrapes":"Pinot Noir (10), Chardonnay (8), Syrah (5)","description":"A true coastal AVA defined by its rugged, high-elevation ridges above the fog line. This extreme maritime terroir produces intensely aromatic, high-acid Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with savory, complex characteristics.","slug":"fort-ross-seaview","unofficial":false},{"county":"Sonoma","name":"Fountaingrove District","established":"2015","cities":"Santa Rosa, Calistoga","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon (9), Merlot (7), Syrah (5)","description":"A mountainous AVA east of Santa Rosa, known for its Bordeaux varietals grown on volcanic soils.","slug":"fountaingrove-district","unofficial":false},{"county":"Sonoma","name":"Green Valley of Russian River Valley","established":"1983","cities":"Forestville, Sebastopol, Graton","topGrapes":"Pinot Noir (10), Chardonnay (9)","description":"The coolest, foggiest part of the Russian River Valley, known for its fine-grained Goldridge sandy loam soil. It is a benchmark for high-acid, aromatic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, especially for sparkling wines.","slug":"green-valley-of-russian-river-valley","unofficial":false},{"county":"Sonoma","name":"Knights Valley","established":"1983","cities":"Calistoga, Santa Rosa","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon (10), Merlot (7), Cabernet Franc (5)","description":"The warmest AVA in Sonoma, nestled between the Mayacamas Mountains and Mount St. Helena. It is a prime location for high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals.","slug":"knights-valley","unofficial":false},{"county":"Sonoma","name":"Los Carneros","established":"1983","cities":"Sonoma, Petaluma","topGrapes":"Pinot Noir (9), Chardonnay (9)","description":"A cool, windy region spanning both Sonoma and Napa, defined by its proximity to the San Pablo Bay. It is a premier region for high-acidity Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, particularly for sparkling wine production.","slug":"los-carneros","unofficial":false},{"county":"Sonoma","name":"Moon Mountain District","established":"2013","cities":"Sonoma, Kenwood, Glen Ellen","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon (9), Zinfandel (8), Merlot (6)","description":"Located on the steep, volcanic slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains west of the Sonoma Valley, this AVA is known for producing structured, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel.","slug":"moon-mountain-district","unofficial":false},{"county":"Sonoma","name":"Northern Sonoma","established":"1985","cities":"Healdsburg, Geyserville, Cloverdale","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon (8), Zinfandel (7), Chardonnay (6)","description":"A large, overarching AVA that encompasses Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, Knights Valley, and Chalk Hill. It represents a warmer, more inland viticultural identity compared to the coast.","slug":"northern-sonoma","unofficial":false},{"county":"Sonoma","name":"Petaluma Gap","established":"2017","cities":"Petaluma, Cotati, Penngrove","topGrapes":"Pinot Noir (9), Chardonnay (7), Syrah (7)","description":"Defined by the wind that funnels through a gap in the coastal mountains. This constant breeze creates thick-skinned grapes, ideal for structured, intensely flavored Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.","slug":"petaluma-gap","unofficial":false},{"county":"Sonoma","name":"Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak","established":"2011","cities":"Cloverdale","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon (10), Merlot (6)","description":"A high-elevation AVA with vineyards between 1,600 and 2,600 feet. The intense sunlight and rocky soils produce concentrated, powerful Cabernet Sauvignon.","slug":"pine-mountain-cloverdale-peak","unofficial":false},{"county":"Sonoma","name":"Rockpile","established":"2002","cities":"Healdsburg, Geyserville","topGrapes":"Zinfandel (10), Syrah (8), Petite Sirah (7)","description":"A rugged, high-elevation AVA above Dry Creek Valley, known for its intense sun exposure and shallow, rocky soils. It is famous for producing powerful, full-bodied Zinfandel, Syrah, and Petite Sirah.","slug":"rockpile","unofficial":false},{"county":"Sonoma","name":"Russian River Valley","established":"1983","cities":"Healdsburg, Forestville, Sebastopol","topGrapes":"Pinot Noir (10), Chardonnay (9), Zinfandel (5)","description":"A world benchmark for New World Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Its terroir is dictated by marine fog that creates a long, cool growing season, preserving acidity while developing complex flavors. The \"Goldridge\" sandy loam soil is highly prized.","slug":"russian-river-valley","unofficial":false},{"county":"Sonoma","name":"Sonoma Coast","established":"1987","cities":"Jenner, Occidental, Petaluma","topGrapes":"Pinot Noir (10), Chardonnay (9)","description":"Sonoma's largest and most geographically complex AVA. The \"true\" coastal areas produce high-acid, savory Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from vineyards perched on rugged ridges overlooking the Pacific Ocean.","slug":"sonoma-coast","unofficial":false},{"county":"Sonoma","name":"Sonoma Mountain","established":"1985","cities":"Glen Ellen, Santa Rosa","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon (8), Chardonnay (7), Pinot Noir (6)","description":"A mountainous appellation rising above the Sonoma Valley floor. It is known for producing distinctive, structured Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay from a variety of soil types and exposures.","slug":"sonoma-mountain","unofficial":false},{"county":"Sonoma","name":"Sonoma Valley","established":"1981","cities":"Sonoma, Kenwood, Glen Ellen","topGrapes":"Zinfandel (8), Cabernet Sauvignon (8), Chardonnay (7)","description":"The birthplace of California's commercial wine industry. It is a historic region with a warm climate, protected by surrounding mountains, known for a wide range of varietals including Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.","slug":"sonoma-valley","unofficial":false},{"county":"Sonoma","name":"West Sonoma Coast","established":"2022","cities":"Fort Ross, Occidental, Jenner","topGrapes":"Pinot Noir (10), Chardonnay (9), Syrah (6)","description":"This recently established AVA represents the \"true\" extreme maritime terroir of Sonoma. The cool temperatures, high winds, and poor soils result in low yields of intensely flavored, high-acid Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with complex savory notes.","slug":"west-sonoma-coast","unofficial":false},{"county":"Napa","name":"Atlas Peak","established":"1992","cities":"Napa","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon (9), Sangiovese (7)","description":"A high-elevation, mountainous AVA with volcanic soils. The cool, rugged terrain produces structured Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese with bright acidity and firm tannins.","slug":"atlas-peak","unofficial":false},{"county":"Napa","name":"Calistoga","established":"2009","cities":"Calistoga","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon (10), Zinfandel (8), Petite Sirah (6)","description":"The northernmost and warmest AVA in Napa Valley. The volcanic soils and high heat produce some of Napa's most powerful and concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel.","slug":"calistoga","unofficial":false},{"county":"Napa","name":"Chiles Valley","established":"1999","cities":"St. Helena","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon (8), Cabernet Franc (7), Zinfandel (6)","description":"A narrow, high-elevation valley in the Vaca Mountains. Its cooler climate compared to the main valley floor makes it well-suited for Cabernet Franc and Zinfandel.","slug":"chiles-valley","unofficial":false},{"county":"Napa","name":"Coombsville","established":"2011","cities":"Napa","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon (10), Merlot (6)","description":"A relatively cool AVA in a crescent-shaped basin near the San Pablo Bay. Its volcanic soils and moderate climate yield elegant, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon with fine tannins.","slug":"coombsville","unofficial":false},{"county":"Napa","name":"Crystal Springs of Napa Valley","established":"2023","cities":"St. Helena","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon (10)","description":"Napa's newest AVA, located west of St. Helena. It is known for its rugged terrain and volcanic soils, producing distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon.","slug":"crystal-springs-of-napa-valley","unofficial":false},{"county":"Napa","name":"Diamond Mountain District","established":"2001","cities":"Calistoga","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon (10), Cabernet Franc (6)","description":"A rugged, mountainous AVA in the Mayacamas range. Its volcanic soils produce powerful, highly tannic, and intensely flavored Cabernet Sauvignon that can age for decades.","slug":"diamond-mountain-district","unofficial":false},{"county":"Napa","name":"Howell Mountain","established":"1983","cities":"Angwin, St. Helena","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon (10), Merlot (7)","description":"One of the first mountain AVAs, located above the fog line. The volcanic soils and consistent sunlight produce powerful, structured Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with classic savory notes.","slug":"howell-mountain","unofficial":false},{"county":"Napa","name":"Los Carneros","established":"1983","cities":"Napa, American Canyon","topGrapes":"Pinot Noir (9), Chardonnay (9)","description":"A cool, windy region spanning both Napa and Sonoma, defined by its proximity to the San Pablo Bay. It is a premier region for high-acidity Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, particularly for sparkling wine production. The Napa portion is crucial for its cool-climate viticulture.","slug":"los-carneros","unofficial":false},{"county":"Napa","name":"Mount Veeder","established":"1990","cities":"Napa","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon (10), Merlot (6)","description":"A steep, mountainous AVA with the largest diurnal temperature shift in Napa. The thin, sedimentary soils produce intensely flavored, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon with strong tannins and earthy characteristics.","slug":"mount-veeder","unofficial":false},{"county":"Napa","name":"Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley","established":"2004","cities":"Napa","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon (8), Chardonnay (8), Merlot (7)","description":"A cooler region in southern Napa, known for its diverse soil types. It is a transitional zone, producing both elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and high-quality Chardonnay and Merlot.","slug":"oak-knoll-district-of-napa-valley","unofficial":false},{"county":"Napa","name":"Oakville","established":"1993","cities":"Oakville","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon (10), Merlot (6), Cabernet Franc (5)","description":"The heart of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, home to legendary vineyards like To Kalon. The well-drained gravelly soils of the western bench produce wines of immense power, structure, and complexity. This is the epicenter of world-class Cabernet.","slug":"oakville","unofficial":false},{"county":"Napa","name":"Rutherford","established":"1993","cities":"Rutherford","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon (10), Merlot (6), Sauvignon Blanc (5)","description":"Famed for Cabernet Sauvignon with a signature \"Rutherford Dust\" character—a fine, dusty tannin. The gravelly soils of the \"Rutherford Bench\" are considered ideal for producing Cabernet with elegant texture and complex flavors.","slug":"rutherford","unofficial":false},{"county":"Napa","name":"Spring Mountain District","established":"1993","cities":"St. Helena","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon (10), Chardonnay (7), Merlot (6)","description":"A cool, forested mountain AVA with a mix of volcanic and sedimentary soils. It is known for producing elegant, long-lived Cabernet Sauvignon and distinctive Chardonnay.","slug":"spring-mountain-district","unofficial":false},{"county":"Napa","name":"St. Helena","established":"1995","cities":"St. Helena","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon (10), Syrah (6)","description":"A historic town and AVA in a narrow, warm part of the valley floor. It produces rich, powerful Cabernet Sauvignon and is also known for Rhône varietals like Syrah and Grenache.","slug":"st-helena","unofficial":false},{"county":"Napa","name":"Stags Leap District","established":"1989","cities":"Napa","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon (10), Merlot (8)","description":"Famous for Cabernet that embodies an \"iron fist in a velvet glove.\" The unique terroir, with its rocky, heat-reflecting Palisades and cool bay breezes, creates wines of great power and remarkable elegance with a velvety texture.","slug":"stags-leap-district","unofficial":false},{"county":"Napa","name":"Wild Horse Valley","established":"1988","cities":"Napa","topGrapes":"Pinot Noir (8), Chardonnay (8)","description":"A small, high-elevation AVA straddling Napa and Solano counties. Its cool climate and volcanic soils are well-suited for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.","slug":"wild-horse-valley","unofficial":false},{"county":"Napa","name":"Yountville","established":"1999","cities":"Yountville","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon (9), Merlot (8)","description":"A moderate-to-cool AVA in the southern half of the valley, known for its exceptional Merlot and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon. The soils are a mix of alluvial and volcanic.","slug":"yountville","unofficial":false},{"county":"Napa","name":"Pritchard Hill","established":"","cities":"St. Helena","topGrapes":"Cabernet Sauvignon","description":"A famous but unofficial hillside designation east of the Napa Valley floor, above Lake Hennessey in the Vaca Range. Trademarked by Chappellet and never granted AVA status, yet home to a concentration of cult Cabernet producers including Bryant, Colgin, Continuum, and Ovid. Wines here carry the Napa Valley AVA on the label.","slug":"pritchard-hill","unofficial":true}]37 appellations mapped
AVA Explorer
Every American Viticultural Area in Napa and Sonoma, when it was established, what it grows, and the traditional names that were never TTB-recognized.