The counties included in the Central Coast area
Santa Barbara
Monterey
Santa Clara
Santa Cruz
San Benito
San Luis Obispo
Paso Robles
San Francisco Bay Area AVAs
Cool coastal climate vs. hot inland
Wide range of varieties and wine styles
Appellations:
San Francisco Bay
Livermore Valley
Santa Cruz Mountains
Ben Lomond Mountain
Santa Clara Valley
San Ysidro District
Mount Eden Vineyards – ageable wines
Monterey County
Cool climate vs. hot inland regions
Wine range of varieties and wine styles
Appellations:
Mount Harlan
Cienega Valley
Ume Kiln Valley
San Benito
Paicines
Monterey
Carmel Valley – Cab Sauv
Santa Lucia Highlands
Chalone
Arroyo Secco
San Lucas
San Antonio
San Louis Obispo County AVAs
Paso Robles
One of CAs oldest growing regions
Considerable expansion over the last ten years
No marine influence – hot climate
Suitable for red varieties
Zinfandel and Rhone varietals
Edna Valley
South of Paso Robles
Marine influence – cool climate
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Santa Barbara County
Cool coastal climate
Series of east-west valleys
Longest growing season in CA
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot
This is where you can ght Pinot Noir at 14.5% alcohol – too much!
Appellations:
Santa Ynez Valley
Santa Rita Hills
Santa Maria Valley