Monterey County; Monterey AVA
Located on the California coast south of San Francisco. Most of the growing area is centered in the 84-mile long Salinas Valley which, though inland, is subject to cooling breezes off Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The climate, which is very cool at the northern end of the valley, is ranked a region I growing area (see Climate Regions of California). Heading south, it gets warmer, changing to a region II, then a region III, and finally a region IV around San Lucas at the valley’s southern end. Chardonnay is by far the most widely planted variety in Monterey County. Cabernet Sauvignon is second, followed by Merlot, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Zinfandel, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, and others. The Monterey AVA encompasses approximately 36,000 acres, which is essentially the Salinas Valley. Other Monterey County appellations are Arroyo Seco, Carmel Valley, Chalone, Hames Valley, and San Lucas.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.