San Antonio Valley — Monterey County’s newest AVA
June 21st, 2006 by Annette
San Antonio Valley….in California?
Finally, the San Antonio Valley AVA was approved this month, and there are many happy folks walking around in Monterey County because of it. I’m definitely one of them. This area has fabulous potential for growing a wide range of varietals — from Petite Sirah and Cabernet Franc to Syrah and Marsanne.
There are three things that make this area a great growing region: climate, soils and the vineyardists themselves. It is a “high” valley (it ranges in elevation from around 900 ft up to almost 1400 ft), is relatively close to the Pacific Ocean (about 15 miles as the crow flies), and surrounds Lake San Antonio — a reservoir of some size. So, this region experiences highly moderating effects from the maritime influences in the area. It gets hot here — hot enough to ripen varietals that demand some sun and heat — but it cools down at night, and the fog comes in most evenings. The difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows is usually 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Soils consist of gravelly loam and clay, and can sometimes be quite rocky as well.
So, why San Antonio Valley (this region has also been referred to as “Lockwood Valley” as well)? It has mostly to do with the history of Spanish explorers and missionary settlers in the region. The San Antonio river runs through the region and the San Antonio mission (and some very old grapevines, I might add) still stands only a few miles from where most of the current vineyards are planted.
Oh yeah — those San Antonio Valley folks!
I almost forgot the third reason that makes this region great – the visionaries who are planting and managing the vineyards and making San Antonio wine. I enjoy working with the growers of the region because what they all share is a certain spunk, sense of individuality and strong commitment to what they are doing. They are very willing to work with the winemaking community as well. Examples? Those that come to mind are Lockwood Oaks, Newell and Escafeld. Look for either these vineyard designations or their estate wines in the future — they are all producing mighty fine products, in my humble opinion.
For more information about this region and it’s vineyards and growers, check out The San Antonio Valley Vintner’s and Grower’s Association or the Monterey County Vintner’s and Grower’s Association.
- Posted in In the Vineyard
- 1 Comment
July 14, 2006 at 8:44 am, Paula Getzelman said:
Anette,
Thanks so much for the lovely piece on the San Antonio Valley. We, the San Antonio Valley grape growers and wine makers, have known for many years what others are just now discovering and it’s exceptionally gratifying to have someone with your credentials give recognition to the area. We look forward to establishing many mutually beneficial relationships with Monterey county winemakersand seeing the “San Antonio Valley” designation on their bottles.
Cheers,
Paula Getzelman – Chalk Ridge Vineyards