Red Hills Lake County AVA

Red Hills Lake County AVA
Wine region

Beringer vineyard in Kelseyville, within the Red Hills area.
Type American Viticultural Area
Year established 2004[1]
Country USA
Part of California, Clear Lake AVA, Lake County, North Coast AVA
Climate region III
Soil conditions Volcanic
Total area 31,250 acres (126 km2)[2]
Size of planted vineyards 3,000 acres (12 km2)[2]
Grapes produced Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Petite Verdot, Sangiovese, Sauvignon blanc, Syrah, Zinfandel[2]
Varietals produced Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvedre, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cinsault, Counoise, Syrah
No. of wineries Sol Rouge, Cougar's Leap, Gregory Graham, and Fore Family

The Red Hills Lake County AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in Lake County, California. The wine region lies along the southwestern shores of Clear Lake, separating Excelsior Valley to the east from Big Valley to the west. The hills lie at the foot of Mount Konocti, a volcano which last erupted 11,000 years ago, but which is still regarded as active.[3] The terrain is rolling hills with elevations between 1,400 feet (430 m) and 3,000 feet (910 m) above sea level. The Red Hills receive an average of 25 inches (64 cm) to 40 inches (102 cm) in rainfall each year.[2]

References

  1. Code of Federal Regulations. "§ 9.169 Red Hills Lake County." Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Part 9 — American Viticultural Areas; Subpart C — Approved American Viticultural Areas. Retrieved Jan. 21, 2008.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Lake County Winegrape Commission (2008). "Red Hills: Talking Points". Retrieved Jan. 21, 2008.
  3. http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/clear_lake/ Clear Lake Volcanic Field