Los Olivos District AVA

In this region, the temperatures are affected by cooling marine fog. However, Los Olivos District AVA is located about 30 miles (48 km) inland from the Pacific Ocean, so much of the marine fog has diminished by the time it reaches the area in the late afternoon. The thin fog allows the daytime temperatures to rise higher and the nighttime temperatures to drop lower than in the regions farther to the west, where heavy fog is present throughout the day. The region to the east receives even less fog than Los Olivos, so daytime temperatures rise higher and nighttime temperatures drop lower. The warm daytime temperatures within the AVA encourage fruit maturation and sugar production, and the cool nighttime temperatures minimize acid loss.[4]

Over 95 percent of the soils within the Los Olivos District are from the Positas-Ballard-Santa Ynez soil association and are derived from alluvium, including Orcutt sand and terrace deposits. The soils are moderate to well-drained gravelly fine sandy loams and clay loams with low to moderate fertility. The soils drain quickly enough to reduce the risk of root disease but do not drain so excessively as to require frequent irrigation. Soil nutrient levels are adequate to produce healthy vines and fruit without promoting excessive growth. By contrast, the majority of soils in the surrounding regions are not from the Positas-Ballard-Santa Ynez soil association and are generally less fertile and drain faster.[4][7]