Ramona Valley AVA

The Ramona Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area located 28 miles (45 km) northeast of the city of San Diego in San Diego County, California, centered on the community of Ramona. It was designated the 162nd American Viticultural Area in January, 2006 by the United States Department of the Treasury Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, which recognized the area for its distinctive microclimate, elevation, and soil attributes. Approximately 89,000 acres (360 km2) in area, it is 14.5 miles (23.3 km) long and 9.5 miles (15.3 km) wide. Geographically, the Ramona Valley is described as being a broad, flat valley ringed by hills and mountains that isolate it from the surrounding areas. The valley has an average vineyard elevation of 1,400 feet (430 m) and an annual average rainfall of 16.5 inches (41.9 cm).

Ramona Valley AVA
Wine region
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established2006[1]
CountryUnited States
Part ofCalifornia, South Coast AVA
Climate regionMediterranean
Precipitation (annual average)16.5 inches (41.9 cm)
Total area89,000 acres (360 km2)[2]
Size of planted vineyards100 acres (40 ha) [2]
No. of vineyards80[2]
Grapes producedCabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Mouvedre and some Iberian varieties.[3]

Climate and geography

Located within the large multi-county South Coast AVA, Ramona Valley was the third AVA to be designated in Southern California, after San Pasqual Valley AVA in 1981 and Temecula Valley AVA in 1984. In an interview on National Public Radio, Bill Schweitzer of the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association described the area's exceptional viticultural characteristics as being partially derived from its unique location of being 25 miles (40 km) east of the Pacific Ocean and 25 miles (40 km) west of the Colorado Desert.

Wine production

Currently the Ramona Valley AVA is home to more than 80 commercial vineyards with over 100 acres (40 ha) of varieties of both white and red grapes in cultivation. As of 2016, there were over 20 bonded wineries operating in the AVA. [2]

See also

References
  1. "§ 9.191 Ramona Valley" (Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Part 9 — American Viticultural Areas; Subpart C — Approved American Viticultural Areas). Code of Federal Regulations. Retrieved January 23, 2008.
  2. "Wine Tasting in the Heart of San Diego County". Ramona Valley Vineyard Association.
  3. "Ramona Valley (AVA): Appellation Profile". Appellation America. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved May 4, 2020.
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