An appellation is a geographical area recognized for a distinctive combination of soil, climate, and identifiable regional wine character. The word appellation comes from the French Appellation d'Origine Controlee laws, which are laws meant to ensure quality within specific regions of France. These same principles have been used to create American Viticultural Areas (AVA) in the United States.

Appellations

Coombsville Appellation (AVA)

Coombsville Climate: Temperate climate moderated by near-proximity to the San Francisco Bay and the influences of marine air

Elevation: Most vineyards are in the 100-500 foot (30-150 m) zone, though a small portion tops 1000 feet (300 m)

Rainfall:  Average rainfall is 24.6 inches (62 cm) per year over the last 100 years

Soils: Primarily weathered volcanic rock and alluvial deposits from the Vaca Range that surrounds the region

Principal varieties in the Coombsville Appellation: Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon on the hillsides with Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot Noir in the lower, cooler sites  More Info.