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

Petaluma Gap AVA

4,000 Vineyard Acres

Top Varietal: Pinot Noir

Approved as an AVA in December 2017.  This area in southern Sonoma County and northern Marin County  is known as the Petaluma Gap AVA.  It is noted for the afternoon wind and fog that comes from Bodega Bay on the coast and passes through the hilly areas and into San Pablo Bay, cooling the vineyards and allowing the fruit a longer hang time to give more flavor.  More Info.