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

Pine Mountain – Cloverdale Peak AVA

310 Acres Planted to Vineyard in the Pine Mountain Cloverdale Peak AVA

1 Winery

Earned AVA Status in 2011

This viticultural area is within the multi-county North Coast viticultural area and overlaps the northernmost portion of the Alexander Valley AVA and Northern Sonoma AVA. The distinguishing features include mountainous soils, steep topography with high elevations and a growing season climate that contrasts with the climate of the Alexander Valley floor.  Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant player here.