Contra Costa AVA
Contra Costa AVA encompasses low delta plains and rolling terrain east of San Francisco Bay. warm sunny days tempered by wind from the bay and Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, deep sand near the delta and varied clay loams inland, and varied exposures shape old-vine Zinfandel, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and robust red blends.
Overview
Contra Costa AVA occupies low delta plains and rolling terrain east of San Francisco Bay. Its vineyards vary by elevation, slope, and distance from marine influence. Warm sunny days tempered by wind from the bay and Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta guide ripening, while deep sand near the delta and varied clay loams inland influence drainage and vigor. Its clearest wine identity is old-vine Zinfandel, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and robust red blends; linked vineyards and nested areas provide deeper specificity.
Geography & Climate
The AVA encompasses low delta plains and rolling terrain east of San Francisco Bay, with slopes, elevations, and exposures creating important variation.
Soils
Deep sand near the delta and varied clay loams inland influence water retention, drainage, rooting depth, and vigor.
Wine Styles
The area is best represented by old-vine Zinfandel, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and robust red blends.