Winters Highlands AVA
Winters Highlands AVA encompasses inner Coast Range slopes overlooking Winters and the Sacramento Valley. warm sunny conditions cooled nightly through the Berryessa Gap, well-drained gravelly loam over red clay, with fine clay and loamy upland soils, and varied exposures shape Syrah, Petite Sirah, Tempranillo, Albariño, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Overview
Winters Highlands AVA occupies inner Coast Range slopes overlooking Winters and the Sacramento Valley. Elevation, waterways, and distance from marine influence create meaningful local differences. Warm sunny conditions cooled nightly through the Berryessa Gap guide ripening, while well-drained gravelly loam over red clay, with fine clay and loamy upland soils influence drainage and vigor. Its clearest identity is Syrah, Petite Sirah, Tempranillo, Albariño, and Sauvignon Blanc; vineyard and producer links provide deeper specificity.
Geography & Climate
The AVA encompasses inner Coast Range slopes overlooking Winters and the Sacramento Valley, with terraces, slopes, and waterways creating important variation.
Soils
Well-drained gravelly loam over red clay, with fine clay and loamy upland soils influence water retention, drainage, rooting depth, and vigor.
Wine Styles
The area is best represented by Syrah, Petite Sirah, Tempranillo, Albariño, and Sauvignon Blanc.