Central Valley Wine - page 3

The extensive Central Valley wine region lies east of San Francisco Bay and runs from the Sacramento Valley in the north, south through the San Joaquin Valley to Bakersfield. A valley of two halves; the northern Sacramento Valley includes Yolo County and half of Lodi County while the southern San Joaquin Valley is responsible for the majority of wine produced. Here the soils are a rich fertile deep loam encouraging vigorous growth and high production. Between the two halves is the extensive Delta area with rivers and wetlands contributing not only to lower temperatures in the region but to the all-important irrigation that is so necessary in this hot dry climate.

Central Valley is the workhorse of the Californian wine industry, producing more than half of the states grapes. The fertile hot conditions are conducive to high yields which sees most of the crop go into the bulk wine market. In selected sub regions, increasing amounts of high quality wines are being produced. Grapes that have higher natural acidity including Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Barbera, and Chardonnay are the best performers.