San Francisco Bay Wine

The San Francisco Bay AVA is one of of the largest in California. Part of the Central Coast wine-growing region, it includes more than 1.5 million acres (600,000ha) of land, stretching from Pacheco Pass in the south to Contra Costa in the north-east. The AVA includes the counties of Alameda, Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Cruz.

Coastal fog and wind from the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay influence much of the region, and have a profound effect on overall growing conditions. Warm days and cool nights are also a feature, resulting in a longer than normal growing season, which intensifies the flavors in the grapes.

Because San Francisco Bay is such a large AVA, with a diversity of terroirs and distinct microclimates, a wide range of grape varieties is able to flourish. Chardonnay is widely planted, along with substantial amounts of Merlot, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. A considerable array of other wines and styles is also produced.