Guenoc Valley Terrain (Back to overview)
Guenoc terrain has been significantly affected by volcanic activity over the millennia. The wine region encompasses about 4,400 acres and is located about 90 miles north of San Francisco in the southern part of Lake County.
The Effect of Guenoc Valley Soil and Terrain on its Wine
The soils in Guenoc were created by pyroclastic lava flows long ago. They are loamy, quite deep, and drain well. There is also a lot of volcanic gravel and serpentine in the ground. The elevation of the AVA ranges from 700 to 1,400 feet above sea level.
Langtry Estate is the only winery in the region and owns the entire AVA plus over 17,000 additional acres. Despite this property’s large size, it contains only 300 acres of vineyards planted in the choicest locations. Many of the vines are grown on steep, terraced hillsides.
Langtry’s Tephra Ridge Vineyard is particularly prized for Cabernet Sauvignon. Tephra Ridge is planted at 1,400 feet on volcanic ridges that surround the Guenoc Valley. Guenoc’s Petite Sirah and Sauvignon Blanc are grown on the valley floor at about 1,000 feet above sea level.
Lake County Wineries
