Yorkville Highlands Climate (Back to overview)
The Yorkville Highlands AVA runs southeast to northwest between the Alexander Valley in the south and Anderson Valley in the north. Dry Creek originates in the region and flows to Lake Sonoma.
The Climate of Yorkville Highlands is Suited for a Wide Array of Grape Varietals
The climate is influenced by both maritime and inland weather patterns. Douglas Fur dominates to the west and oak dominates to the east. Day time temperatures are warmer than the more coastal Anderson Valley, but nights are usually cooler. Grapes thrive in this moderate climate, and long growing season. They have an excellent blend of fruit flavors framed by nice acidity.
Elevation ranges from 800 to 3,000 feet. The region’s climate has about 3,060 degree days making it a Region II. On average, the Yorkville Highlands get 50.6 inches of rainfall a year.
A number of white varietals thrive in the region’s various climates. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are grown in cooler vineyards and Viognier and Semillon like warmer, more sheltered land. There are also some plantings of a grape called Symphony which is a cross developed at UC Davis.
Red grapes range from Pinot Noir to Zinfandel and Syrah. The Bordeaux varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, are also represented in the Yorkville Highlands. A number of producers make excellent red blends with these grapes.
In many respects, the climate resembles the Northern Rhone Valley of France. It is located along a long and narrow watershed and is influenced by both oceanic breezes and inland warmth.
The AVA encompasses 40,000 acres but only contains about 350 acres of vineyards. There are currently 24 members of the Yorkville Highlands Growers and Vintners Association. AVA status was granted in 1998.
Yorkville Highland Wineries
There aren't any comments about Yorkville Highlands yet.
Be the first to comment!