York Mountain AVA

York Mountain AVA
Wine region
York Mountain vineyards
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established1983[1]
1987 Amended[2]
Years of wine industry155[3]
CountryUnited States
Part ofCalifornia, Central Coast AVA, San Luis Obispo County
Other regions in California, Central Coast AVA, San Luis Obispo CountyArroyo Grande Valley AVA, Edna Valley AVA, Paso Robles AVA, SLO Coast AVA
Climate regionRegion I[1]
Heat units1900 GDDs
Precipitation (annual average)45 to 50 in (1,143–1,270 mm)
4.24 in (107.70 mm) during growing season[4]
Soil conditionsshallow sandstone, sandy clay with some alluvial deep sandy clay-loam and limestone outcrops[4]
Total area6,400 acres (10 sq mi)[5]
No. of vineyards4[6]
Grapes producedCabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Petit Verdot, Pinot noir, Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier, Zinfandel[6]
No. of wineries2[4]

York Mountain is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in San Luis Obispo (SLO) County, California. It lies within the larger Central Coast AVA located on the eastern side of the Santa Lucia Mountains and west of Paso Robles viticultural area. The mountainous terrain features vineyards that are mostly cultivated at an elevation around 1,500 feet (457 m). York Mountain climate is cooler and wetter than Paso Robles being just 7 miles (11 km) from the Pacific Ocean. York Mountain was established as SLO county’s second AVA by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury on August 24, 1983 after reviewing the petition submitted by Stephen and Max Goldman, owners of York Mountain Winery, to designate a viticultural area named "York Mountain."[7] Historically, Andrew York, a British immigrant, planted the first vineyard on York Mountain in the 1870s and established Ascension Winery, the first bonded winery in the Central Coast. It survived through Prohibtion and later renamed York Mountain Winery, staying in the York family until 1970 when it was purchased by Max Goldman.[3][6][4]

Terroir

York Mountain viticultural area is distinguished from surrounding areas by being 7 miles (11 km) from the Pacific Ocean and the influence of the cool maritime fog. The area is situated on the eastern slopes of the Santa Lucia Range where elevations range from 1,512 to 1,678 feet (461–511 m) and rainfall averages 45 to 50 inches (1,143–1,270 mm) annually compared to the 15 to 20 in (381–508 mm) in the neighboring inland Paso Robles areas and a classification of Region I as compared to Regions III and IV in the adjacent areas.[1][3][6][8] The area is "dry farmed." The low supply of ground water is not sufficient enough for irrigation, providing only a small amount in potting water to establish the grape vines during the first two years of root formation and growth. Dry farming results in low grape yields and wines with concentrated flavor characteristics.[7]

Industry

After subsequent ownerships, York Mountain Winery was renamed “Epoch Estate Wines” that restored the historic York Mountain Winery building as their Tasting Room.[8] Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc are commercially grown in the AVA.

References

  1. ^ a b c "Establishment of York Mountain Viticultural Area" (27 CFR Part 9 [T.D. TF-143; Ref: Notice No. 451] Final rule). Federal Register. 48 (165). Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury: 38462–38464. August 24, 1983.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ "§ 9.80 [Amended]" (York Mountain Quadrangle). Federal Register. 52 (39). Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury: 5959. February 27, 1987.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  3. ^ a b c "York Mountain AVA". San Luis Obispo Guide. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d Daniel, Laurie (June 27, 2007). "What's Up on York Mountain?". Appellation_America. Archived from the original on December 3, 2008.
  5. ^ "York Mountain Wine". Wine-Searcher. 2020. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  6. ^ a b c d "York Mountain (AVA): Appellation Profile". Appellation America. 2007. Archived from the original on September 8, 2013. Retrieved January 25, 2008.
  7. ^ a b Goldman, Max (July 27, 1982). "Petition for the York Mountain Viticultural Area". TTB.gov. Templeton, California: York Mountain Winery.
  8. ^ a b "Our Story". Epoch Estate Wines. 2004. Retrieved December 26, 2023.

35°32′38″N 120°49′37″W / 35.5439548°N 120.8269281°W / 35.5439548; -120.8269281


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