Paicines AVA

Paicines AVA

The Paicines AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in San Benito County, California. It is part of the larger Central Coast AVA, and its only winery is the DeRose Vineyards.

History[edit | edit source]

The Paicines AVA was established in 1982. The region has a long history of grape cultivation, dating back to the 18th century when Spanish missionaries planted the first vineyards in the area. The AVA is named after the town of Paicines, which is located in the southern part of the county.

Geography and Climate[edit | edit source]

The Paicines AVA is located in the southern part of San Benito County, bordering the Cienega Valley AVA to the north and the Chalone AVA to the west. The region is characterized by its warm, dry climate and its diverse soil types, which include granite, limestone, and volcanic soils.

The region's climate is influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, which brings cool, moist air to the area. This results in a long growing season, allowing grapes to develop complex flavors and aromas.

Viticulture[edit | edit source]

The Paicines AVA is known for its production of high-quality red wine grapes, particularly Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The region's warm climate and diverse soils provide ideal conditions for these grape varieties to thrive.

In addition to red wine grapes, the region also produces a small amount of white wine grapes, including Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Wineries[edit | edit source]

The only winery located within the Paicines AVA is the DeRose Vineyards. The winery is known for its old-vine Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, which are produced from vines that are over 100 years old.