San Antonio Valley: Monterey County's Ninth & Newest AVA
With the San Antonio Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) approved, it's time to provide a little background on this region.
Monterey County's ninth and newest AVA is located at the southern end of the county, just north of the Paso Robles area, and lies between Hames Valley and San Bernabe.
From the 101, you can take the Jolon Road exit at King City and enjoy a drive through some of the most beautiful countryside and vineyards on the Central Coast. Head through Fort Hunter Liggett (be prepared to show current auto insurance and registration documents at the gate) and you'll reach William Randolf Hearst's historic Milipitas Ranch House (now the Hacienda guest lodge and restaurant), Mission San Antonio de Padua, and Nacimiento Fergusson Road (named by Reader's Digest as one of the most beautiful drives in the USA). At the southern end of the valley you'll find lakes Nacimiento and San Antonio. The annual Wildflower Triathlon, one of the largest in the world, is held at Lake San Antonio in May. The breathtaking display of spring wildflowers in the valley is not to be missed.
As for vineyards and wines, the valley is a treasure trove of dedicated growers and small producers working together to craft incredible wines. Names such as Marin's Vineyard, Newell, Margaret's Vineyard, Ronan and Escafeld are winning awards and making a splash both regionally and nationally. A number of new labels are also getting ready to launch. We'll be profiling some of these vineyards and wineries soon.
The San Antonio Valley enjoys a warmer climate than much of Monterey County, and was originally one of the first viticultural areas in the USA, thanks to Mission San Antonio de Padua, which was the third mission built in California (1771). The monks planted vineyards and established a winery, the remains of which can still be explored today.
The AVA was spearheaded by members of the San Antonio Valley Vintners and Growers Association (SAVVGA). Membership and event information for SAVVGA, and additional information about the San Antonio Valley AVA is available at:
San Antonio Valley Vintners and Growers Association
PO Box 209
Lockwood, CA 93932
E-mail vineyards@inreach.com
Elsbeth Wetherill
Escafeld Vineyards
Monterey County's ninth and newest AVA is located at the southern end of the county, just north of the Paso Robles area, and lies between Hames Valley and San Bernabe.
From the 101, you can take the Jolon Road exit at King City and enjoy a drive through some of the most beautiful countryside and vineyards on the Central Coast. Head through Fort Hunter Liggett (be prepared to show current auto insurance and registration documents at the gate) and you'll reach William Randolf Hearst's historic Milipitas Ranch House (now the Hacienda guest lodge and restaurant), Mission San Antonio de Padua, and Nacimiento Fergusson Road (named by Reader's Digest as one of the most beautiful drives in the USA). At the southern end of the valley you'll find lakes Nacimiento and San Antonio. The annual Wildflower Triathlon, one of the largest in the world, is held at Lake San Antonio in May. The breathtaking display of spring wildflowers in the valley is not to be missed.
As for vineyards and wines, the valley is a treasure trove of dedicated growers and small producers working together to craft incredible wines. Names such as Marin's Vineyard, Newell, Margaret's Vineyard, Ronan and Escafeld are winning awards and making a splash both regionally and nationally. A number of new labels are also getting ready to launch. We'll be profiling some of these vineyards and wineries soon.
The San Antonio Valley enjoys a warmer climate than much of Monterey County, and was originally one of the first viticultural areas in the USA, thanks to Mission San Antonio de Padua, which was the third mission built in California (1771). The monks planted vineyards and established a winery, the remains of which can still be explored today.The AVA was spearheaded by members of the San Antonio Valley Vintners and Growers Association (SAVVGA). Membership and event information for SAVVGA, and additional information about the San Antonio Valley AVA is available at:
San Antonio Valley Vintners and Growers Association
PO Box 209
Lockwood, CA 93932
E-mail vineyards@inreach.com
Elsbeth Wetherill
Escafeld Vineyards
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