San Benito AVA
San Benito is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in San Benito County, California. It was established on November 4, 1987 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after evaluating the petition submitted by Almaden Vineyards, a winery and grape grower in the area, proposing that a portion of San Benito County be established as a viticultural area to be known as "San Benito."
| Wine region | |
San Benito Mountain | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 1987 |
| Years of wine industry | 174 |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | California, Central Coast AVA, San Benito County |
| Other regions in California, Central Coast AVA, San Benito County | Gabilan Mountains AVA, Chalone AVA, Mt. Harlan AVA, Pacheco Pass AVA, San Francisco Bay AVA, Santa Clara Valley AVA |
| Sub-regions | Cienega Valley AVA, Lime Kiln Valley AVA, Paicines AVA |
| Total area | 45,000 acres (70 sq mi) |
| Size of planted vineyards | 3,000 acres (1,214 ha) |
| Grapes produced | Barbera, Chardonnay, Grenache, Merlot, Mourvedre, Syrah, Tempranillo |
| Varietals produced | 23 |
| No. of wineries | 3 |
The viticultural area is located along and near the San Benito River, approximately 2 miles (3 km) south of Hollister. The area encompasses approximately 45,000 acres (70 sq mi) of which about 3,000 acres (1,214 ha) are cultivated. The petitioner stated that at least three major wineries were operating within the area, and that approximately 23 different varieties of winegrapes are grown there. San Benito AVA lies within the vast mulit-county Central Coast viticultural area and contains within its approved boundaries the established Paicines, Cienega Valley, and Lime Kiln Valley viticultural areas. San Benito has a moderate climate with cooling maritime breezes from the Pacific Ocean flowing through the gaps and valleys between the Gabilan Range and the Santa Lucia Mountains. The region was the principal source of grapes for Almaden Vineyards before the business was acquired by Constellation Brands in 1984.