California · Sierra & Central Valley

California's Sierra & Central Valley joins the broad Central Valley with Lodi and the Sierra Foothills. About 20,000 square miles in size, the valley is drained by the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers. Wine grapes are a major crop, and about 75% of California's irrigated land lies there.

Lodi became an AVA in February 1986. In 2006 it was divided into seven nested appellations: Alta Mesa, Borden Ranch, Clements Hills, Cosumnes River, Jahant, Mokelumne River and Sloughhouse. Soil, climate and topography vary among them and affect grape and wine character. Mokelumne River has deep sandy loam that provides drainage, supports vine health and keeps yields naturally moderate. Jahant is defined by pinkish Rocklin-Jahant loam.

South Valley corresponds to the San Joaquin Valley, where summers are hot and dry and winters foggy and rainy. Temperatures have risen over the past 70 years, while growers produce grapes for raisins, table grapes, wine and juice concentrate. To the east, the Sierra Foothills has hot days, cool nights and swings of up to 30 degrees. Vineyards reach as high as 3,500 feet, where elevation moderates daytime heat and helps balance the wines. Red grapes grow best there, and the Foothills makes bold, high-alcohol reds. Zinfandel accounts for about half of production, with wines described as ripe, fruity and higher in alcohol. Aglianico, Barbera, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are also grown.