Inland Empire & San Diego is part of California's South Coast. Its appellations are South Coast, Cucamonga Valley, San Luis Rey, Temecula Valley, Ramona Valley, Yucaipa Valley and San Pasqual Valley. Ramona Valley received federal AVA designation in 2006, after 20 vineyards had already been established. Ocean fog, afternoon breezes, desert influence and elevation bring cooler nights, slowing ripening while grapes retain acidity and develop complex flavours. In nearby San Pasqual Valley, cold nights extend the growing season and help build aromatics and varietal character. Plantings include Grenache, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Mourvedre and Viognier. San Luis Rey became an AVA in San Diego County in late 2023. An AVA is a defined American grape-growing area.
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Elsewhere in California · South Coast