Dry Creek Valley AVA
The Dry Creek Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area in Sonoma County, California, located northwest of the town of Healdsburg. The valley is formed by Dry Creek, a tributary of the Russian River, and is approximately 16 miles (25.7 km) long and 2 miles (3.2 km) wide.[2] The appellation benefits from the proximity of the Lake Sonoma reservoir for irrigation in this relatively dry area.[3]
| Wine region | |
 Vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley AVA | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 1983[1] |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | California, North Coast AVA, Northern Sonoma AVA, Sonoma County |
| Sub-regions | Rockpile AVA |
| Size of planted vineyards | 9,000 acres (36 km2)[2] |
| Grapes produced | Alicante Bouschet, Barbera, Black Malvasia, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, Chardonnay, Chasselas, Cinsault, Gewurztraminer, Grenache, Malbec, Marsanne, Merlot, Mourvedre, Muscat Canelli, Muscat of Alexandria, Peloursin, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot blanc, Pinot noir, Riesling, Roussanne, Sangiovese, Sauvignon blanc, Sauvignon Musque, Semillon, Syrah, Viognier, Zinfandel[3] |
| No. of wineries | 167[3] |
History
At the turn of the 20th century, Dry Creek Valley was one of California's most prominent producers of Zinfandel. During Prohibition, much of the valley was converted to plum, pear, and prune trees, and much of the fruit was processed by Sunsweet Growers in Healdsburg.[4] Since the resurgence of wine grape production in the 1970s, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel have become the most planted varieties, and Dry Creek Valley AVA has become one of the state's top Zinfandel producers. Sauvignon blanc has become the most important white grape varietal produced in the valley.
Wineries
Over 50 wineries are resident in Dry Creek Valley AVA, and over 160 wineries produce wines that bear a Dry Creek Valley AVA designation. Dry Creek Valley AVA is home to the majority of the Sonoma vineyards of E & J Gallo Winery, who established winery facilities in the valley in the early 1990s.[4]
References
- "§ 9.64 Dry Creek Valley" (Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Part 9— American Viticultural Areas; Subpart C— Approved American Viticultural Areas). Code of Federal Regulations. Retrieved January 4, 2008.
- "Little Dry Creek Valley Turns Out Big Wine Experience". Wine Country. September 2006.
- "Dry Creek Valley (AVA): Appellation Description". Appellation America. 2007. Archived from the original on March 22, 2009. Retrieved January 4, 2008.
- Gilbert, Nan (July 2003). "Appellation Series: Part 4 Dry Creek Valley". North Bay Biz.