San Pasqual Valley AVA

San Pasqual Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in northern San Diego County, California. It is located in the thin San Pasqual Valley of the Peninsular Ranges which runs inland from the city of Escondido north of the city of San Diego. The 9,000 acres (14 sq mi) AVA was established on August 17, 1981 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by a representative of San Pasqual Vineyards to establish a viticultural area in San Diego County to be named "San Pasqual Valley."^[1][3] San Pasqual Valley was the nation's fifth American Viticultural Area wine region established in 1981.^[5]

San Pasqual Valley

Wine region
Type	American Viticultural Area
Year established	1981[1]
Country	United States
Part of	California, South Coast AVA, San Diego County
Other regions in California, South Coast AVA, San Diego County	Ramona Valley AVA, San Luis Rey AVA
Climate region	Region IV
Total area	9,000 acres (14 sq mi)[2]
Size of planted vineyards	100 acres (40 ha)[3]
No. of vineyards	16
Grapes produced	Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Viognier[4]
No. of wineries	4[4]

History

The history of viticulture in San Pasqual Valley dates back to the 18th century, when Spanish missionaries introduced grape cultivation to the region as part of California's mission system. By the early 20th century, vineyards flourished in San Diego County, but Prohibition (1920–1933) nearly wiped out the industry.

In the latter half of the 20th century, winemaking in San Pasqual Valley experienced a resurgence. In 1981, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms officially designated San Pasqual Valley AVA, making it the 4th-oldest AVA in California.^[6] Today, the region is home to several boutique wineries and has been recognized for its quality small-batch wine production.

Terroir and climate

The AVA belongs to Region IV on the Winkler scale. The climate in this appellation is desert-like but tempered by cool breezes from the Pacific Ocean, with long growing seasons (average temperatures above 50 °F (10 °C) year-round), warm winters with nighttime lows rarely dipping below 35 °F (2 °C), and summers with daily highs rarely exceeding 95 °F (35 °C). With cooler evenings and granite-based soils that drain well, grapes from this area are able to retain their colors and balanced acidity.

Vineyards

The area is planted with a wide range of Vitis vinifera with Grenache, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo and Viognier being some of the most widely planted.^[4] The AVA is defined roughly to include the valleys formed by the San Dieguito River and its tributaries. San Pasqual is the third oldest AVA in California.^[5] The terrain is varied and rocky with many microclimates. The elevations range from 500 to 1,500 ft (150–460 m). Nearby "Grape Day Park" features "Grape Day Festival" every September to celebrate the harvest time. The festival was established in 1908.

San Pasqual Valley is home to over 16 commercial vineyards, many of which specialize in small-batch, handcrafted wines. Some of the most notable wineries include:

• Altipiano Vineyard and Winery
• Cordiano Winery — A family-run winery offering Italian varietals such as Sangiovese and Montepulciano, along with a scenic tasting patio.
• Domain Artefact Vineyard & Winery
• Espinosa Vineyards and Winery
• Forgotten Barrel Winery
• Highland Valley Vineyards
• Hungry Hawk Vineyard — Focuses on estate-grown wines with a variety of grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache.
• Matthews Organic Orchards
• Mia Marie Vineyard
• Orfila Winery — One of the largest and most recognized wineries in San Pasqual Valley, known for Rhone-style wines, including Syrah and Viognier.
• Rancho Guijito Vineyard — Part of the historic Rancho Guejito, a 22,000-acre land grant dating back to 1845. The ranch has developed vineyards in recent years, focusing on estate-grown wines while preserving its historic significance.
• San Pasqual Winery
• Sky High Vineyards
• Speckle Rock Vineyards
• Wicked Snakes Winery
• ZXQ Vineyards and Winery

Annual events

San Pasqual Valley hosts Grape Day Festival, an annual event that celebrates the harvest season and highlights the region's wine culture. Established in 1908, the festival takes place in Grape Day Park in nearby Escondido, California, featuring wine tastings, educational exhibits, and live entertainment.^[7]

See also

• California wine
• South Coast AVA
• Ramona Valley AVA
• Temecula Valley AVA