AVA area in Santa Barbara County in the Central Coast region of California. The area extends inland in an exact west-easterly direction from the city of Santa Maria. This leaves the valley wide open to the fog and winds coming in from the Pacific, resulting in a fairly cool climate in summer and winter. The vineyards are located at an average altitude of 90 metres above sea level on sandy and clay loam soils. The vineyard called "Bien Nacido", in which many winegrowers own shares, is considered a particularly good site. Pinot Noir thrives best in the Santa Maria Valley, other important varieties are Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon,Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Syrah. Well-known producers are Au Bon Climat, Bien Nacido Vineyards, Byron (owned by Mondavi), Cambria, Jackson Family Wines, Qupé and Tepusquet.
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