Santa Clara Valley


Recognized as an AVA in 1989, this 333,000-acre region served an important role in the early history of California wine as home to pioneer winemakers Paul Masson and Charles Lefranc.  With the growth of the high-tech sector, the area was christened “Silicon Valley,” and many vineyards were uprooted to make way for urban development.  Today the majority of wineries lie at the southernmost reaches of the AVA and also the western foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains near San Jose.  Approximately 40 wineries are located in this region, and another five major producers source grapes here and designate Santa Clara Valley on their labels.

Although largely protected from the influence of the Pacific Ocean by the Santa Cruz Mountains, coastal breezes enter through a small opening at Hecker Pass in the west and through the wider Pajaro Pass to the south, moderating the region’s warm days.  Two smaller AVAs, Pacheco Pass and San Ysidro District, lie within the Santa Clara Valley AVA.

Santa Clara Wineries: http://santaclara.org
Info source: http://wine.appellationamerica.com/wine-region/Santa-Clara-Valley.html 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Clara_Valley_AVA