Alta Mesa AVA
A California Central Valley AVA within the Lodi appellation, producing wines from low-elevation vineyards halfway between Sacramento and Lodi.
Alta Mesa AVA, established on July 17, 2006 as the nation's 157th AVA, is located in Sacramento County, California, within the larger Lodi AVA. Situated in California's Central Valley halfway between Sacramento and Lodi, the region is characterized by low elevations of 35–138 feet, warm Central Valley growing conditions, and alluvial soils. Alta Mesa is part of California's broader Lodi wine region and benefits from the same delta breezes that moderate temperatures across the appellation.
- Established as an AVA on July 17, 2006, designated as the nation's 157th AVA
- Located in Sacramento County, California, within the larger Lodi AVA
- Situated in California's Central Valley, approximately halfway between Sacramento and Lodi
- Elevation ranges from approximately 35 to 138 feet above sea level
- Benefits from Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta breezes that moderate Central Valley heat
- Alluvial soils characteristic of the Central Valley floor
- Part of California's well-established Lodi wine region
History & Heritage
Alta Mesa AVA was officially established on July 17, 2006, becoming the nation's 157th federally recognized American Viticultural Area. The appellation is situated in Sacramento County, California, within the broader Lodi AVA, and represents part of California's Central Valley wine-producing heritage. The name 'Alta Mesa' translates to 'high table land,' though the region itself sits at low Central Valley elevations ranging from approximately 35 to 138 feet.
- Officially established July 17, 2006 as the 157th AVA in the United States
- Located within the Lodi AVA in Sacramento County, California
Geography & Climate
Alta Mesa is located in the Central Valley of California, in Sacramento County, at elevations ranging from roughly 35 to 138 feet above sea level. The region sits halfway between Sacramento and Lodi and shares the Central Valley's warm growing season climate, moderated by cooling delta breezes from the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta. Soils are primarily alluvial in nature, consistent with the Central Valley floor.
- Elevation 35–138 feet above sea level, characteristic of California's Central Valley floor
- Warm Central Valley climate moderated by Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta breezes
- Located halfway between Sacramento and Lodi in Sacramento County, California
- Alluvial soils typical of the Central Valley floor
Key Grapes & Wine Styles
Alta Mesa AVA, as part of the broader Lodi wine region in California's Central Valley, shares in the diverse varietal plantings common to Lodi. The warm Central Valley climate supports a wide range of red and white varietals that have long defined California's Central Valley wine identity.
- Part of the Lodi AVA, sharing in the region's diverse varietal plantings
- Warm Central Valley climate with delta breeze moderation shapes wine style
- Benefits from the established viticultural practices of the broader Lodi appellation
Notable Producers
Alta Mesa AVA sits within the Lodi wine region of Sacramento County, California, and is served by producers operating within the broader Lodi appellation framework.
- Falls within the established Lodi AVA producer network in Sacramento County, California
Wine Laws & Classification
As a federally recognized AVA established in 2006, Alta Mesa wines must contain a minimum of 85% grapes grown within the designated boundary to claim the appellation on labels. Alta Mesa is a sub-AVA within the larger Lodi AVA in Sacramento County, California, and is subject to standard federal TTB AVA regulations.
- AVA established July 17, 2006, the 157th AVA recognized in the United States
- 85% fruit requirement for appellation designation aligns with federal AVA standards
- Sub-AVA within the larger Lodi AVA, Sacramento County, California
- Subject to standard TTB federal AVA regulations
Visiting & Culture
Alta Mesa AVA is located in Sacramento County, California, within the Lodi wine region, positioned halfway between Sacramento and Lodi in the Central Valley. Visitors to the area can explore the broader Lodi wine region, which offers numerous tasting rooms, wine festivals, and vineyard experiences characteristic of California's Central Valley wine country.
- Located in Sacramento County, California, accessible from both Sacramento and Lodi
- Part of the broader Lodi wine region offering established wine tourism infrastructure
- Central Valley location provides access to California's diverse agricultural heritage
Alta Mesa wines, as part of the Lodi AVA in California's Central Valley, reflect the warm Central Valley growing conditions moderated by Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta breezes. The low-elevation alluvial terroir and warm climate contribute to the ripe fruit character associated with the broader Lodi appellation.