Contra Costa AVA

Contra Costa County's viticultural story begins in 1846, when the first vines were planted in Brentwood. Between 1860 and 1890, three primary grape-growing areas emerged: Mt. Diablo, Martinez, and Oakley. By 1916 the region supported 6,000 acres of grapes and 2,700,000 individual vines, making it one of the Bay Area's leading winegrowing regions. Prohibition and subsequent land conversion to housing and other crops drastically reduced vineyard acreage. Formal AVA recognition came on March 14, 2024, when the TTB approved the petition filed by Patrick Shabram on behalf of the Contra Costa Winegrowers Association; the designation became effective April 15, 2024.

• First vines planted in Brentwood in 1846
• Peak of 6,000 acres and 2,700,000 vines recorded by 1916
• Prohibition and urbanization converted much vineyard land to other uses
• Designated California's 150th AVA, effective April 15, 2024

Contra Costa AVA sits in the East Bay portion of the San Francisco Bay Area, within the broader San Francisco Bay AVA and Central Coast AVA. The region encompasses areas around Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Antioch, and Brentwood. Terrain is relatively flat, interrupted by rolling hills, with the California Delta and San Joaquin Valley lying to the east. Elevation stays below 1,000 feet, with most vineyards below 100 feet. The expansion of the San Francisco Bay and Central Coast AVAs added approximately 109,955 acres to bring Contra Costa AVA within their boundaries.

• Located east of San Francisco Bay in Contra Costa County
• Elevation mostly below 100 feet, maximum below 1,000 feet
• Flat to gently rolling terrain; California Delta lies to the east
• Sub-appellation within both the San Francisco Bay AVA and Central Coast AVA

The AVA experiences a hot Mediterranean climate tempered by marine air flowing in from San Francisco and Suisun bays. Warm days give way to cool afternoon breezes and significant overnight temperature drops, creating a meaningful diurnal temperature shift. Growing degree days range from 3,008 to 4,275. The defining soil type is deep, ancient alluvial sand, including Delhi sandy loam. These sandy soils drain rapidly and remain inhospitable to the phylloxera louse, which means many vines have survived ungrafted on their own rootstocks since the 1800s. Vine roots extend 40 or more feet deep to access water, making dry farming viable.

• Hot Mediterranean climate moderated by bay marine influence
• Growing degree days: 3,008 to 4,275
• Deep sandy soils (Delhi sandy loam) prevent phylloxera survival
• Dry-farmed, own-rooted vines with roots reaching 40-plus feet

Zinfandel and Petite Sirah are the dominant varieties, joined by Mourvèdre (also labeled as Mataro), Carignane, Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. The old-vine material, combined with sandy soils and a wide diurnal swing, produces wines with an earthy, dusty, and leathery character. Concentration and firm tannins are hallmarks, alongside excellent natural acidity and elegant structure. Notable producers working with fruit from the region include Cline Cellars, Bedrock Wine Company, Ridge Vineyards, Viano Vineyards, Hannah Nicole Vineyards and Winery, and Shadowbrook Winery.

• Key varieties: Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre/Mataro, Carignane, Alicante Bouschet
• Wines described as earthy, dusty, and leathery with firm tannins
• Excellent natural acidity and structure from old, dry-farmed vines
• Head-trained, own-rooted vines are common across the region