Lime Kiln Valley AVA

Lime Kiln Valley sits at the southern end of the Cienega Valley AVA in San Benito County, California, at approximately 1,000 feet above sea level. The valley is positioned about 18 miles from the Pacific Ocean and 19 miles from the San Joaquin Valley, placing it in a transitional zone that directly shapes its growing conditions. The San Andreas Fault runs through the region, contributing to the area's highly distinctive geological character.

• Sub-appellation within the Cienega Valley AVA, itself part of the broader Central Coast AVA
• Approximately 18 miles from the Pacific Ocean and 19 miles from the San Joaquin Valley
• Elevation of approximately 1,000 feet above sea level
• San Andreas Fault runs directly through the growing area

The valley experiences warm, sunny days and long, cool nights, with diurnal temperature swings reaching up to 50°F. Summer daytime temperatures range from 85 to 95°F, while nights drop to 45-50°F. Cooling breezes arrive through the Pajaro River Gap from Monterey Bay, and morning fog typically burns off by mid-morning. Rainfall varies considerably across the valley, from 40 inches per year in the upper western reaches to just 16 inches in the lower eastern portions. Winters can drop well below freezing.

• Diurnal temperature variation of up to 50°F between day and night
• Cooling influence from Monterey Bay breezes through the Pajaro River Gap
• Rainfall ranges from 16 to 40 inches per year depending on position in the valley
• Morning fog provides additional cooling before burning off mid-morning

The soils in Lime Kiln Valley are sandy gravelly loam over limestone and dolomite bedrock, with decomposed granite also present throughout the valley. This combination of limestone, dolomite, and granite is directly linked to the valley's name and its historic lime kiln industry of the 1890s. The San Andreas Fault running through the area creates a complex and unique mosaic of soil types that contributes to the distinctive character of wines produced here. Coulter pine is the dominant native vegetation, further distinguishing the valley from surrounding areas.

• Sandy gravelly loam over limestone and dolomite bedrock
• Decomposed granite also present throughout the appellation
• Geological complexity driven by the San Andreas Fault
• Coulter pine is the dominant vegetation, unique to the area

Mourvedre is the signature variety of Lime Kiln Valley, with Enz Vineyard maintaining 15 acres of head-trained vines originally planted in 1922. Historic plantings also include Zinfandel and Cabernet Pfeffer, with roots in the valley dating to 1895. Other varieties grown include Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Pinot Noir. The combination of warm days and dramatically cool nights produces rich, intense red wines with great depth and natural balance.

• 15 acres of head-trained Mourvedre vines at Enz Vineyard, planted in 1922
• Zinfandel and Cabernet Pfeffer have been planted in the valley since 1895
• Total planted vineyard area of approximately 40 acres
• Wide diurnal variation produces wines with both richness and freshness

The first vineyards in Lime Kiln Valley were planted in 1887, making this one of California's historically significant wine regions. The valley takes its name from the limestone quarrying and lime kiln operations that dominated the area in the 1890s. Enz Vineyard, planted in 1923, became the driving force behind the AVA's formal recognition; Susan Enz submitted the petition that led to its establishment on June 4, 1982. The originally proposed boundary of 9,500 acres was reduced to the current 2,300 acres in the final approval. Today, Enz Vineyard remains the primary estate within the appellation.

• First vineyards planted in 1887; Zinfandel and Cabernet Pfeffer established by 1895
• Named for the lime kiln and limestone mining industry of the 1890s
• AVA established June 4, 1982, following a petition by Susan Enz
• Original proposed area of 9,500 acres reduced to 2,300 acres upon approval