Pacheco Pass AVA

Pacheco Pass AVA sits at the southern entrance to the 15-mile Pacheco Pass, extending roughly 5 miles in length and about 1 mile in width. The appellation straddles the Santa Clara and San Benito county line and is nested within the Santa Clara Valley AVA and the parent Central Coast AVA. It is surrounded by the steep, rugged terrain of the Diablo Range, which is generally unsuitable for viticulture. The northern portion of the pass is also excluded from winegrowing due to shallow, rocky soils, cooler temperatures, and higher winds.

• Located near the junction of California State Routes 152 and 156
• Occupies the southern one-third of the Pacheco Pass corridor
• Surrounded by Diablo Range terrain unsuitable for viticulture
• Gently rolling hills and flat to gently sloping valley floors characterize the plantable area

The AVA experiences a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, classified as Region III-IV on the UC Davis heat summation scale. Its character is shaped by two opposing forces: cooling winds that funnel through the Pajaro River Gap, bringing cold air off Monterey Bay from the west, and warming influences from the Central Valley to the east. This interplay moderates temperatures and extends the growing season. Soils are alluvial and sedimentary, offering good drainage and moderate fertility. Pacheco Creek provides a reliable source of good-quality irrigation water.

• Warm-summer Mediterranean climate, Region III-IV classification
• Cold marine air enters via the Pajaro River Gap from Monterey Bay
• Central Valley heat moderates the cooling effect from the west
• Alluvial and sedimentary soils with good drainage and moderate fertility

The AVA takes its name from Don Francisco Perez Pacheco, who received a 150,000-acre land grant from the Mexican Government in 1843. The Zanger family began organized viticulture in the region in 1908, and it was H.G. Zanger of Pacheco Pass Vineyard who petitioned the ATF for formal AVA recognition, granted on April 11, 1984. At the time of establishment, the appellation had approximately 17 acres of grapes under vine and one operating bonded winery.

• Named for Don Francisco Perez Pacheco and his 1843 Mexican land grant
• Zanger family viticulture dates to 1908, over 70 years before AVA establishment
• Petition filed by H.G. Zanger; approved by the ATF on April 11, 1984
• Only 17 acres of grapes and one winery existed at the time of designation

The AVA grows Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel, Black Muscat, and Gewurztraminer. Wines produced here are characterized as good-quality, everyday drinking styles suited to casual consumption and the local tourist trade. With just one operating bonded winery, Zanger Vineyards, production remains small-scale and largely regional in distribution.

• Varieties include Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel, Black Muscat, and Gewurztraminer
• Wine style focuses on approachable, everyday quality for local and tourist markets
• Zanger Vineyards is the sole active producer in the appellation
• Small-scale production reflects the limited planted acreage within the AVA