Red Hills Lake County AVA

Red Hills Lake County AVA is a nested sub-appellation within both the Clear Lake AVA and the broader North Coast AVA. It sits on the southwestern shore of Clear Lake in Lake County, California, directly adjacent to Mount Konocti, a volcano that last erupted approximately 11,000 years ago. The region was established on July 12, 2004, making it the nation's 171st AVA and Lake County's fifth appellation. A 2013 boundary adjustment added 7 acres, and a further expansion of 679 acres took effect on March 6, 2024, bringing the total to 32,215 acres with 3,250 acres currently under vine.

• Nested within Clear Lake AVA and North Coast AVA
• Located on the southwestern shore of Clear Lake
• Total area: 32,215 acres, with 3,250 acres planted as of 2024
• The AVA name derives from the distinctive iron-rich red volcanic soils

The region experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Afternoon breezes from Clear Lake and the elevation effects of Mount Konocti provide critical cooling, preserving acidity in the grapes. The growing season is frost-free for 241 days, and the region falls within Winkler Regions III to low IV. Annual precipitation ranges from 25 to 40 inches, with 80% falling between October and March. Low relative humidity and cool nights combine to concentrate phenolics and maintain natural acidity in the fruit.

• Winkler Region III to low Region IV
• Daytime highs regularly exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit
• Frost-free growing season of 241 days
• Cool nights and afternoon lake breezes preserve grape acidity

The soils of Red Hills Lake County are among the most distinctive in California. Over 90% are of volcanic origin, featuring associations of Glenview-Bottlerock-Arrowhead, Konocti-Benridge, and Collayomi-Aiken-Whispering series. The soils are shallow, skeletal, and lean, with high rock content including black obsidian, quartz crystals, volcanic gravel, and iron-rich red lava. These characteristics limit vine vigor and force roots to penetrate deep in search of water and nutrients. The resulting stress produces grapes with thicker skins, higher phenolic concentration, and the deep color that defines the region's wines.

• Over 90% volcanic origin soils derived from Mount Konocti activity
• Contains black obsidian, quartz crystals, and iron-rich red lava
• Shallow, well-drained, and lean soils with very high rock content
• Low-vigor soils concentrate phenolics and deepen skin pigmentation

Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant variety and the region's calling card, producing full-bodied, concentrated wines with rich tannins, deep color, and the structure to age gracefully. The high elevation, volcanic soils, and diurnal temperature swings produce thick-skinned berries with complex phenolic profiles. Sauvignon Blanc is also notable among the whites. A wide range of additional varieties are grown including Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Merlot, and Sangiovese. Vineyard development in the region began in 1987 with Beringer Vineyards, and producers now include Beckstoffer Vineyards, Kendall-Jackson, Shannon Ridge, and Obsidian Wine Company.

• Cabernet Sauvignon dominates, producing age-worthy wines with integrated tannins
• Sauvignon Blanc is the leading white variety
• High elevation produces thicker grape skins and concentrated phenolics
• Notable producers include Beckstoffer, Kendall-Jackson, and Obsidian Wine Company

Before viticulture took hold, the Red Hills area was used for timber harvesting, walnut production, and hot springs tourism. The first vineyard was planted in 1987 by Beringer Vineyards, marking the start of the region's modern wine identity. The AVA was formally established on July 12, 2004. The region has expanded twice since then: a minor 7-acre addition coincided with the establishment of the Kelsey Bench-Lake County AVA in 2013, and a more substantial 679-acre expansion was approved effective March 6, 2024.

• First vineyards planted in 1987 by Beringer Vineyards
• AVA established July 12, 2004
• Prior land uses included timber harvesting, walnut farming, and hot springs tourism
• Two boundary expansions: 2013 (7 acres) and 2024 (679 acres)