Alisos Canyon AVA

Alisos Canyon
Wine region
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established2020
CountryUnited States
Part ofCalifornia, Central Coast AVA, Santa Barbara County
Other regions in California, Central Coast AVA, Santa Barbara CountySanta Maria Valley AVA, Santa Ynez Valley AVA, Sta. Rita Hills AVA, Ballard Canyon AVA, Happy Canyon AVA, Los Olivos District AVA
Growing season309 days
Climate regionRegion II
Heat units2,617-2,691 GDD units
Precipitation (annual average)12–18 inches (305–457 mm)
Soil conditionsSandstone, shale, chalky soils & flint rocks
Total area5,774 acres (9.0 sq mi)
Size of planted vineyards238 acres (96 ha)
No. of vineyards9
Varietals producedCabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Viognier
No. of wineries1

Alisos Canyon is an American Viticultural Area (AVA), located in Santa Barbara County, California due east outside the small town of Los Alamos on U.S 101 and about 20 miles (32 km) south of Santa Maria. It was established as the nation's 249th, the state's 140th and the county's seventh AVA on August 24, 2020 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Wesley D. Hagen, Viticulturist and Winemaker, on behalf of local vineyard owners and winemakers, proposing a viticultural area in Santa Barbara County named "Alisos Canyon."
The appellation stretches west to east over 5,774 acres (9 sq mi) with one bonded winery and nine commercially producing vineyards cultivates on approximately 238 acres (96 ha). Alisos Canyon Road bisects the region accessing many of its vineyards. The USDA plant hardiness zone ranges from 8b to 9b.