Kelsey Bench-Lake County AVA

Kelsey Bench-Lake County is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in Lake County, California on western region of Clear Lake. The appellation was established as the nation's 212th, the state's 119th and the county's eighth AVA on October 2, 2013 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury after reviewing two petitions submitted by Terry Dereniuck, on behalf of the Big Valley District and Kelsey Bench Growers Committee, proposing the viticultural areas named "Big Valley District-Lake County" and "Kelsey Bench-Lake County." The petitions were submitted simultaneously as the two proposed areas share a common boundary, therefore, TTB combined both proposals into a single rulemaking document.
Kelsey Bench shares both the valley and the TTB ruling with the Big Valley District to the north. The regions' growers submitted the two petitions together, drawing a line between the valley floor and the higher elevations in the south.
The Kelsey Bench—Lake County viticultural area encompasses approximately 9,100 acres (14 sq mi) immediately south of the Big Valley—Lake County viticultural area. At the outset, there were 27 vineyards cultivating over 900 acres (364 ha) with one winery. The petition states that the distinguishing features of the viticultural area are geology, soils, climate, and topography identify this area as a unique winegrape growing area in Lake County, California.
At the outset, Kelsey Bench-Lake County appellation had one bonded winery and 27 vineyards cultivating approximately 900 acres (364 ha). Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier and Riesling are the principal white grape varieties within Kelsey Bench and its neighbor the Big Valley District while Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Franc varieties are the majority of red grape plantings. The higher elevations of Kelsey Bench mean that the climate here is warmer than in Big Valley District, although not so warm as Red Hills Lake County to the east. Cold air from the mountains drains off the benches into the valley below, extending the growing season by lessening the risk of frost in the early spring and fall. Vines are stressed by the strong winds that buffet the area, and photosynthesis, therefore ripening, is slowed as a result. This gives the grapes ample time to develop rich fruit complexity alongside vital acidity, leading to well-balanced wines. Kelsey Bench has predominantly rich, red, volcanic soils. The plant hardiness zone ranges from 8b to 9b.