Paulsell Valley AVA
| Wine region | |
Stanislaus County AVAs | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 2022 |
| Years of wine industry | 146 |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | California, Stanislaus County |
| Other regions in California, Stanislaus County | Diablo Grande AVA, Salado Creek AVA, Tracy Hills AVA |
| Climate region | Region V |
| Heat units | 4201 to 5204 GDD units |
| Precipitation (annual average) | 7.6 to 26.4 in (193.0–670.6 mm) |
| Soil conditions | Pentz, Peters, Keyes, Raynor, and Paulsell series and the Peters-Pentz complex; primarily formed from volcanic tuff and alluvial fans |
| Total area | 34,155 acres (53.367 sq mi) |
| Size of planted vineyards | 826 acres (334 ha) |
| No. of vineyards | 4 |
| Grapes produced | Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Teroldego |
Paulsell Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located within Paulsell Valley, in Stanislaus County, California. The Paulsell Valley occupies some of the first rises out of the San Joaquin Valley floor, and, as such, is described as part of the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The appellation was established as the nation's 264th, the state's 145th and county's fourth AVA on June 3, 2022 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Patrick L. Shabram on behalf of Rock Ridge Ranch proposing the establishment of a viticultural area named "Paulsell Valley." The Paulsell Valley viticultural area encompasses approximately 34,155 acres (53 sq mi) and home to three vineyards cultivating about 864 acres (350 ha) with a fourth vineyard of approximately 700 acres (280 ha) currently planned. The Paulsell Valley is not currently within or adjacent to any existing AVA. The closest existing AVA is Sierra Foothills located approximately one mile (1.6 km) to the northeast at its closest location. The plant hardiness zone is 9b.