San Pasqual Valley AVA

San Pasqual Valley
Wine region
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established1981
CountryUnited States
Part ofCalifornia, South Coast AVA, San Diego County
Other regions in California, South Coast AVA, San Diego CountyRamona Valley AVA, San Luis Rey AVA
Growing season342 days
Climate regionRegion IV
Heat units4,122 GDD units
Precipitation (annual average)13.69 inches (348 mm)
Soil conditionsAlluvial fill on a decomposed granite base
Total area9,000 acres (14 sq mi)
Size of planted vineyards100 acres (40 ha)
No. of vineyards16
Grapes producedGrenache, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier
No. of wineries4

San Pasqual Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in northern San Diego County, California within the thin San Pasqual Valley landform of the Peninsular Ranges which runs inland from the city of Escondido north of the city of San Diego. The 9,000-acre (14 sq mi) region was established as the nation's fifth, the state's third and the county's initial appellation on August 17, 1981 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Charles W. Froehlich, Jr. of San Pasqual Vineyards proposing a viticultural area in San Diego County named "San Pasqual Valley."