San Pasqual Valley AVA

{{short description|Wine region in San Diego County, California}}

{{Infobox Wine Region

| name = San Pasqual Valley

| image = TTB Map San Diego County AVAs.png

| caption =

| official name =

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| year = 1981{{cite journal |url=https://www.ttb.gov/media/69052/download?inline|journal=Federal Register|title=San Pasqual Valley Viticultural Area|format=27 CFR Part 9 [T.D. ATF-90; Ret. Notice No. 351] Final Rule |date=1981-08-17 |volume=46|issue=158|pages=41492–41493|publisher=Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008010037/https://www.ttb.gov/media/69052/download?inline|archive-date=2024-10-08 |url-status=live}}{{PD-notice}}

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| country = United States

| part of = California, South Coast AVA, San Diego County

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| climate region = Region IV

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| total size = {{convert|9000|acre|sqmi|0}}{{cite journal |url=https://www.ttb.gov/media/69051/download?inline |journal=Federal Register|title=San Pasqual Valley Viticultural Area; Wine Labeling |format=27 CFR Part 9 [Notice No. 351] Proposed|date=1980-10-27 |volume=45|issue=209|pages=70914–70918|publisher=Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007195507/https://www.ttb.gov/media/69051/download?inline|archive-date=2024-10-07 |url-status=live}}{{PD-notice}}

| planted = {{cvt|100|acre}}{{cite web |title=Application for Viticultural Designation for "San Pasqual Valley"|url=https://www.ttb.gov/media/69053/download?inline |publisher= |website=TTB.gov|date=1980-01-15}}{{PD-notice}}

| vineyards = 16

| grapes = Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Viognier{{cite web |website=Appellation America |date=2007 |url=http://wine.appellationamerica.com/wine-region/San-Pasqual-Valley.html |title=San Pasqual Valley (AVA): Appellation Profile|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516185945/http://www.wine.appellationamerica.com/wine-region/San-Pasqual-Valley.html |archive-date=2008-05-16 |url-status=dead|access-date=January 23, 2008}}

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| wineries = 4

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San Pasqual Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in northern San Diego County, California. It is located in the thin San Pasqual Valley of the Peninsular Ranges which runs inland from the city of Escondido north of the city of San Diego. The {{cvt|9000|acre|sqmi|0}} AVA was established on August 17, 1981 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by a representative of San Pasqual Vineyards to establish a viticultural area in San Diego

County to be named "San Pasqual Valley."

San Pasqual Valley was the nation's fifth American Viticultural Area wine region established in 1981.{{cite web|url=https://www.ttb.gov/regulated-commodities/beverage-alcohol/wine/ava-establishment-dates |title=List of AVAs by Establishment Date |website=TTB.gov|access-date=2024-01-07}}

History

The history of viticulture in San Pasqual Valley dates back to the 18th century, when Spanish missionaries introduced grape cultivation to the region as part of California's mission system. By the early 20th century, vineyards flourished in San Diego County, but Prohibition (1920–1933) nearly wiped out the industry.

In the latter half of the 20th century, winemaking in San Pasqual Valley experienced a resurgence. In 1981, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms officially designated San Pasqual Valley AVA, making it the 4th-oldest AVA in California.{{cite web |url=https://www.ttb.gov/regulated-commodities/beverage-alcohol/wine/ava-establishment-dates |title=List of AVAs by Establishment Date |website=Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) |publisher=U.S. Department of the Treasury |access-date=March 3, 2025}} Today, the region is home to several boutique wineries and has been recognized for its quality small-batch wine production.

Terroir and climate

The AVA belongs to Region IV on the Winkler scale. The climate in this appellation is desert-like but tempered by cool breezes from the Pacific Ocean, with long growing seasons (average temperatures above {{convert|50|°F|°C|0}} year-round), warm winters with nighttime lows rarely dipping below {{convert|35|°F|°C|0}}, and summers with daily highs rarely exceeding {{convert|95|°F|°C|0}}. With cooler evenings and granite-based soils that drain well, grapes from this area are able to retain their colors and balanced acidity.

Vineyards

The area is planted with a wide range of Vitis vinifera with Grenache, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo and Viognier being some of the most widely planted. The AVA is defined roughly to include the valleys formed by the San Dieguito River and its tributaries. San Pasqual is the third oldest AVA in California.. The terrain is varied and rocky with many microclimates. The elevations range from {{cvt|500|to(-)|1500|ft}}. Nearby "Grape Day Park" features "Grape Day Festival" every September to celebrate the harvest time. The festival was established in 1908.

San Pasqual Valley is home to over 16 commercial vineyards, many of which specialize in small-batch, handcrafted wines. Some of the most notable wineries include:

[https://www.altipianovineyard.com/ Altipiano Vineyard and Winery]
[https://www.cordianowinery.com/ Cordiano Winery] — A family-run winery offering Italian varietals such as Sangiovese and Montepulciano, along with a scenic tasting patio.
[https://domaineartefact.wine/ Domain Artefact Vineyard & Winery]
[https://www.espinosavineyards.com/ Espinosa Vineyards and Winery]
[https://www.forgottenbarrel.com/ Forgotten Barrel Winery]
[https://www.highlandvalleyvineyards.com/ Highland Valley Vineyards]
[https://www.hungryhawkvineyards.com/ Hungry Hawk Vineyard] — Focuses on estate-grown wines with a variety of grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache.
Matthews Organic Orchards
[https://miamarie.com/ Mia Marie Vineyard]
[https://www.orfila.com/ Orfila Winery] — One of the largest and most recognized wineries in San Pasqual Valley, known for Rhone-style wines, including Syrah and Viognier.
[https://www.ranchoguejitovineyard.com/ Rancho Guijito Vineyard] — Part of the historic Rancho Guejito, a 22,000-acre land grant dating back to 1845. The ranch has developed vineyards in recent years, focusing on estate-grown wines while preserving its historic significance.
[https://www.sanpasqualwinery.com/ San Pasqual Winery]
[https://skyvineyards.com/ Sky High Vineyards]
[https://www.specklerockvineyards.com/ Speckle Rock Vineyards]
Wicked Snakes Winery
[https://www.zxqvineyards.com ZXQ Vineyards and Winery]

Annual events

San Pasqual Valley hosts Grape Day Festival, an annual event that celebrates the harvest season and highlights the region's wine culture. Established in 1908, the festival takes place in Grape Day Park in nearby Escondido, California, featuring wine tastings, educational exhibits, and live entertainment.{{cite web |url=https://www.grapedayfest.org/about |title=About the Grape Day Festival |website=grapedayfest.org |publisher=Escondido History Center |access-date=March 3, 2025}}