South Coast Wine Region

The South Coast AVA region stretches from Mexico's border to the northern counties of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Riverside and Orange County. Boasting a stunning position next to the ocean and breathtaking hillsides, this is an ideal spot for your next wine vacation.

The South Coast AVA of California is a large viticultural area that covers many renowned wine producing countries. It is particularly famed for its award-winning Zinfandel, but also produces outstanding Chardonnay and other full-bodied reds. We invite you to dive into the distinctive wines that make the South Coast a favorite for wine drinkers worldwide. Tour our site to discover what Wineries in South Coast have to offer and plan your wine adventure today. This guide is made to take you through an amazing journey packed with hidden gems and make sure your experience is unforgettable.

Find out more about Wine Tasting and Tours in South Coast

Where is the South Coast Wine Region?

The South Coast AVA of California is made up of the 5 coastal areas that go from Los Angeles all the way to the Mexican border. Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego are five significant California counties that are either entirely or partially included in South Coast AVA.

Unique Terroir of South Coast AVA

South Coast AVA is renowned for its geological diversity. What makes it so special is that it lies on the threshold of two tectonic plates - the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. The area is ideal for winemaking due to the array of stunning geological formations that have been formed over time. These structures certainly add to the beauty and charm of this region.

The South Coast stands out for its pleasant weather with temperatures that are usually higher than in most other regions. Moreover, it enjoys plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Thanks to the cooling effect of the Pacific Ocean, nature is able to balance out the warm temperatures, creating excellent conditions for grape growth and ripening. This combination of warmth and breeze makes sure that grapes remain well-balanced throughout their development.

The South Coast AVA has a range of soil types, ranging from rocky shale in the northern parts to granitic close to the Mexican border. This variance in the soil helps create unique and distinct wines as each terroir expresses itself through the grapes. The soil of the well-known AVAs is mostly composed of sand. This soil drains quickly, which makes it a vital factor in highlighting the area's uniqueness.

History of South Coast wine region

The South Coast can be considered the seat of California viticulture. In 1769 a Franciscan monk established the first mission in California's San Diego County. He also planted vineyards to produce sacramental wine from the Mission grape variety. A major milestone in the history of Los Angeles was achieved in 1833 when two varieties of European grapes - Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc - were planted. These grapes had traveled all the way from Bordeaux to reach the west coast.

The US experienced prohibition in the 1920s and it had a huge effect on wineries. Despite this, the South Coast was well known for its outstanding wine industry which was larger than those in Napa and Sonoma counties. Despite the challenges, many of the affected areas managed to sustain themselves by shipping grapes and transforming them into 'grape juice' instead of wine.

In 1985, the South Coast wine region gained AVA status, which marked a significant milestone in the future development of the local vineyard industry. This was the beginning of a new chapter for the area's wine industry and now South Coast is one of the well-respected wine regions of California.

What is South Coast Wine?

The monarch grape of the South Coast wine area is Zinfandel, which South Coast AVA produces in a variety of vintages and mixes. The area is dotted by mountain ranges and has a hot, dry climate creating rich, spicy red wines, especially Zinfandel. 

Also, the region provides a wide variety of red wines and grape-based blends, such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. 

The region's white wines Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling grow in ideal conditions due to the chilling effects of the ocean. Several wineries also create different rose wine impressions and produce sparkling wines. 

The wines produced along the South Coast are well-known for their high quality, and some of the country's greatest wines are produced here. 

Food to Pair with South Coast wine

1. Chechil

Chechil is a special cheese that originated in Armenia, and is made from cow’s milk. It has a much lower fat content than other cheeses. The curds are heated up to really high temperatures which makes the cheese easy to pull into thin strings. After that, these strings are placed in brine, sometimes smoked, and then hand-braided for an interesting shape.

Chechil is an Eastern European and Central Asian delicacy that pairs nicely with South Coast Zinfandel. This salty snack makes for an excellent companion to your favorite beer or wine!

2. Tacchino alla canzanese

Tacchino alla canzanese is an Italian classic stemming from Canzano in Abruzzo. It's usually cooked with a tasty blend of white wine, turkey, garlic, rosemary, salt, and peppercorns. The turkey is cleansed and divided while most of the bones are eliminated or squashed for a tastier experience.

This delicious turkey dish is cooked in a terracotta pot with garlic, rosemary, white wine, salt and peppercorns. Boiling water is poured over the ingredients and then placed in a wood-burning oven for four hours. Later on more wood is added to the fire and the turkey is turned to let it cook for an additional four hours.

Places to Visit Nearby South Coast AVA

1. San Diego, a City of Surfers and Beaches

San Diego is a paradise situated in California, close to the Mexican border, along the Pacific Ocean. It's iconic and almost like an American dream – amazing yet achievable. San Diego is one of the premier cities in which to live, according to National Geographic's 'Happiest People in America' ranking. Furthermore, there are various other estimations and lists that have highlighted it as an ideal place for life. This place is blessed with abundant sunshine for 320 days a year, and all-year-round lovely weather without oppressive heat or heavy downpours. San Diego stands out for its economic growth and well-rounded lifestyle. People living here have access to some of the best parks in the world as well as modern entertainment that can rival any other city. From its snow-white beaches to its lush landscape, it is a paradise for those seeking recreation.

2. Oceanside - Dreamy Relaxed Vacation Destination

Oceanside is a quintessential Southern California beach town with a relaxed atmosphere. Year-round pleasant weather, stunning beaches, a classic wooden pier, a picturesque New England harbor, and pretty bungalow neighborhoods all make up the charm of this destination.

O’side, as it is lovingly known by locals, is a place of endless exploration. From experiencing the spectacular undersea life to thrilling ocean rides and uncovering California's history at the "King Of Missions" and discovering the state's surf culture at the California Surf Museum; there's something for everyone to uncover here.

Oceanside's convenient location in Southern California means it is an ideal base for trips to both Los Angeles and San Diego. There are plenty of attractions nearby that the whole family can enjoy.

3. Discovering the Enchanting Waterfalls of Cleveland National Forest

Cleveland National Forest, located in Southern California, is an amazing destination for nature lovers. With its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, Cleveland National Forest provides a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and bird watching. It's also home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region. From cascading waterfalls to thundering falls, Cleveland National Forest has something for everyone.

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