California Central Valley

Question 1

About Central Valley geography

Answer 1

• The Largest wine region, the largest in California.
• Fertile valley, irrigated industrial agriculture
• Consists of two valleys:
  
  • the Sacramento Valley in the north (which includes Yolo County and half of Lodi County); and
  • the San Joaquin Valley in the south, where grapevines flourish in rich, deep, loam soils.
• Between the two valleys is the extensive Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta, which contributes to lowering temperatures and provides all-important irrigation.

Question 2

About wines in Central Valley

Answer 2

• The workhorse of the wine industry, producing 75% of Californian wine.
• Wineries – size of refineries (also referred to as “tank farms”) largest in the world
• E & J Gallo
• The hot, dry conditions and access to irrigation are conducive to high yields, with the majority of the harvest going into the bulk wine market.
• In selected sub-regions, increasing quantities of high-quality wines are also being produced.
• Grapes with higher natural acidity, such as Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Barbera and Chardonnay, are the best.