California Adds the “San Bernabe” Appellation; Newest AVA Located in Monterey Growing Region
After three years of work, the San Bernabe region is an official, federally recognized wine region adding yet another California appellation (region).
A little research on the area reveals a long history of wine growing in the region. As early as 1776, Father Pedro Font, a member of the famous Anza expedition, referred to the general area as the Cañada de San Bernabé (cañada refers to an open river valley). In 1842, it was deeded as a land grant to Petronillo Rios, a cattle rancher believed to have made wine from grapes grown around his home in Spain. The current expanse of San Bernabe was formed from several adjoining land parcels, bought in 1974 by the Prudential Insurance and Southdown companies. Believing the site to be unique in its winegrowing attributes, it was developed as vineyard property.
The San Bernade encompasses a shade under 20 square miles, comprising a total of 12,600 acres, and, according to Delicato Vineyards’ website, is the world’s most diverse single vineyard property.
Congratulations to all involved in the process and here’s to yet another region that will help us all Enjoy the Wine Life!