[blue_large]Oak Knoll District AVA[/blue_large]
[space height=”1″]
| Year established | 1992 |
| Climate | Moderate to cool: marine air and fog can remain until mid-morning. Late afternoon breezes frequently occur, maintaining slightly cooler temperatures than upper valley. Mid-summer temperatures may reach 92° F (33.3°C) and drop to around 50°F (10°C) at night. |
| Elevation | sea level to 800 feet (244m) |
| Rainfall | 36 inches (90cm) annually. |
| Soils | The valley’s largest alluvial fan formed by Dry Creek creates the defining feature of the district. The northwest area is composed of volcanically derived soils, with stony or gravelly consistency. South and east areas are transitional from gravel to silty clay loam. |
| Total Area | 11,000 acres (45 km2) |
| Size of planted vineyards | 1,500 acres (6 km2) |
| Varietals/characteristics | Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon benefit from a longer growing season with slightly cooler temperature, though crop size is typically less than in other AVAs. Elegant style is the common note with fruit flavors of cassis, tobacco and spice typical to Bordeaux-style reds. Chardonnay showcases flavors of crisp apple, mineral notes and tropical fruit with fine acidity. |