Chalone AVA
| Wine region | |
South and North Chalone Peaks from Chalone Peak Trail | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 1982 |
| Years of wine industry | 106 |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | California, Central Coast AVA, Monterey County, San Benito County, Gabilan Mountains AVA |
| Other regions in California, Central Coast AVA, Monterey County, San Benito County, Gabilan Mountains AVA | San Lucas AVA, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, San Bernabe AVA |
| Soil conditions | Miocene volcanic and Mesozoic granitic rocks, heavy in limestone deposits |
| Total area | 8,640 acres (14 sq mi) |
| Size of planted vineyards | 300 acres (121 ha) |
| No. of vineyards | 4 |
| Grapes produced | Chardonnay, Chenin blanc, Grenache, Pinot blanc, Pinot noir, Marsanne, Sangiovese, Syrah |
| No. of wineries | 4 |
Chalone identifies the first American Viticultural Area (AVA) established in Monterey County, California, straddling its border with San Benito County where it is the second established AVA. Chalone viticultural area is located in the Gabilan Mountains east of Soledad. It was recognized by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) effective on July 14, 1982, after reviewing the petition submitted by the Gavilan Vineyards, Inc. to establish a viticultural area in Monterey and San Benito counties to be named "The Pinnacles". The area encompasses 8,640 acres (14 sq mi) and the proposed name was recognition of the nearby Chalone peaks.