Leona Valley AVA

Leona Valley
Wine region
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established2008
Years of wine industry141
CountryUnited States
Part ofCalifornia, Los Angeles Connty
Other regions in California, Los Angeles ConntyAntelope Valley of the California High Desert AVA, Malibu Coast AVA, Malibu-Newton Canyon AVA, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Saddle Rock-Malibu AVA, Sierra Pelona Valley AVA
Growing season210 to 300 days
Climate regionRegion V
Heat units4,060 GDD
Precipitation (annual average)9 to 12 in (230–300 mm)
Soil conditionsVery deep soils with surface layer of loamy sand to loam
Total area8,600 acres (13.4 sq mi)
Size of planted vineyards20 acres (8.1 ha)
Grapes producedPinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon

Leona Valley is an American Viticulture Area (AVA) in northeastern Los Angeles County, California located in the geographic, long, narrow Leona Valley surrounded by the Angeles National Forest, within the Sierra Pelona Mountains of Southern California. It is about 50 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean separated by the San Gabriel Mountains to the south and the Los Padres National Forest to the west. Portal Ridge on the northeast divides Leona Valley from Antelope Valley and the Mojave Desert.
Leona Valley viticultural area was established on October 28, 2008 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Mr. Ralph Jens Carter, on behalf of the Antelope Valley Winegrowers Association (AVWA), the Leona Valley Winery, and Donato Vineyards proposing the viticultural area named "Leona Valley." The 8,600 acres (13.4 sq mi) Leona Valley viticulture area encompasses the town of Leona Valley.