Lime Kiln Valley AVA
| Wine region | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 1982 1987 Amended |
| Years of wine industry | 138 |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | California, Central Coast AVA, San Benito County, San Benito AVA, Cienega Valley AVA |
| Growing season | 265 days |
| Climate region | Region II |
| Precipitation (annual average) | 16 to 40 in (410–1,020 mm) |
| Soil conditions | Sandy and gravelly loam over limestone and dolomite bedrock |
| Total area | 2,300 acres (4 sq mi) |
| Size of planted vineyards | 180 acres (73 ha) |
| No. of vineyards | 2 |
| Grapes produced | Mourvedre/Mataro, Zinfandel |
| No. of wineries | 1 |
Lime Kiln Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located within the southern end of the larger Cienega Valley viticultural area in San Benito County, California. It was established on June 4, 1982 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) after reviewing the petition submitted by Susan Enz of Enz Vineyards proposing the viticultural area known as "Lime Kiln Valley." The valley is located about 19 mi (31 km) from the San Joaquin Valley and approximately 18 mi (29 km) from the Pacific Ocean. The original proposed area covered approximately 9,500 acres (14.8 sq mi) while the ATF approved area covers approximately 2,300 acres (3.6 sq mi). The area has a wide diurnal temperature variation of up to 50 °F (10 °C), with daytime temperatures in the 85 to 95 °F (29–35 °C) range during the summer growing seasons. The soil in the region is composed of a sandy, gravelly loam over a limestone and dolomite bedrock. The AVA is home to old vines' Mourvedre plantings and Zinfindel.