Madera AVA

Madera
Wine region
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established1984
1985 Amended
1987 Amended
Years of wine industry155
CountryUnited States
Part ofCalifornia
Growing season270 days
Climate regionRegion V
Heat units4259 GDD
Precipitation (annual average)11 or 12 in (280 or 300 mm)
Soil conditionsSan Joaquin-Madera, Cometa-Whitney and Hanford-Tujunga soil series
Total area230,000 acres (359 sq mi)
Size of planted vineyards31,179 acres (12,618 ha)
Grapes producedBarbera, Black Muscat, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Chardonnay, Colombard, Grenache, Malbec, Malvasia, Merlot, Muscat Canelli, Muscat of Alexandria, Orange Muscat, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Riesling, Souzao, Syrah, Tinta Cao, Tinta Madeira, Touriga Nacional, Valdiguie, Viognier, Zinfandel

Madera is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in Central California expanding across Madera and a portion of Fresno counties. It was established on December 7, 1984, by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Mr. David B. Ficklin. President of Ficklin Vineyards, proposing a viticultural area between the Chowchilla and San Joaquin Rivers named "Madera." The area encompasses 230,000 acres (359 sq mi) cultivating about 31,179 acres (12,618 ha) of grapes.