Sierra Pelona Valley AVA

Sierra Pelona Valley
Wine region
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established2010
Years of wine industry30
CountryUnited States
Part ofCalifornia, Los Angeles County
Other regions in California, Los Angeles CountyAntelope Valley of the California High Desert AVA, Leona Valley AVA, Malibu Coast AVA, Malibu-Newton Canyon AVA, Palos Verdes Peninsula AVA, Saddle Rock-Malibu AVA
Growing season210 to 300 days
Climate regionRegion IV
Heat units3,520-3,760 GDD
Precipitation (annual average)12.1 in (310 mm)
Total area6,200 acres (9.7 sq mi)
Size of planted vineyards96 acres (39 ha)
Grapes producedCabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier, Zinfandel
No. of wineries1

Sierra Pelona Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the heart of the Sierra Pelona Mountains, located in northwestern Los Angeles County, California north of State Route 14 (SR 14) between the towns of Santa Clarita and Palmdale, 35 mi (56 km) east of the Pacific Ocean and 20 mi (32 km) southwest of the Mojave Desert. It was established on July 21, 2010 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Mr. Ralph Jens Carter on behalf of Antelope Valley Winegrowers Association (AVWA), Rancho Santiago Vineyards and Madsen Vineyards proposing the viticultural area named "Sierra Pelona Valley."
Encircling the community of Agua Dulce just 30 mi (48 km) north of the city of Los Angeles, the viticultural area is a valley expanding 6,208 acres (9.7 sq mi) with approximately 96 acres (39 ha) of cultivation. The local usage of the name "Sierra Pelona" applies to the expansive valley landform, as well as the mountain range to the north. The Sierra Pelona Valley name best describes the viticultural area, according to the petitioner. Viticulture in the Sierra Pelona Valley area started in 1995 and by 2008, the region had 96 acres (39 ha) of commercial vineyards.