Congratulations to our talented winemakers who have claimed medal honors in the 2025 American Wine Society National Amateur Winemaking Competition!
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Where it is
It stretches along the Pacific coast for about 250 miles, from:
San Francisco Bay (Monterey area)
down to
Santa Barbara County
It includes parts of 6 counties:
San Mateo
Santa Cruz
Monterey
San Luis Obispo
Santa Barbara
(small portions of Alameda & Contra Costa)

Why it’s unique
The defining feature of the Central Coast AVA is its strong ocean influence 
Key characteristics:
Cool coastal fog
Marine winds
Large day–night temperature swings
Valleys that often run east–west, pulling cool air inland
This makes it ideal for cool- to moderate-climate grapes, even though it’s in sunny California.

Grapes that thrive here
The Central Coast is especially known for:
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Syrah
Grenache
Zinfandel
Sauvignon Blanc

Because it’s so large, styles range from crisp, high-acid wines near the coast to riper, fuller wines farther inland.

Sub-AVAs you may recognize
The Central Coast AVA contains many famous sub-AVAs, including:
Santa Lucia Highlands
Paso Robles
Edna Valley
Arroyo Grande Valley
Santa Maria Valley
Sta. Rita Hills
Santa Cruz Mountains

Wines labeled with one of these names must still meet the 85% grape rule, but from a smaller, more specific area.

Why it matters
For consumers and educators:
“Central Coast” signals cooler-climate California wine
Often delivers excellent quality-to-price value
Helps explain how ocean influence shapes wine style