Clarksburg AVA the Little Wine-growing Region that Could
Established as an American Viticultural Area in 1985, Clarksburg is marked by its location along the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, which pulls in ocean breezes and creates a cool maritime climate. Fertile, low-draining soils allow the little wine region to produce 45,000 tons of grapes each year. Here the “heritage grapes” are the crisp Chenin Blanc and the bold, chewy Petite Sirah — varieties that produce excellent stand-alone wines, but also excel as blending varietals.
Vintner’s dreams built on place and pace in Clarksburg
At a time when the world is looking for faster ways to produce more, Clayton Kirchhoff’s plan to make less — and to do it slower — probably seemed like an odd business model.
Clarksburg Wine Trail
Clarksburg Wine Trail is an easy 20 minutes from Sacramento on Highway 160. Check our Yolo County Wine Map to plan your route. There is not much doing in the Clarksburg area, except for the vineyards and tasting rooms in the area. Clarksburg is most famous for Chenin Blanc. Chenin Blanc grows well in Clarksburg because of the Delta breeze and the Sacramento River. The afternoon cooling winds make it the ideal climate for Chenin Blanc and other varieties of grapes. Pack your lunch or other appetizers and head to the tasting rooms that we have recommended.
Sneak away to the Old Sugar Mill
Just 40 minutes outside of Lodi, between the Sacramento River and sprawling vineyards, there is a little-known ‘daycation,’ where visitors have discovered eight wineries within a partially renovated sugar mill. It’s historic, elegant and totally unique.
Small town hoping for big winegrape future
It’s the water. Or more precisely, it’s the numerous waterways that meander through the northeastern reaches of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, that give the Clarksburg area its uniqueness when it comes to growing high-quality winegrapes.
