The Rockpile AVA, established in 2002, has only 150 acres under vine (out of 16,000 total acres in the AVA), making it the smallest in California and one of the smallest appellations in all of the US. The production zone is in Sonoma County near the town of Healdsburg; a section of the AVA is situated within Dry Creek Valley, but most of the appellation is northwest of that town. Vineyards are situated at 800 feet or higher, with some close to 2000 feet. The grapes receive plenty of heat and sun; naturally red varieties such as Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, are the principal ones of the appellation. (Wine/Appellations)