The northern section of the Central Coast AVA includes: Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties and the adjacent Santa Cruz Mountains AVA. There are around 6,400 acres of planted vineyards and more than 100 wineries, ranging from small start-ups to historic leaders of the California wine industry.

Chardonnay is prominent with 1,600 acres. The most widely planted red wine grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon at 1,200 acres and Merlot at 900 acres. Approximately one percent of the total state wine grape production comes from this district.

Cooled by the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the warm days and cool nights provide classic grape growing conditions. The primary soil type is well-drained gravel that reduces vigor in the vines and increases flavor concentration in the fruit. (Wine/Appellations)