Leona Valley AVA

Leona Valley is a special area for growing grapes in northeastern Los Angeles County, California. It sits in a long, narrow valley surrounded by the Angeles National Forest and the Sierra Pelona Mountains in Southern California. The valley is about 50 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, with the San Gabriel Mountains to the south and the Los Padres National Forest to the west.

The area known as Leona Valley was officially recognized as a place for grape growing on October 28, 2008. This happened after a group of local winegrowers and vineyards asked for it. The government agency in charge of alcohol and tobacco approved the area as an American Viticulture Area (AVA). This special title covers about 8,600 acres and includes the small town of Leona Valley.

History

This area was once home to the indigenous Kitanemuk tribe, a branch of the Serranos. They lived in houses made from tule plants and were peaceful, though they sometimes had conflicts with a neighboring tribe. Spanish explorers and missionaries arrived in the 1700s, bringing animals like sheep and cattle to the area.

In the late 1800s, farmers from France, Germany, and Nebraska settled here, turning large ranches into smaller farms. One early settler, John E. Ritter Sr., arrived in 1894 and grew grapes, even building a winery. His family became well-known for their wines. However, during Prohibition, wine-making was stopped, and the wineries were shut down. Even so, some very old grapevines still grow here today. The name "Leona Valley" comes from Miguel Leonis, an early rancher who owned much of the land.

Terroir

The Leona Valley is a low, sloping area with heights between 2,932 and 3,800 feet. It is surrounded by higher hills and mountains, including Portal Ridge and the Angeles National Forest. The San Andreas Fault runs through this area, shaping its landscape with ridges and hills.

The valley has a special climate that is hot and dry in summer and cool and moist in winter. It usually gets between 9 to 12 inches of rain each year. This climate helps grapes grow with just the right balance of warmth and cool nights, which keeps the grapes crisp and full of flavor. The soil in Leona Valley is rich and varied, coming from the rocks and mountains around it, making it perfect for growing grapes.

Viticulture

Leona Valley is a special place for growing grapes for wine. There are about 20 acres of grapevines at the Reynolds Family Vineyard, and another vineyard called Donato Vineyards plans to add more space for grapes soon. The Leona Valley Winery grows many types of grapes, including ones used for Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Rhone wines, as well as special icy sweet wines called ice wine. The area’s soil and gentle temperatures help grapes like Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Petite Verdot, Pinot noir, Syrah, and Malbec grow well, which come from places like France, the Rhône, and Burgundy.