The Yucaipa Valley, made up of Yucaipa, Oak Glen, Calimesa, Cherry Valley is uniquely positioned to become Southern California’s next wine country. Here is how we got here.
The AVA Petition
In November 2018, the Yucaipa Valley Wine Alliance filed a federal petition to designate the Yucaipa Valley as a federally recognized wine region. That same petition was accepted as perfected by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau in June of 2019, paving the way for the creation of a boutique wine industry in the Yucaipa Valley. More information about the AVA Petition process can be found on the Yucaipa Valley Wine Alliance Website.
The Region
Wine industry veterans and experts agree that the Yucaipa Valley has a unique microclimate and terroir, with the potential to grow grapes and produce wines that rival that of Paso Robles and Napa Valley. Several uncommon attributes makes the Yucaipa Valley so unique:
Elevation - Because Yucaipa is situated at close to 2,600 ft, and can reach up to 5,500 ft at certain locations, the concentrated sunlight at these higher elevations is beneficial to help grapes reach peak maturity. Therefore, Yucaipa vineyards yield concentrated, ripe fruit that produce world class wines.
Temperature Variation - The Yucaipa Valley has an average daily temperature shift of 29.1 degrees from peak daytime highs to nighttime lows, one of the highest in the state. This diurnal shift encourages slow, even ripening across that is required to produce high quality, age-able wines.
Drainage and Alluvial Fanning - Positioned up against the Yucaipa Ridge, many of the Yucaipa Valley’s best soils are made up of alluvials fans that allow optimal drainage for vines. The unique soil type of Yucaipa’s vineyards not only create optimal drainage, but also complex and nuanced flavors in wine produced from their grapes.
Vinifying Your Land
As of May 2021, there are over 40 knows vineyards in the Yucaipa valley that range from 100 to 5,000 vines. No matter the size of your land, or whether you are looking to create something commercial or recreational, there are ways to put your land to use. More and vineyards are getting planted by the week, and there is no better time to join our burgeoning community of growers. Veraison Partners has worked on some of the largest vineyard projects to date in the Yucaipa Valley. We work with the best vineyard installation teams who provide honest and reasonable assessments.