| Alta Mesa AVA | |
| Type: | American Viticultural Area |
| Year: | 2006[1] |
| Country: | United States |
| Part Of: | California, Lodi AVA |
| Total Size: | 55400acres[2] |
| Planted: | 5300acres |
| Grapes: | Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot |
The Alta Mesa AVA is an American Viticultural Area entirely located within the Lodi AVA in Sacramento County, California in the United States. The appellation's name is Spanish for "high table", a reference to the higher elevation of the land compared to the surrounding terrain.
90% of the soil in the Alta Mesa AVA is dense clay and heavy gravel.[2] The appellation is known for warm summers, and low annual rainfall. Alta Mesa is considered one of the warmest subregions of the Lodi AVA.
Federal recognition of the AVA occurred on July 17, 2006.[1]
5300acres of the appellation are planted to grapevines. The most common grape varieties are Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.[2]