California's River Junction AVA is one of the state's (and the nation's) smallest AVAs. It is home to one producer – McManis Family Vineyards – who petitioned the government to formally recognise the area as an AVA. When this wish was granted in 2001, the AVA's total area measured 1300 acres (526ha). A large proportion of this was already under vine, and remains so today.
Located at the junction of the Stanislaus and San Joaquin rivers (the former flows into the latter), and just a few miles downstream from the confluence of the Tuolumne and the San Joaquin, the AVA is well named. The Stanislaus is one of the largest tributaries of the San Joaquin, which, along with the Sacramento, is arguably California's most important river.
Because of the topography bordering the rivers, and the presence of the waters themselves, the climate at River Junction is notably cooler and more moderate than that of the surrounding area. This contributes to the quality of the grapes, and was influential in the AVA decision.
River Junction is distinctive for its free-draining, sandy loam soils, the result of its position at the meeting point of several river systems. Free-draining, alluvial soils such as these are ideal for viticulture as they mitigate the risk of vines getting 'wet feet' and root rot. It also forces them to dig deep, strong root systems in search of water and nutrients.
The vineyards which produce River Junction wines are planted with French varieties Chardonnay, Viognier, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, alongside more Californian varieties Zinfandel and Petite Sirah.
