Alta Mesa is an AVA halfway between Sacramento and Lodi in California's Central Valley, falling under the larger Lodi AVA. Alta Mesa, meaning 'high table' in Spanish, is located on a flat plateau that is slightly elevated over the rest of Lodi. The region is home to plantings of less-common varieties such as Torrontes, Verdelho and Touriga Nacional.
Most of Alta Mesa's soil is composed of dense, heavy clay and gravel, which prevents the roots of the vines from penetrating deeply into the ground. Warm summers and low rainfall make the area one of the hottest in Lodi. With less water to go around, the vines are forced to produce smaller grapes with more-concentrated flavors, which translates into rich and intense styles of red and white wine.
There are no wineries based in Alta Mesa. Rather, growers sell their grapes to outside producers and wines are more often than not categorised under the better-known Lodi AVA. Alta Mesa is home to the celebrated Silvaspoons vineyard, a 300-acre (121-ha) plot that is home to 20 different grape varieties, mainly of Spanish and Portuguese origin. Grapes from this vineyard are sold to producers all over California.
