Willow Creek Wine

Named in the 1800s for a dense population of willows growing along the Trinity River, Willow Creek now holds more historical than practical value in the world of wine. One of California’s most northerly viticultural areas is now also one of its least productive. When Willow Creek, high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, became an AVA on September 19, 1983, it had five wineries and 30 acres under vine. Now, however, the area – which covers 6,000 acres in the heart of Six Rivers National Forest -- has no wineries and only 10 acres under vine. The winery owners, who primarily grew Chardonnay here, migrated to more versatile growing conditions elsewhere. Today, this region which spans parts of Trinity and Humboldt Counties is better known as a retreat for hikers and cyclists. – Description from Appellation America (view original content)