Fair Play (AVA)
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Situated on rolling hills between 2,000-3,000 feet, the Fair Play AVA has the highest average elevation of any appellation in California. It provides winemakers with the epitome of mountain-grown fruit. Fair Play is entirely contained within the El Dorado and Sierra Foothills AVAs. Vignerons from here take full advantage of the low annual rainfall that forces roots deep into the loam soils, creating highly-concentrated, complex wines. The fruit exhibits remarkable natural acidity, due to cool nights in these high altitudes. There are approximately 350 acres of vines, with up to 200 more in the planning stage. There is growing interest here in Rhone and Italian varietals, alongside the ever popular Zinfandel.

Current Feature

Since Thomas Jefferson first tried to cultivate European vinifera in Virginia, the state has been a decided piece of American wine country. Over the years better knowledge, equipment and materials have all contributed to an advancing wine industry, but the more recent decade or two has brought out the real potential that can be found.   [>] continue


Appellation Features

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Best of Appellation

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BLUE BOOK PROFILES

Blue Book Taste Profiles for the Fair Play AVA

Petite Sirah

Syrah | Shiraz

Zinfandel

Alive & Well here


Chardonnay: You are the world’s greatest star. Your fame has infiltrated every nook and cranny of the globe, regardless  [>] continue

Correspondent

Jean Deitz Sexton
is the Regional Correspondent for Fair Play.

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Winery Sponsors

Winery sponsors of Appellation America’s coverage of the Fair Play appellation.