Hames Valley has warmer than average temperatures. The shale-loam soil imparts intense flavors, outstanding balance and brilliant colors to its dominant grape varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Since Bordeaux grapes thrive in this valley, the appellation has become important to Monterey County wineries struggling to ripen these varieties in the cooler, northern section of the broader AVA. However, the AVA is not limited to these red Bordeaux varietals, as a number of other suitable culitvars are grown here. Amongst the other varietals basking in the southern Monterey sun are traditional port grapes such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cao, Alvarehlo and Souzao. Designated as a sub-appellation in 1994, Hames Valley is at the southern extreme of the Salinas Valley in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Range. Hames Valley AVA accounts for just 2,000 of Monterey County’s 40,000 planted acres.