Established in 2001 in western Sonoma County, Avalon offers easy-going, high-quality wines at an affordable price. Thoughtful vineyard selection from some of California's top wine growing regions, combined with intuitive wine making methods, gives us a range of wines that are beautifully balanced and effortlessly enjoyable.

Avalon wines are named after the legendary Isle of Avalon, a place steeped in history and tradition. As they craft Avalon, they meld ancient winemaking techniques with modern technology. Combining thoughtful vineyard selection and intuitive winemaking methods to create a selection of wines that are beautifully balanced and effortlessly enjoyable.

California is the heart of American wine production, accounting for around 80% of all U.S. wine. Its vast and varied landscape offers an extraordinary range of climates and terroirs, allowing a broad diversity of grape varieties and wine styles. Stretching over 1,100 kilometres from north to south, the state includes world-famous wine regions such as Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, and Mendocino.

Key wine towns include Napa, St. Helena, Healdsburg, and Santa Rosa. Napa Valley is renowned globally for its premium Cabernet Sauvignon, while Sonoma produces acclaimed Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel. Further south, Santa Barbara is noted for its cool-climate Syrah and Pinot Noir, while Paso Robles excels with robust Rhône and Bordeaux varietals.

The most widely planted grape varieties in California include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc. The diversity of microclimates allows both cool- and warm-climate grapes to flourish.

California’s primary growing challenges include drought, water scarcity, and the increasing threat of wildfires, which can damage vineyards and affect grape quality through smoke taint. However, its abundant sunshine, varied topography, and innovative viticultural practices provide significant benefits, helping to maintain its reputation as a leader in premium New World wine.

Zinfandel, known as Primitivo in Italy, is a dark-skinned grape variety with a complex, intertwined history. DNA analysis confirms that both are genetically identical, tracing their origin to the ancient Croatian variety Crljenak Kaštelanski. Despite shared genetics, the two expressions have developed distinct regional identities.

Zinfandel thrives in warm, dry climates, ripening unevenly—often resulting in clusters with both ripe and underripe berries. This trait can lead to wines with high alcohol and intense concentration when carefully managed. The grape is particularly associated with California, especially regions like Napa Valley, Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley, and Paso Robles. In Italy, Primitivo is a key variety in Puglia, especially in the DOCs of Primitivo di Manduria and Gioia del Colle.

Zinfandel produces bold red wines with rich, jammy fruit flavours such as blackberry, plum, and raspberry, often accompanied by notes of black pepper, spice, and liquorice. In California, it ranges from fruit-forward, medium-bodied styles to robust, oak-aged wines with higher alcohol. It’s also used for off-dry White Zinfandel rosés. In Puglia, Primitivo tends to be darker, earthier, and more savoury.