Establishment of the Antelope Valley of the California High Desert Viticultural Area

“The Antelope Valley region is a wedge-shaped portion of the western Mojave Desert, according the petitioner. The north and west sides of the wedge border the Tehachapi Mountains; the south side of the wedge borders the San Gabriel Mountains, the Sierra Pelona Mountains, and Portal Ridge. The east side is an open continuation of the Mojave Desert.

The boundary line for the proposed Antelope Valley of the California High Desert viticultural area defines an area in the greater Antelope Valley region. The area within the proposed viticultural area boundary line has similar climate, geology, geography, and soils. These geographical features are distinct from the geographical features in the areas outside the boundary of the proposed viticultural area.

The proposed northern portion of the boundary line is defined by a portion of the Los Angeles Aqueduct, roads, elevation lines, a trail, the southwest perimeter of the Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), and a series of stairstep section lines on the USGS map. The proposed eastern portion of the boundary line is defined by a section line. The proposed southern portion of the boundary line is defined by elevation lines and a portion of the California Aqueduct system, which runs along the foothills of the surrounding mountains. The proposed western portion of the boundary line is defined by a portion of the Los Angeles Aqueduct. No part of Edwards AFB lies within the proposed viticultural area”. (Full article via Federal Register)