Did you know about the Dunnigan Hills?

The Dunnigan Hills AVA is where wide-open skies, rolling hills, and generations of farming tradition come together to create exceptional wines. Tucked away in northern Yolo County, this sun-soaked region is known for producing bold reds and vibrant whites that reflect its warm climate, well-drained soils, and long growing season. From robust reds to crisp whites, the Dunnigan Hills delivers wines with character, depth, and a true sense of place.

Part of Yolo County’s wine country, you didn’t know you were missing!

he AVA offers an authentic wine country experience rooted in agriculture, family farming, and hospitality. Visitors can discover estate-grown wines, scenic vineyard views, and the relaxed charm that makes the Dunnigan Hills one of Yolo County’s most distinctive wine destinations.

The Dunnigan Hills Wineries

Grindstone Wines

OPEN FRIDAY - SUNDAY
Grindstone Wines is a family-owned winery in the Capay Valley dedicated to producing estate-grown wines that reflect the character of Yolo County. Combining sustainable farming, small-lot winemaking, and a welcoming hospitality experience, Grindstone celebrates the region’s rich agricultural heritage in every bottle.
Matchbook Wine Co.

OPEN DAILY
Matchbook Wine Company is a family-owned winery in Yolo County’s Dunnigan Hills AVA, known for innovative winemaking and estate-grown varietals. With vineyards rooted in volcanic soils, Matchbook crafts distinctive wines that showcase the region’s unique terroir and pioneering spirit.

AVA:

Dunnigan Hills

( What’s an AVA? )

AVA stands for American Viticultural Area. It is a federally designated, geographically defined grape-growing region in the United States, recognized for its unique climate, soil, and elevation.

The Dunnigan Hills AVA is a distinctive wine-growing region in northern Yolo County, characterized by its gently rolling hills, warm inland climate, and well-drained soils. Established in 1993, the AVA spans approximately 28,000 acres and benefits from abundant sunshine, low rainfall, and consistent breezes that help moderate temperatures during the growing season. The combination of elevation, soil diversity, and a long ripening period creates ideal conditions for producing concentrated, fruit-driven wines with structure and balance.

The region is particularly known for Mediterranean and Rhône varietals that thrive in warm climates, including Tempranillo, Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, along with select white varieties such as Chardonnay and Verdejo. Much of the AVA is planted to estate vineyards, with growers and wineries focusing on sustainable farming and quality-driven production. The Dunnigan Hills AVA has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional value and distinctive wines that reflect the rugged beauty and agricultural heritage of northern Yolo County.

The Dunnigan Hills AVA is home to two wineries that showcase the character of the Dunnigan Hills: Matchbook Wine Company and Grindstone Wines. Matchbook Wine Company is recognized for its estate-grown wines and extensive vineyard holdings, crafting a diverse portfolio that highlights the region’s suitability for both red and white varietals.

Grindstone Wines, a family-owned winery rooted in Yolo County agriculture, focuses on small-lot wines that reflect the AVA’s warm climate and farming heritage. Together, these wineries represent the heart of the Dunnigan Hills AVA, offering visitors an authentic taste of one of Yolo County’s most established wine regions.