The Monterey AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in eastern Monterey County, California. It was established in 1984. It is part of the larger Central Coast AVA. It runs roughly 100 miles (160 km) from its northern point, north of Monterey Bay to its southern point, abutting Paso Robles, California. Approximately 40,000 acres (160 km2) of wine grapes are currently cultivated in the Monterey AVA. Over 50% of the grapes grown in the Monterey AVA are chardonnay. In the northern area, Riesling and Pinot noir are popular, while in the south, Bordeaux varietals are most often grown.