Which feature contributes to the cooler temperatures in the Oak Knoll District?

The cooler temperatures in the Oak Knoll District can be attributed to the consistent late afternoon breezes that flow through the region. These breezes typically arise due to the temperature differences between the land and the cooler waters of nearby bodies, which helps to moderate the climate, particularly during the later hours of the day.

As the day progresses, the sun heats both the land and air; however, as the sun sets, the land cools more rapidly than the water, creating a flow of cooler air from the water towards the land. This phenomenon not only helps to lower the evening temperatures but also provides a more extended growing season, as the vines do not experience excessive heat during the critical late afternoon and evening hours.

While direct sunlight and elevation, rich volcanic soils, and increased sedimentary deposits are all important factors in determining vineyard characteristics, they do not specifically contribute to the cooler temperatures as effectively as the consistent late afternoon breezes do in the Oak Knoll District.