The Arroyo Seco AVA is an American Viticultural Area in Monterey County, California, southeast of Monterey Bay. The appellation encompasses 18,240 acres (7,381 ha) in the valley adjacent to the Arroyo Seco Creek. Because of its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the area has a cool climate, and is best suited for those grape varieties that benefit from the cool afternoon breeze. The area is known for its gravelly soil that absorbs heat during the day and radiates that heat in the evening.