It was recognized on January 8, 1988 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after evaluating the petition submitted by Mr. Michael R. Holland to establish a viticultural area to be known as "Ben Lomond Mountain."
In 1887, Coope wrote "Ben Lomond (Mountain) as a wine district is yet in its infancy and is struggling to establish a name for itself in that industry.
In 1972, the University of California Agricultural Extension Service released a study of climatologically prime growing areas for several commercial crops, including wine grapes.
Implications," established Ben Lomond Mountain as being a prime growing region for wine grape production.
The mountainous terroir ranges in altitudes from 1,300 to 2,600 feet (396–792 m) above sea level, placing it above the fog that rolls in from the Pacific Ocean, ensuring long hours of sunlight and extended growing season.