The area was officially established on February 23, 2016, by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury after reviewing the petition from Patrick L. Shabram, on behalf of the Lamorinda Wine Growers Association, proposing the establishment of the "Lamorinda" viticultural area.

The agricultural focus of the area was gradually replaced by suburban housing development, but a renaissance of small-scale wine production began in the late 1970's.

The number of plantings has accelerated in recent years and led to the founding of the Lamorinda Wine Growers Association in 2005.

Additionally, Lamorinda AVA is characterized by a distinct suburban land use pattern which tends to provide property owners with enough room to plant vineyards large enough for commercial viticulture.

The AVA is suitable for both cool and warm-climate varietals because the hilly terrain results in disparate levels of sunlight at different elevations.

The oceanic marine layer, which develops during the summer, bringing fog and low clouds with it, is usually less than 2,000 feet (610 m) deep and thus is blocked by the range.

It is far from being a commercial winegrowing area, instead hosting a number of small home wineries making just enough wine to satisfy the local demand.

There is a strong sense of community identity and commitment in Lamorinda to help consumers identify and buy its local wines.