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Sonoma Vineyards
The vineyards in the region are typically small and family owned. Eighty percent of growers have vineyards less than 100 acres, and 40% of growers have vineyards that are less than 20 acres. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir make up 62% of the grape acreage with Merlot, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc rounding out the top six varieties. Because of the cooler growing region, grapes generally have longer “hang time” resulting in concentrated, fruit-forward wines with softer tannins.
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Los Carneros, looking west at Cline Vineyards |
Sonoma has over 65,000 acres of vineyards grown in twelve distinct wine-growing districts.
Los Carneros District is a shared appellation with Napa Valley. It s close proximity to the cool influences of the San Francisco Bay create a perfect environment to grow Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as well as Merlot and Syrah. 8000 acres of vineyards and 22 wineries are located here.
Sonoma Valley’s 14,000 acres of vineyards thrive in the confluence of warm daytime temperatures and the cooling airflows from the San Francisco Bay. Considered the birthplace of the California wine industry some of its oldest wineries reside here. Over 55 wineries produce a wide range of wines including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel.
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Alexander Valley looking east |
Alexander Valley is home to Cabernet Sauvignon which thrives in the in the warm, dry, gravelly volcanic soils of the valley floor. Over 16,000 vineyard acres blanket the area with notable Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc also grown. This long north – south region along highway 101 and highway 128 have dozens of exceptional wineries to explore.
Dry Creek Valley has nearly 10,000 acres of vineyards with spicy “old vine” Zinfandel being the best known varietal. The morning fog tempers the warm days. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon are also grown and made into distinctive wines. Almost 60 wineries produce wines here.
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Vineyard on West Side Road, Russian River Valley |
Russian River Valley vineyards include small family-owned farms and larger ranches. 16,000 acres of vineyards share the land with sheep, goats, cattle, apples, berries, and other animals and crops. The combination of well-drained soils, cooling fog and warm summer afternoons provide ideal growing conditions for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel. Chalk Hill AVA and Green Valley AVA are sub-AVAs of this cool growing region. Seventy-five wineries are located here.
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Marimar Winery Dog, Green Valley |
Christopher Creek Winery, Chalk Hill |
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Early Morning Vineyard Tour |
