Everyone knows Napa, but it’s larger, and arguably prettier, neighbor to the West is a wine adventure not to be missed. On many weekends, Loni and I have enjoyed a leisurely drive up highway 101, through San Francisco, and up to Bodega Bay for some coastal touring, spa hunting (a favorite of Loni’s), and R&R. Then it’s just a hop and skip over to the heart of Sonoma wine country.
With over 250 wineries (and 65,000 acres of vineyards) there is plenty of exploring and tasting to do. Healdsburg is a wonderful little town, almost lost in time; make sure you visit on your next tour.
And just like Napa, Sonoma has several micro-climates that impact grape growing. There are 13 American Viticultural Areas (AVA for short, or often referred to as Appellations) in Sonoma, and I thought I’d provide a summary of them here for your reference.
Some of my favories include the bold Cabs from Alexander Valley, the Pinots from Russian River Valley and the Zins coming out of Dry Creek Valley.
Alexander Valley (14,000 acres / 45 wineries)
- Top varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah
- Look for great, bold Cabernets
- Also rich Chardonnays
Bennett Valley (650 acres / 4 wineres)
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- Top varietals: Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
- It’s all about Merlot!
- Long hangtime, but still cool helps maximize flavor
Chalk Hill (1,700 acres / 4 wineries)
- Top varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
- Named after the volcanic ash hillsides
Dry Creek Valley (9,400 acres / 60 wineries)
- Top varietals: Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot
- Scenic morning fog
- The marquee here is Zin
Green Valley (3,200 acres / 11 wineries)
- Top varietals: Pinot Noir, Syrah
- Similar to Russian River Valley
- Cooler weather means Pinot and Chardonnay do well
Knights Valley (1,300 acres / 2 wineries)
- Top varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
- Warmest appellation in Sonoma County
- Bordeaux-like wines do best: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec
Rockpile (150 acres /1 winery)
- Top varietals: Cabernet, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel
- One of the newest AVAs, designated in 2002
- Look for intense, red wines
Russian River Valley (15,000 acres / 70 wineries)
- Top varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
- Elegant wines, cooling fog
Sonoma Carneros (7,500 acres / 21 wineries)
- Top varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
- One of the coolest regions
- Primetime Pinot country!
Sonoma Coast (7,000 acres / 11 wineries)
- Top varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah
- Twice the rainfall of its inland neighbors
- Pinot, Chardonnay and cool-climate Syrah
Sonoma Mountain (800 acres / 3 wineries)
- Top varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel
- Powerful, and classy Cabs
Sonoma Valley (14,000 acres / 70 wineries)
- Top varietals: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel
- Produces wine range of wines
- Warmed by the Bay (to south) and Santa Rosa Plain (to the northwest)