Sonoma County AVA : Napa’s Western Neighbor

Located north of San Francisco and bordering the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean, Sonoma County is one of the most recognized wine regions in California, it produces some of the finest examples of wine in California, where varied climatic and geographical conditions allow for a diverse range of grapes to be grown. In fact, there are over 60 grape varieties grown in Sonoma Wine Country, spread throughout its 19 distinct appellations. From forested valleys where coastal fog hangs low and thick to mountainous areas with sunshine-filled days, Sonoma’s American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) are as diverse as the grapes that grow within their borders.

There are 19 Distinct Growing regions in Sonoma, but it can be very confusing. The first thing you need to understand about Sonoma County Is that the Whole County is an AVA and that is broken down into 5 distinct Areas which include many Nested AVAs. Fountain Grove District(1) and Los Carneros(2) are the only 2 stand alone AVAs. Then you have Sonoma Coast AVA(3) and that includes the nested AVAs; Western Sonoma Coast AVA(4), Fort Ross Seaview AVA(5) and Petaluma Gap AVA(6). You also Have Sonoma Valley AVA(7) which includes the nested AVAs; Sonoma Mountain AVA(8), Moon Mountain AVA(9) and Bennett Valley AVA(10). Then you have The Large AVA of Northern Sonoma(11) which Includes the Sub regions of Alexander Valley AVA(12), Russian River Valley AVA(13), and Dry Creek Valley AVA(14). Inside of Alexander Valley You have Knights Valley AVA(15), and Pine Mountain Cloverdale Peak AVA(16), Inside of Russian River Valley You have Green Valley AVA(17) and Chalk Hill AVA(18), Inside of Dry Creek Valley, you have Rockpile(19).

The Russian River Valley AVA, established in 1983, is a highly regarded growing region for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Characterized by its cool climate and coastal fog that travels in from the Pacific along the Russian River, Russian River’s climate allows for a slow ripening of the grapes, resulting in wines of balanced acidity and complexity.

Recognized as an AVA in 1983, Chalk Hill differentiates itself from other parts of the greater Russian River Valley (of which it is partially situated) because of its warmer climate, chalky soils from ancient volcanic ash, and higher elevations. Known for its mineral-driven white wines, particularly Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, Chalk Hill is also home to grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Zinfandel.

One of the coolest appellations in Sonoma County, Green Valley is a subregion inside the Russian River Valley bounded by the towns of Forestville, Occidental, and Sebastopol. Most of the soil here is sandy, fast-draining soil, which, when combined with Green Valley’s trademark foggy weather, is just right for making distinctive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.

Located north of the Russian River Valley between Northern Sonoma and Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley is a bucolic region spanning roughly 16 miles long and two miles wide. Situated just outside of Healdsburg, this densely planted appellation enjoys a reputation for producing renowned wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and even some Rhône wines, but is most known for its powerful and nuanced Zinfandels—some of which are grown on old vines.

Rockpile AVA is a dramatic, rugged AVA on the west of Lake Sonoma is known for its red varieties, such as Zinfandel. The terroir here is heavily influenced by the high elevation (roughly 1,900 feet), where rocky soils, steep hillsides, and long days with plenty of sun exposure allow the grapes to develop more concentrated, rich flavors. Besides Zinfandel, you’ll find small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Merlot, and Syrah, though there are no wineries to visit.

Alexander Valley AVA is located at the northern end of Sonoma County surrounding Geyserville, Alexander Valley—established as an AVA in 1984—is a respected inland growing area known for structured yet elegant Cabernet Sauvignon. While it gets quite hot during the day, its proximity to the Russian River (and the fog that comes with it) allows the valley to cool off considerably at night. Cabernet may be king here, but the region also produces full-bodied Chardonnay and some unusual grapes like Sangiovese.

On the eastern edge of Sonoma County lies Knights Valley, a warm growing region nestled between the Mayacamas mountain range and the base of Mount St. Helena. The valley’s mineral-rich volcanic soils and sunshine-filled days are ideal for producing Cabernet

Located at the top of Pine Mountain at elevations between 1,600 and 2,600 feet, this small, mountainous AVA on the border of Sonoma and Mendocino counties is one of the highest grape growing regions in California. Its steep topography, rocky volcanic soils, and cool, yet sunshine-filled days above the fog line provide idyllic conditions for complex Cabernet Sauvignon, for which it is most known for. You’ll also find small amounts of Zinfandel, Merlot, Malbec, and Sauvignon Blanc planted.

Sonoma Valley AVA is bordered by the Mayacamas Mountains to the east and the Sonoma Mountains to the west, Sonoma Valley is one of the oldest Sonoma AVAs, founded in 1981. Known as the birthplace of Sonoma County wine with a tradition of wine making dating back over 150 years ago, this historically significant AVA is now home to over 80 wineries, including the oldest continuously operating family winery in California. Recognized for producing softer, more supple wines, a wide range of grapes do well in this region, including Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

Established in 2003, Bennett Valley is a small appellation known for its small, grower-operated wineries. Here, well-draining soils and cooling marine influences such as morning fog and ocean breezes allow for a long growing season. Grapes like Merlot and Chardonnay tend to shine here, as well as cool-climate Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah.

Moon Mountain is located on the hills above the city of Sonoma, Moon Mountain is a high elevation region that became an official AVA in 2013. Elevation is a key defining factor of this Sonoma appellation, where hillside vineyards soar between 400 and 2,200 feet in elevation. The mountainous conditions and constant breezes prove favorable for growing structured Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Merlot.

Rising above the town of Glen Ellen, within the larger Sonoma Valley AVA, Sonoma Mountain is a small appellation known for its rocky soils, high altitude, and long days of direct sunlight. Despite the all-day exposure to the sun, grapevines benefit from cooling overnight temperatures, thereby allowing the grapes to retain acidity and slow the ripening process. While it’s not common to find Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel successfully growing within the same AVA, Sonoma Mountain has become recognized for these grapes.

Known for its cool climate and high rainfall, the Sonoma Coast AVA (Sonoma’s largest AVA) is an expansive appellation extending from San Pablo Bay to the border of Mendocino. Not surprisingly, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the stars here, which benefit from the region’s cool temperatures and direct exposure to marine influences.

Established in 2012, the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA is located in the heart of the Sonoma Coast AVA. One of the closest appellations to the Pacific Ocean, the region is defined by its narrow valleys and mountainous terrain, where vines soar above the fog line on steep ridges roughly 900 to 1,200 feet above sea level. Despite the challenges of growing grapes here, the coastal conditions and diverse soils prove ideal for growing exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Located only 25 miles north of San Francisco surrounding the town of Petaluma, Petaluma Gap is the newest winegrowing region to be established in Sonoma County, recognized as an AVA in 2017. This distinctive region has over 4,000 acres of vines, and sees large diurnal temperature shifts from day to night, thanks to strong coastal influences like heavy fog and wind that funnel in from San Pablo Bay. About 75% of the region is dedicated to cool-climate darling Pinot Noir, while the remainder is planted to Chardonnay and Syrah.

Known for its cool climate and high rainfall, the Sonoma Coast AVA (Sonoma’s largest AVA) is an expansive appellation extending from San Pablo Bay to the border of Mendocino. Not surprisingly, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the stars here, which benefit from the region’s cool temperatures and direct exposure to marine influences.

At the eastern edge of Sonoma County is Fountain Grove District, a newer AVA noted for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varieties. Comprising only 600 acres of vineyards, nearly all of which are family-owned, this region is distinct because of its well-draining volcanic soils, hillside vineyards, and warmer climate. You won’t find a lot of wine tourism here, however, as most of the vineyards sell their grapes directly to other wineries

Situated at the southern end of Sonoma Valley straddling the Napa-Sonoma county line, the cool Carneros AVA is the first California wine region to be defined by climate rather than political boundaries. What makes this area unique is its close proximity to the San Pablo Bay, where strong winds and fog create a constant flow of cooling air, offsetting the warmth from the sun. Here, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay dominate the plantings, and the resulting wines are delicate with Burgundian-style characteristics. Given the cool conditions, it’s also a spectacular site for producing sparkling wine.

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