CALIFORNIA–Sonoma

SONOMA IS–  AVA.- 20     @Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Sonoma

  • WHITE= Chardonnay 27%, Sauvignon Blanc 4%, Albariño, Albillo Mayor, Aleatico, Aramon, Arneis, Burger, Carricante, Chassellas, Chenin Blanc, Falanghina, Fiano, Friulano, Furmint, Gewurztraminer, Greco, Grenache Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Marsanne, Muscat(Black), Muscat(Canelli), Palomino AKA=Golden Chasselas(Historical), Picpoul Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Ribollo Giallo, Riesling, Roter Veltliner, Roussanne, Semillon, Scheurebe, Sylvaner, Trousseau Gris, Vermentino, Vernaccia, Viognier
  • RED= Pinot Noir 15%, Cabernet Sauvignon 10%, Zinfandel 9%, Abouriou, Alicante Bouschet, Aglianico, Barbera, Bastardo, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Pfeffer, Carignan, Charbono, Cinsault, Counoise, Dolcetto, Etraire de la Dui, Frappato, Gamay, Garnacha, Graciano, Grand Noir, Lagrein, Malbec, Mataro AKA=Mourvedre, Merlot, Mission, Mondeuse Noire, Montepulciano, Mysterious Spotted Grape of Old Hill, Nebbiolo, Negrett, Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese, Nero d’Avola, Peloursin, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Petite Bouschet, Pinotage, Pinot Meunier, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Sangiovese, Schioppettino, St. Laurent, Syrah, Tannat, Tempranillo, Trousseau, Vaccarese, Valdiquie

GEOGRAPHY– STATE-California(North), REGION-Sonoma, COUNTY-Sonoma

  • BORDERS-Mendocino“Region”(North), Napa“Region”(East), Marin“Region”(South)
    • On~Coast/ Pacific~Ocean~
    • (52 mi. Long & 47 mi. Wide)/ 150 Mile/2, LATITUDE: 37.13°‘N’– 38.8°‘N’
  • MAIN CITIES-Forestville, Healdsburg, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Windsor
  • Sub-Zones/ AVA’s- Alexander Valley AVA., Annapolis AVA., Bennett Valley AVA., Chalk Hill AVA.
    • Dry Creek Valley AVA., Fort Ross Seaveiw AVA., Freestone AVA., Fountaingrove District AVA., Green Valley AVA., Knights Valley AVA., Los Carneros AVA., Moon Mountain AVA., Northern Sonoma AVA., Occidental AVA., Petaluma Gap AVA., Pine Mountain Cloverdale Peak AVA., Rock Pile AVA., Russian River Valley AVA., Sonoma Coast AVA., Sonoma Mountain AVA., Sonoma Valley AVA., West Sonoma Coast AVA.

TOPOGRAPHY– FEATURES-

  • “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Valley(Alexander, Russian River, Sonoma)”
  • SLOPES/ Mayacamus Mountains(Mount Sonoma/ Mount Hood/ Coast Mountain Range, +Alt. 25ft.- 2,400ft.
    • Mayacamas Mountains- Part of Coast Mountain Range That Includes Sonoma Mountain, Mt. Veeder.
  • Valleys– Sonoma is Made of 4 Principle Valleys/ In Total:
    • Alexander, Sonoma, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys.  Although Thought of as One Region, These Valleys Along With Smaller Valleys and Mountains Criss-Cross the Country and Make Sonoma’s Geographic, Topographic and Micro-Climates Diversities. Along With Volcanic and Sedimentary Factors This Make Sonoma One of the Most Diverse Combination of Soil, Temperate, Aspects, Rainfall and Altitude Growing Region In the World.
  • Basins- Cotati Basin, Windsor Basin
  • Gaps– Russian River Gap–
    • Petaluma Gap– Topographic Feature of Coastal Low-Land Between Bodega Bay and Tamales Bay Up to the Opening of Petaluma River In Jenner.  Allowed Ocean Moister to Proceed Inland.
    • Annadel Gap– (Between Sonoma Mountain and Mount Hood.)
    • Bennett Gap– (Bennett Valley AVA.)

TOPOGRAPHIC EVENTS-

  • San Andreas Fault- Geologically On the Sonoma Coast Layer Where Put Down and Through Faulting and Subduction It Was Turned Up and On Its Side and Weathered By the Climate Over Time. You Get These Impressive Soil Differences Over Multimillion Years.
    • Other Faults- Bennett Valley Fault, Rodgers Creek Fault
  • Active Plate Margin- Convergence of North American Plate and Pacific Plate Resulting In Pushing Up of Mountains and Down-Warping of Valleys. Volcanic, Erosion and Sedimentation Processes Have Also Had a Major Impact On the Way Sonoma Topographic Feature Look Today.
  • Franciscan Formation-
    • **Refer to “NORTH AMERICA WINE/ CALIFORNIA” For Detailed Information.
  • Glen Ellen Formation-(Cenozoic Age) An Exposure of  Quaternary & Pliocene Gravels, Sorted Clays, Sand, and Cobbles Near the Town of Glen Ellen, In Sonoma Valley.
  • Wilson Grove Formation-(Cenozoic Age)
  • Pepaluma Formation-(Cenozoic/ Neogene Age)
  • VOLCANISM~ Sonoma-  ~Bennett Valley Fault~,  ~Bloomfield Fault~,  ~Carneros Fault~
    • ~Healdsburg Fault~,  ~Petaluma Valley Fault~,  ~Sebastopol Fault~,  ~Rodgers Creek~
    • ~San Andreas Fault~

“Sonoma County Has Been Uplifted/ Turned On Its Side, and Weathered.”

SOILS– “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”

  • Sonoma Soil Series 
    • –Altamont Series–     –Arbuckle Series–     –Cotati Series–     –Goulding Series–
    • –Goldridge Series–     –Haire Series–     –Hugo Series–     –Huichica Series–
    • –Steinbeck Series–     –Yolo Series–
    • **Refer to “TERROIR/ SOILS/ Soil Series” For Detailed Information On Soil Series.

CLIMATE– “Mediterranean” With “Maritime” Influences

  • Sonoma Coast- “Maritime”, With Many Mircro-Climates
    • INVERSION LAYER/ Fog Line/ 1,000ft.- 1,800ft.
      • Weather is Cooler the Closer You Are to the Ocean, Warmer the Farther You Get In Elevation Up the Coast Mountain Range, It’s Called “Inversion” Because Generally if You Are Climbing Up a Mountain the Higher You Go the Colder You Get.
    • CURRENTS/ Coast Influenced by Humboldt Current.
  • Sonoma Interior- “Mediterranean”, With Many Mircro-Climates
    • +Diurnal Shifts(+35° Variations),  +WIND/~Carneros Express~…Originates– San Pablo Bay
    • Warm and Sunny With Little Rain During Growing Season.
  • Fog is a Dominant Weather Characteristics In Sonoma. When Temperatures In the San Joaquin Valley Climb Above 90° During Spring and Summer, Atmospheric Pressure Falls and Heat Rises Allowing the Fog Bank Below Lying Off the Coast to Funnel Inland Through the Petaluma Wind Gap Each Late Afternoon/ Evening, Rapidly Cooling the Land and Vineyards. Each Morning the Sun Burns Off the Layer of Fog and the Process Begins Again.

VITICULTURE– 1,131,520 ac./ 62,000 ac. Planted,  6% Sonoma County Land is Planted to Grapes.

  • Sonoma Viticulture is Know For Diversity.  You Can Plant Any Grape Imaginable and Vinify That Grape In Any Style Imaginable.
  • **Refer to “HISTORICAL VINEYARDS/ Field Blends” For Information On Old Vines.
  • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Sonoma County Winegrowers~
    • Mission~ To Increase the Value of Sonoma County Winegrapes and to Nurture and Protect This Agricultural Resource For Future Generations.
      • Sonoma County Sustainable Initiative– To Become the Nations First 100% Certified Sustainable Wine Regions by 2019.
  • WINNER “Worlds Best”~ DtheV.com Awards “Worlds Best Terroir” (5th. Place)
    • **Refer to “WINE CULTURE/ Derek’s Top 6 List” For Detailed Information.
  • OLD VINE VINEYARDS Of SONOMA
  • 1870’s Vineyards
    • Craighead(HVS.,*1873) @Russian River Valley AVA.
  • 1880’s Vineyards
    • Battaglini(HVS.*1885) @Santa Rosa Plain AVA.,   Bedrock/ Madrone(HVS.,*1880/152ac.) @Sonoma Valley AVA.,  Jackass Hill(HVS.,*1880’s) @Russian River Valley AVA.,  Martinelli Road(Bandfield)(HVS.,*1880’s) @Russian River Valley AVA.,  Monte Rosso(HVS.,*1880’s) @Moon Mountain AVA.,  Old Hill Ranch(HVS.,*1885/12ac.) @Sonoma Valley AVA.,  Shaw/ Kunde(HVS.,*1882) @Sonoma Valley AVA.,  Wildwood(HVS.,*1880’s/28ac.) @Sonoma Valley AVA.
  • 1890’s Vineyards
    • Alegria(HVS.,*1890’s) @Russian River Valley AVA.,  Armor Plate(Stellwagen)(HVS.,*1890’s) @Sonoma Valley AVA.,  Barricia(HVS.,*1890’s/36ac.) @Sonoma Valley AVA., Beeson Ranch(HVS.,*1890/8ac.),  Big River(*1910’s/13 ac.) @Alexander Valley AVA.,  Casa Santinamaria/Maggies(HVS.,*1890’s) @Sonoma Valley AVA.,  Coffaro(HVS.,*1890’s) @Dry Creek Valley AVA.,  Giovanetti(HVS.,*1890’s) @Russian RiverValley AVA.,  Nervo(HVS.,*1890’s) @Alexander Valley AVA.,  Rogers(HVS.,*1890’s/10.5ac.) @Dry Creek ValleyAVA.,  Saitone(HVS.,*1890’s/17ac.) @Russian River Valley AVA.,  Seghesio Home Ranch(HVS.,*1895/7ac.) @Alexander Valley AVA.,  Taylor(HVS.,*1890’s/2ac.) @Dry Creek ValleyAVA.,  Teldeschi(HVS.,*1890’s) @Dry Creek Valley AVA.,  Wellington(HVS.,*1890’s) @Sonoma Valley AVA.,  Whitton Ranch(HVS.,*1890’s) @Alexander Valley AVA
  • 1900’s Vineyards
    • Bacchi Ranch(HVS.,*1900’s)  @Russian River Valley AVA.,  Belloni(HVS.,*1900’s/7.5 ac.) @Russian River Valley AVA.,   Betty Ann(HVS.,*1900’s) @Russian River Valley AVA.,   Fredson Ranch(HVS.,1900’s)  @Alexander Valley AVA.,   Hartford(HVS.,*1910’s) @Green Valley AVA.,   Justi Creek/Heritage-Mancuso(HVS.,*1910/10ac.) @Sonoma Valley AVA.,   Lytton(HVS.,*1900’s) @Dry Creek Valley AVA. ,   Pagani(HVS.,*1900’s/30ac.) @Sonoma Valley AVA.,   Puccioni(HVS.,*1904/2ac.) @Dry Creek Valley AVA.,   Puccini(HVS.,*1906/1ac.)  @Sonoma Valley AVA.,   Russi(HVS.,*1900’s) @Russian River Valley AVA.,   Sodini(HVS.,*1905) @Russian River Valley AVA.,   Valsecchi(HVS.,*1900’s) @Sonoma Valley AVA.,   Winberrie(HVS.,*1906) @Russian River ValleyAVA.
  • 1910’s Vineyards
    • Chianti Station(HVS.,1910’s)   @Alexander Valley AVA.
    • Dolinsek Ranch(Frati)(HVS.,*1910’s)     @Russian River Valley AVA.
    • Forchini(HVS.,*1910’s)     @Dry Creeks Valley AVA.
    • Forchini(HVS.,*1910’s)     @Russian River Valley AVA.
    • Gold Mine Ranch(HVS.,*1910’s).    @Dry Creek Valley AVA.
    • Limerick Lane(HVS.,*1910, 30ac.)     @Russian River Valley AVA.
    • Maple(HVS.,*1910)     @Dry Creek Valley AVA.
    • Rossi Ranch(HVS.,*1910)    @Sonoma Valley AVA.
    • Rue(HVS.,*1910’s)     @Russian River Valley AVA.
    • Two Acres(HVS.,*1910’s/2.ac.)     @Russian River Valley AVA.
  • 1920’s Vineyards
    • Carlisle(Pelletti)(HVS.,*1920’s, 10ac.)   @Russian River AVA.
    • D&D(HVS.,*1920’s)   @Alexander Valley AVA.
    • Henderlong Nalle Ranch(HVS.,*1920’s/1.5ac.)  @Dry Creek Valley AVA.
    • Maffei(HVS.,*1920’s)   @Russian River AVA.
    • Mancini(HVS.,*1920’s)   @Russian River AVA.
    • Montafi(HVS.,*1926)   @Russian River AVA.
    • Moratto(HVS.,*1920’s)   @Russian River AVA.
    • Vineyard 101(HVS.,*1920’s/2.5ac.)   @Alexander Valley AVA.
    • Zeigler(HVS.,*1920’s)   @Russian River AVA.
  • 1930’s Vineyards
    • Chauvet(*1930’s), @Sonoma Valley AVA.,  Fredericks(HVS.,*1930’s) @Sonoma Valley AVA.,  Papera Ranch(Carlo’s)(HVS.,*1935) @Russian River AVA.
  • +1940’s Vineyards
    • Amann Ranch(HVS.,*1940’s),
    • Bacigalupi(HVS.,*1950’s)      @Russian River Valley AVA.
    • Chuy(*1964)      @Moon Mountain AVA.
    • Compagni Portis(HVS.,*1954)    @Sonoma Valley AVA.
      • Mixed White– Aramon, Burger, Gewurtztraminer, Roter Veltliner, Trousseau Gris)
    • Hanzell(HVS.,*1950’s)     @Moon Mountain AVA.
    • Herron(HVS.,*1960’s)     @Sonoma Valley AVA.
    • Rochioli(Old Block-Jungle)(HVS.,*1950’s)      @Russian River Valley AVA.
  • Old Vine Cru Vineyards of Sonoma Valley…Bedrock, Monte Rosa, Old Hill Ranch, Pagani
  • WINE & PHILOSOPHY?–“CONTENTIOUS WINE ISSUE!” “Phylloxera Was Actually a Good For the Wine Sonoma Wine Industry In That it had to Look at the Fundamental Processes of Growing Vines, and Forced Grape Growers to Pull and Replant Old Compromised Vines!”
    • NO…“Overall There is Nothing Good About a Insect Devastating an Entire Crop Around the World and All the Peoples Livelihood That is Associated With the Louse.”
    • YES…“In the Wake of the Phyloxera Epidemic Grape Grower Got a Chance to Take a Stong Look at What Grapes They Were Growing and Where.  During the Replanning and Replanting Phase Growers Took the Opportunity to Plant Their Vineyards With the Correct Varieties With the Correct Rootstock In the Correct Climates That Were Suited For the Vines.”

VINICULTURE– Varietal,  Blends,  Sparkling

  • CUSTOM CRUSH FACILITIES
    • Copain Custom Crush @Santa Rosa   |    Cruse Wine C0. @Petaluma
    • Healdsburg Custom Crush @Healdsburg
    • Grand Cru Custom Crush @Windsor   |   Opal Moon Crush @Sonoma
    • Grapewagon Custom Crush @Healdsburg   |   Rack & Riddle(Sparkling) @Healdsburg
    • Ross Road Custom Crush @Sebastopol  |    Sonoma Valley Custom Wine  @Sonoma

HISTORY– Sonoma

  • 1812 @Fort Ross– “Viticulture”, Russians Immigrants Planted Vines.
  • 1834 @Sonoma– First Vines Planted at Mission of St. Francis.
  • 1855 @Buena Vista– Agoston Haraszthy, Build 1st. Grandiose Winery “Started” California Wine Industry.
  • 1862 @Europe– Governor Appointed Haraszthy Head of a Viticulture Trip to Europe.
    • Haraszthy Brought Back 100,000 Vines From +50 European Varietals.
  • 1856 @Alexander Valley– Cyrus Alexander Plants First Grapes In Alexander Valley.
  • 1873 @California– “Phylloxera”,Phylloxera Outbreak, Effecting Vitis Vinifera Grapes.
  • 1920 @America– “Prohibition”, January 17th. 1920 to December 5th. 1933.
  • 1933 @America– “Prohibition”, End of Prohibition.
  • 1873 @Sonoma– First Pinot Noir Vine Planted at Rochioli Estate.
  • 1989 @Sonoma– “Economy”, Grapes Become Sonoma County’s Top Revenue Crop.

CULTURE– 1981- AVA. Officially Established.

  • ~Etymology~ Sonoma…Translate to “Valley of the Moon” In Native American Indian Dialect.
  • ~Etymology~ Russian River…Named After the Russian Who First Explored the River In the Early 1800’s.
    • Aleksandrovich Kuskow Establihed the Fort Ross Colony Northwest of the Mouth of the River.
  • PIONEERS~
    • ~Coturri, Phil~ “Sonoma/1956- Present”
      • Viticulturist In Sonoma Valley, Championed Organic Farming In 1970’s.
    • ~Goldstein, Emmanuel~ “Sonoma/1855-2025”
      • Planted First Vineyard On Moon Mountain In 1880’s.
    • ~Haraszthy, Agoston~
      • Hungarian Immigrant Who Once Sheriff of San Diego and Then  Helped Created the Commercial Wine Industry In California by Bringing 100,000 Cuttings of 250  Different Varietals From France, Italy, Spain and Germany and Planting Them In His Sonoma Vineyard and Selling Them Across California. 
    • ~Jackson, Jess~ “Sonoma/1930-2011”
      • Visionary Winemaker and Founder of Kendall-Jackson Winery. Help Popular Chardonnay In 1980’s, Battled Courts to Promote Direct to Consumer Wine Selling.
    • ~Martinelli Family~ “Sonoma”, Growing Grapes In Russian River Valley Since 1880.
    • ~Peterson, Joel~ “Owner/ Winemaker at Ravenswood”
      • Champion of Zinfandel and the Old Vine Vineyards In California.
    • ~Rocchioli, Joe~ “Sonoma”,  “1934-2022”, One of First Pioneers In Russian River Pinot Noir.
    • ~Selyem, William~ One of  First Pioneers of Russian River Pinot Noir.
    • ~Schug, Walter~ “German Born”, 1959, Winemaker Helped Put Carneros On Map.
    • ~Swan, Joseph~ “Sonoma”, Early Pioneer of Pinot Noir In Russian River.
  • ACADEMICS~ ~Santa Rosa Junior College~     @Santa Rosa, California
    • Specialization~ 3 Viticulture and Enology Degree Programs.
  • Sonoma is Known to Have a “Sister/ Brother” Relationship With Napa.

GOING THERE

  • TIPS FOR GOING THERE~
    • Spend Day/ Time at Wineries In Different AVA.’s Across Sonoma.
    • Sign Up For a Guided Tour at One of the Historical Vineyards.
    • Do a Non Wine Related Sonoma Thing.
    • Eat at One of the Many Michelin Starred Restaurants.
    • Stay at a Luxury Hotel, or Stay at a Moderately Priced Hotel.
    • Bus Tour- If Staying In San Francisco, Take an All Day Shuttle-Bus Tour of Sonoma.
      • (Companies Will Pick You Up at You San Francisco Hotel and Drop You Off After a Day of Wine Tasting.)
  • WINE SQUARES~ Outdoor Marketplace Featuring Local Food Wine Tasting Room.
    • ~Sonoma Square~ “Sonoma-City”
      • Wineries– Adastra, Auteur, Bedrock, Bennett Valley, Caddis, Darling, Fulcrum, Highway 12,  Roche, Kamen, Lake Sonoma, Sbragia, Sixteen 600, Sojourn, Three Sticks, Walt, Westwood
    • ~Healdsburg Square~ “Healdsburg-City” 
      • Wineries–  Banshee, Cartograph, Hardford, Lioco, Portalupi, Selby, Siduri, Thumbprint
    • ~The Barlow~ “Sebastopol-City”
      • Wineries– Friedeman, MacPhail, Pax Wines, Small Vines, Taft Street.
  • WINE BARS~ Sigh(Sparkling), The Fig Wine Bar
  • FESTIVALS~ ~Sonoma County Harvest Fair~ (September/ Sonoma)
    • FESTIVALS~ ~West of the West Wine~ (August/ Occidental)
  • MY TOP SONOMA ESTATE TOURS  
    • My Criteria– #1 Must Have an Estate Tour(Access to Vineyards/ Winery/ Celler), Terroir of Vineyards, Magnitude of Estate, Quality of Wine Produced, Educated/ Chill Staff, Personal Preference
      1. Benzinger- Sonoma Mountain
      2. Buena Vista- Sonoma Valley
      3. Ferrari-Carano– Dry Creek
      4. Domaine Carneros- Carneros

“Often Overshadowed by Napa, Sonoma is a Great Wine Growing Region Championing a Multitude of Varietals.”

**Refer to “CALIFORNIA/ Overview” For Detailed Information On California as a Wine State.

SONOMA COUNTRY      @Sonoma

  • GEOGRAPHY– California, REGION-Sonoma(Greater)
  • VITICULTURE– Labeled– “SONOMA COUNTY” Refers to Wines Non-Conforming to a AVA.
    • Estate/ Producers-(Not Located In Demarcated AVA.)– Arnot Roberts, Cruse Wine Co.(In Petaluma), LJ Crafted Wines(In San Diego), Pax Mahle(In Sebastopol), Ryme(In Geyerville)
    • Vineyards-(Not Located In Demarcated AVA.)– Centennial Mountain, Fanucchi-Wood Road, Janes’s, Sean Thackrey

SONOMA COAST AVA.     @Guerneville

  • WHITE=   |   RED= **Refer to “AVA.’s” For Grape Information.
  • GEOGRAPHY– California, REGION-Sonoma(North–West)
    • BORDERS-Mendocino to San Pablo Bay, “Multi-Appellation”
    • MAIN CITIES-Cotati, Rohnert Park
    • Sub-Zones/ AVA.’s- Annapolis AVA., Carneros AVA., Fort Ross Seaveiw AVA., Freestone AVA., Green Valley AVA., Occidental AVA., Russian River AVA., West Sonoma Coast AVA., (Laps)Sonoma Valley AVA.
  • TOPOGRAPHY– Features- “Flat/ Hilly/ Mountainous”
    • SLOPES/ Coast Mountain Range, +Alt. 1,150ft.- 1,375ft.
    • On~Pacific~Ocean~(Near)
    • Bisected by San Andreas Fault, “Petaluma Gap”
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”
    • Franciscan Assemblage- Mixture of Sand, Silt, Volcanic Lavas, Schists, Greywacke
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime”, INFLUENCED/ Proximity to Pacific Ocean, and Inversion Layer.
  • VITICULTURE–
    • CHALLENGE– Ripening, Fruit-Set-Rain and Fog Disrupts Flowering During May and June Leading to Low Yields.
  • VINICULTURE- 500,000 ac./ ? ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers–(Not Located In Demarcated Sub-Zone)– Cattleya, Cazadero, Devoto, Dutch, Lutum
    • Vineyards–(Not Located In Demarcated Sub-Zone)– Armagh, Baker Lane, Balinard, Bei Ranch, Black Knight, Bobs Ranch, La Bruma(E.), Charles Heintz, Clary Ranch, Coastlands, Dahut, Dusty Lane, Falstaff, Lancel Creek, Land’s Edge, Majik, McDougal Ranch, Michaael Mara, Old Lakeville Road, Pearlessence(5ac.), Peters, Que Syarah, Roberts Road, Ritchie, Rodgers Creek, Suacci, Summa, Thom Ridge
  • CULTURE- 1987- AVA. Officially Established.

WEST SONOMA COAST AVA.      @Annapolis

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Trousseau, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY– California, REGION-Sonoma(North-West), In Sonoma Coast AVA.(West)
    • BORDERS-Mendocino County Line(North),Petaluma Gape AVA.(South), On~Pacific~Ocean~(West), Russian River AVA.(East)
    • Sub-Zones/ AVA.’s– Fort Ross Sea-View AVA., Freestone AVA., Green Valley AVA, Occidental AVA., Russian River AVA.(West), Sebastopol Hills AVA.
    • Sub-Zones– 1st. Ridge, 2nd. Ridge, Tin Barn, Uplands
  • TOPOGRAPHY– Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”
    • SLOPES/ Coast Mountain Range(Sonoma Coast Highlands), +Alt. 900ft.- 1,7000ft.
    • Topographic Events- ON FAULT/ ~San Andreas~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, Goldridge Sandy Loam, Gravelly Hugo Loam
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime”, Cooler Than Southern Sonoma Coast.
    • Influenced by Inversion Layer/ Fog Line/ 1,000ft.- 1,800ft.
      • Weather is Cooler the Closer You Are to the Ocean, Warmer the Farther You Get In Elevation Up the Coast Mountain Range, It’s Called “Inversion” Because Generally if You Are Climbing Up a Mountian the Higher You Go the Colder You Get.
    • CURRENTS/ Coast Influenced by Humboldt Current.
  • VITICULTURE– 141,800 ac./ 1,000 ac. Planted,  Harvest Goes Into Late October.
    • ADVANTAGES– Luminosity From Pacific Ocean
      • “The Sunlight is Different at the True Sonoma Coast.” A Few Vineyards Have Direct View and Influence of Light Refracting Up-Off the Pacific Ocean and Reflecting Up at Vineyards. West Sonoma Referred to as “True”, As In “True Sonoma Coast”.
      • It is Generally Excepted That Vines Are Planted Above 1,000 feet., That is Point Which Vines Need  to Be In Order to Ripen.
  • VINICULTURE-
    • Estates/ Producers–(Not Located In Demarcted AVA.)– 32 Winds, Alma Fria, Balletto, Banshee, Black Kite, Boars’ View, Ceritas, DuMOL, Ernest, Failla, Flowers, Freeman, Goldrock(Paul Hobbs), Gros Ventre, Hirsch, Joseph Phelps, Kutch, Littorai, Marine Layer, Martinelli, Peay, Price Family, Senses, Small Vines, Stressed Vines, Tin Barn, Whistler
    • Vineyards–(Not Located In Demarcted AVA.)– Bohan(*1972), CIX, Coastlands, Ceritas Heintz, Coryelle Fields, English Hill, Ernest, Far Coast, Freeman“Estate”, Freestone, Gaps’s Price, Goldrock“Estate”(42ha.),Goldrock Ridge, Hawk Hill, Hellenthal, Hirsch“Estate”, Lauren, Manchester Ridge, Marcassin“Estate”, Morthart, Nightwing, Old Vineyard, Pastorale(60ac.), Raschen Ridge, Riddle, Ridgetop, Royal St. Robert(10ac.), Running Fence, Seascape, Silver Eagle, Taylor Lane(11ha.), UV, Wild Hog, Walala(17ac.), Water House, West Ridge(Blocks/ 4A, 4B, 5(5.4ac.), Whistler“Estate”, Zephyr Farms
  • CULTURE- AKA=The True Sonoma Coast
    • 1817- Grapes First Planted.
    • 2022- AVA. Officially Established.
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~West Sonoma Coast Vintners~
      • Mission~ Group of Wineries and Growers Who Are Passionate About Framing Along the Mountainous Coastline of Western Sonoma County.

FORT ROSS SEAVEIW AVA.     @Fort Ross

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Trousseau, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY– California, REGION-Sonoma(North-West), In Sonoma Coast AVA.(North-West)/ West Sonoma Coast AVA.
    • @Hw.#1/ Meyers Grade Road, LATITUDE: 38.51° ‘N’
  • TOPOGRAPHY– Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Ridges”
    • SLOPES/ Coast Mountain Range, +Alt. 920ft.(Min.)- 1,270ft.,  1,900ft.(Peak/ ? ft.)
    • On~Pacific~Ocean~(Near/3mi.), @Hw.#Meyers Grade
    • Topographic Events- ON FAULT/ San Andreas
      • Boomer Formation, Franciscan Melange
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Grave-Loam, Sandstone, Shale, Sandy Clay
    • Soil Series-  –Boomer Series–     –Hugo Series–      –Laughlin Series–    
      • –Sobrante Series–      –Yorkville Series–
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime”, Many Micro-Climates
    • INFLUENCED/ Proximity to Pacific, Above Inversion Layer.
  • VITICULTURE- 1,800 ac./ 55 ac. Planted
    • ADVANAGE– Luminosity From Pacific Ocean
    • Estates/ Producers– Blue Farm, Del Dotto, Enfield Wine Co., Failla(E./12ac.), Flowers(E.), Fort Ross(E.), Hirsch(E./ 72ac.), Marcassin(E.), Martinelli(E.), Peay, Peter Michael, Red Car, Raen, Unturned Stone(Nat.Pro.), Wayfarer, Wild Hog(E.), Williams Selyem
    • Vineyards– Block 8, Blue Slide Ridge(6ac.), Bohan Ranch, Boar’s View, Camp Meeting Ridge(29ac.), Le Caprice, Charles Ranch, Cinghiale, Clos du Ciel, Coastal, Del Dotto Cinghiale, Failla“Estate”(11ac.), Fort Ross“Estate”, Greer, Hellenthal, Hirsch“Estate”(*1980/72ac.), Home Field, King Ridge, Ma Danseuse, Marcassin“Estate”(20ac.), Martinelli“Estate”, McDougall Ranch, Mohrhardt Ridge, Mother of Pearl, Nobles, Parmeter, Precious Mountain(40ac.), Raschen Ridge, Red Car“Estate”, Royal St Robert ,Sea Field(4.8ac.), Sea View West Ridge(43ac.), Three Sisters, Waterhorse Ridge, Wayfarer(30ac.), Wild Hog“Estate”
  • CULTURE- 2011– AVA. Officially Established.
    • ~Etymology~ AVA. Named After the Old Russian Fort “Fort Ross” Built In 1812.

ANNAPOLIS AVA. (Un-Official)     @Annapolis

  • WHITE= Chardonnay
  • RED= Pinot Noir, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY– California, REGION-Sonoma(North-West), In Sonoma Coast AVA., / West Sonoma Coast AVA.
    • @Hw.#1(West), LATITUDE: 38.71° ‘N’
  • TOPOGRAPHY– Features- “Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/ Coast Mountain Range, +Alt. 524ft.- 1,168ft.
    • On~Pacific~Ocean~(Near)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime”
  • VITICULTURE- 292 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers– Alma Fria, Anthill Farms, Artesa, Atlas, Campbell, Emeritus, Holtermann, Thomas Brown, Peay(E.), Wilson
    • Vineyards– Annapolis Ridge, Campbell Ranch, Peay(20ac.),

OCCIDENTAL AVA.     @Occidental

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Riesling
  • RED= Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY– California, REGION-Sonoma(North-West), In Sonoma Coast AVA./ West Sonoma Coast AVA.
    • BORDERS-Freestone AVA.(South), LATITUDE: 38.40° ‘N’
  • TOPOGRAPHY– Features- “Rolling”, SLOPES/ Coast Mountain Range, +Alt. 750ft.- 800ft.
    • On~Pacific~Ocean~(Near)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Sandy Loam
    • Soil Series- ~Goldridge Series~
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime”
  • VITICULTURE-  ?  ac. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Cobb, Kistler(E./80ac.), Radio-Coteau, The Withers
    • Vineyards– BA Thieriot, Bodega Headlands, Boheme, Charlie Heintz, Coastlands, Doc’s Ranch, English Hill, Harrison Grade, The Haven, Jack Hill, Occidental Ridge, Occidental Station, Radio-Coteau“Estate”, Raen, Seascape, SWK
  • CULTURE- FESTIVALS~ ~West of the West Wine~ (August/ Occidental)

FREESTONE AVA.     @Freestone

  • WHITE= Chardonnay |   RED= Pinot Noir
  • GEOGRAPHY– California, REGION-Sonoma(North-West), In Sonoma Coast AVA./ West Sonoma Coast AVA.
    • BORDERS-Occidental AVA.(North), LATITUDE: 38.37° ‘N’
  • TOPOGRAPHY– Features- “Rolling/ Valley(Freestone)”
    • SLOPES/ Coast Mountian Range, +Alt. 248ft.- 1,246ft., On~Pacific~Ocean~(Near)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime”
  • VITICULTURE- 322 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers– Joseph Phelps*
    • Vineyards– Bodega(1.8ac.), Cleary, Cobb, Cielo, Dutton Ranch, Falstaff, Freestone, Freestone Flat, Pastorale, Platt(38ac.), Seascape, Quarter Moon(40ac.),

PETALUMA GAP AVA.      @Petaluma

  • WHITE= Chardonnay 13%, Pinot Gri 1%, Albariño, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Roussanne, Viognier
  • RED= Pinot Noir 70%, Syrah 12%, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Pinot Meunier, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Sonoma(South-West), In Sonoma Coast AVA.(South)
    • BORDERS–On~Coast/ Pacific Ocean~, Russian River AVA.(North), Carneros AVA.(South-East), (Laps)Marin County(South), LATITUDE: 38.23° ‘N’
    • North of Petaluma(10mi.), South of Sebastopol Hills AVA., North of Golden Gate Bridge(32 mi.)
    • CITIES-Bodega Bay, Tomales, Two Rocks, Petaluma
    • Sub-Zones- Lower Petaluma River Valley,  Marin Country(Laps)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly”
    • SLOPES/ Coast Mountain Range, +Alt. 200ft.- 820ft., On~Petaluma~River~/Copeland~Creek~
    • Petaluma Gap- Topographic 15 Mile Wide “Opening” Feature of Coastal Low-Land Between Bodega Bay and Tamales Bay to Opening of Petaluma River On San Pablo Bay. The Gap Allows Cool Ocean Moister Air to Funnel Inland From the Pacific Ocean East Over Land to San Pablo Bay.
    • Estero Americano- Lowland Estuary at the Opening of the Petaluma Gap, at the Pacific Ocean Where the Fog Begins to Roll In.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”
    • Ashy, Tufa, Clay/ Sandy Loam, Gravelly River Cobbles
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime”,  Coolest AVA. In Sonoma, +WIND/~Pacific~
  • VITICULTURE- 80,000 ac./ 1,900 ac. Planted, Early Bud Break, Long Growing Season.
    • BENEFIT– No Botrytis or Mildew Issues, High Skin to Juice Ratio.
  • VINICULUTRE-
    • Estates/ Producers- Adobe Road, Armida, Arari, Barber, Brooks Note, Bruliam, Calstar, Cline, Clouds Rest, DeLoach, Desire Lines, Dutton-Goldfield, Enriquez, Ernest, Fogline, Fulcrum, Gray Randolph, Griffin’s Lair, Guarachi Family, Gust, Jackson Family, Light of Day, Kastania, Keller(E.), Kara, MacRostie, McEvoy Ranch, Montagne Russe, Panther Ridge, Pfendler, Portworks, Ron Noble, Saltonstall, Sangiacomo, Schermeister, Thirty-Seven, Three Stick, Trombetta
    • Vineyards- Armagh, Calesa, Canfield, Catapult Ranch, Chileno Valley, El Coro, La Cruz, Diamond Pile, Fogline“Estate”, Fredrick(60ac.), Gap’s Crown(130ac.), Capston, Chileno Valley, Grand Vent, Griffin’s Lair“Estate”, Guarachi, Hill, Harvest Moon, Justice, Lakeville(176ac.), Lavio, Lazy M, Lichau Hill, Loomis, Oro de Plata, Pacheco, Panther Ridge“Estate”, Parliament Hills(55 ac.), Pearlessence, Pepperwood Ridge, Peters, Platt, Roberts Road(130ac.), Rodgers Creek, Saltonstall“Estate(40ac.)”, Sleepy Hollow, Spring Hill, Sun Chase(42ac.), Terra de Promissio(49ac.), Tolay Vista, Tomales, Ueberroth, Volamus, Work
  • CULTURE- 2017- AVA. Officially Established. (Defined Mostly On Wind Influence)
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance~
      • Mission~ Promote Winegrowers and Vinters Within the Petaluma Gap and Foster the Production of Wines From Petaluma Gap Fruit.
    • FESTIVALS~ ~Wind to Wine Festival~ (August/ Petaluma)

NORTHERN SONOMA AVA.      @Healdburg

  • GEOGRAPHY– California, REGION-Sonoma(North-East), In North Coast AVA., “Multi-Appellation”
    • Sub-AVA’s- Alexander Valley AVA., Dry Creek Valley AVA., Knights Valley AVA., Pine Mountain Cloverdale Peak AVA., Rock Pile AVA.

**Sonoma Images Courtesy of “Delong Maps”, Purchase These Maps at Delongwine.com

ROCK PILE AVA.     @Cloverdale

  • WHITE= Grenache Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Zinfandel 20%, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Primitivo, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY– California, REGION-Sonoma(North), In Dry Creek AVA., LATITUDE: 38.80° ‘N’
    • BORDERS-(Laps/ 20%)Dry Creek Valley AVA., Near Coast/Pacific Ocean(16 mi.)
  • TOPOGRAPHY– Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”
    • SLOPES/ ?, +Alt. 800ft.- 2,100ft., On~Lake~Sonoma~(Above 600ft.)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”
    • Loam, Clay, Small Rocks, Gravel, Peppered With Shale, Sandstone Sub-Soil
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”, Pacific Ocean, Lack of Fog
    • INFLUENCE/ Lake Sonoma(Located 750ft. Above)
  • VITICULTURE- 15,500 ac./ 191 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers– Baca, Carol Shelton, Domaine des Chirats, Hobo, Mauritson, Pezzi King, St. Anne’s Crossing, Wilson
    • Vineyards– Branham, Botticelli, Buck Pasture, Cemetery, Florence, Gloeckner-Turner, Jack’s Cabin, Lower Pond, Lumetta, Mauritson, Pritchett Peak, Rockpile, Rockpile Ridge, Sofies’s, Westphall Ridge
  • HISTORY & CULTURE-
    • 1992-  @Rock Pile– First Vineyard Planted.
    • 2002- AVA. Officially Established.
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Rockpile Grape Growers Association~
      • Mission~ Support Regions Grape Growers Through Shared Best Practices, as Well as to Educate Wine Connoisseurs About the Stellar Grape Growing Conditions  Inherent to the Rockpile Region.

DRY CREEK VALLEY AVA.      @Healdsburg

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Clairette Blanc, Counoise, Falanghina, Gewürztraminer, Muscat Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, Riesling, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier
  • RED= Alicante Bouschet, Barbera, Bastardo, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Cinsault, Garnacha, Lagrein, Malbec, Mataro AKA=Mourvèdre, Merlot, Mission, Montepulciano, Mourvèdre, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Primitivo, Sagrantino, Sangiovese, Schioppettino, Syrah, Vaccarese, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY– California, REGION-Sonoma(North), In Northern Sonoma AVA.
    • BORDERS-(Laps)Rock Pile AVA., @Hw.#Dry Creek Rd./ West Dry Creek Rd.
    • West of Geyserville-City(  mi.), (16mi. Long & 2mi. Wide), East of Pacific Ocean(15mi.)
    • Sub-Zones- Bradford Mountain, West Ridge, East Ridge, East Bench-lands
    • CITIES-Healdsburg, Lytton, LATITUDE: 38.61° ‘N’
  • TOPOGRAPHY– Features- “Flat/ Rolling/ Valley(Dry Creek)”
    • SLOPES/ ?, +Alt. 200ft.- 350ft., On~Lake~Sonoma~(Above 600ft.)
    • Canyon Creek/ Dutcher Creek/ Wine Creek~Tibutaries~Dry Creek~to~Russian River~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, Cortina Gravel, Clay Loam
    • Soil-Sub-Zones- “River Benchlands”, “Hillsides”
    • Soil Series- –Clough Series– Well Drained Gravely Loam(Red), High In Iron., Yolo Sandy Loam
      • –Manzanita Series– Well Drained Gravel, Silt Loam With Clay Loam Sub-Soil
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences, +Diurnal Shifts(+40° Variations)
    • INFLUENCE/ Lake Sonoma(Located 750ft. Below)
  • VITICULTURE- 78,050 ac./ 9,280 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers– A. Rafanelli, Belle*, Breaking Bread, Capo Creek, Dashe, David Coffaro, Dry Creek, Dutcher Crossing, Ferrari-Carano*, Frei Brothers, Fritz, Homewood, Idlewild, Kachina, Kinsella(12ac.), Lambert Bridge, Leo Steen, Matrix, Mazzoco, Mounts, Nalle*, Michel-Schlumberger, Ousterhout, Papapietro Perry, Pedroncelli*, Peterson, Pezzi King, Ridge*, Sbragia, Truett-Hurst, Unti, Quivira, Wilson
      Vineyards– A Cappella, Alto, Amann Ranch(HVS.,*1940’s), Andolsen, Beeson Ranch(HVS.,*1890/8ac.), Bernier-Sibary, Beveridge, Buchagnani, Bullock House, Bushnell, Chiquita, Coffaro(HVS.,*1890’s), Cortina(*1974), David Coffaro“Estate”(20ac.), Endeavor, East Side, Evertt Ridge, Faloni, Famighetti, Fig Tree, Florence, Forchini(HVS.,*1910’s), Frank Johnson, Garzini, Gold Mine Ranch(HVS.,*1910’s), Grandma’s, Grist, Guadagni(HVS.), Handal-Denier, Hardie Ranch, Henderlong, Home Ranch, Hoskins Ranch, Jigsaw, Jones, Lily Hill, Louvau, Lytton(HVS.,*1900’s), Maple(HVS.,*1910), Mizany(16ac.), Mounts“Estate”, Mother Clone, Nalle Ranch(HVS.,*1920’s/1.5ac.), Palindrome, Provisor, Puccioni(HVS.,*1904/2ac.), Ramazzotti, Rogers(HVS.,*1890’s/10.5ac.). Saini, Sawyer, Saini Farms, Spencer’s Hill, Taylor(HVS.,*1890’s/2ac.), Teldeschi(HVS.,*1890’s), Timber Crest, Treborce, Unti, Van Alyea Ranch, Wallace Ranch, Wild Cattle Dry(6ac.), Woods
  • CULTURE- 1983- AVA. Officially Established.
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Wine Growers of Dry Creek Valley~
    • PIONEERS~ 
      • ~George Bloch~ 1868, French Immigrant Who First Planted Vines In Dry Creek.
        • 1872- First Vinetage…Started of First Commercial Winery,
      • ~S.B. Hallengren~ 1868, Swedish Immigrant Who Planted First Vines.
      • ~Giovanni Pedroncelli~ Helped Modernize Wine Industry Post Prohibition, Mostly Selling Grapes to Home Winemakers.
  • GOING THERE-
    • ~The Family Wineries~
      • Enjoy a Unique Wine Tasting Experience Tasting Through Five Small Family Run Wineries In the Dry Creek Valley.  Taste Winemaking In Its Truest Form And Learn the Charming Stories Behind Each Lable.
      • Wineries- Collier Falls, Dash Cellars, Lago di Merlo, Mietz, Optima
    • ~Healdsburg Square~ “Healdsburg-City” 
      • Wineries–  Banshee, Cartograph, Hardford, Lioco, Portalupi, Selby, Siduri, Thumbprint

PINE MOUNTAIN/ CLOVERDALE PEAK AVA.     @Cloverdale

  • WHITE= Chardonnay 9%, Muscat Canelli, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon 79%, Merlot 6%, Malbec 3%, Cabernet Franc, Lagrein, Pinot Noir, Tannat, Tempranillo
  • GEOGRAPHY– California, REGION-Sonoma(North-East)
    • In Northern Sonoma AVA., @Hw.#101(East), LATITUDE: 38.61°‘N’
    • BORDERS-(Laps)Mendocino County(North), (Laps)Alexander Valley AVA.(South)
    • Only 1 of 3 California AVA. to Cross County Lines(Spring Mountain AVA., Carneros AVA.)
  • TOPOGRAPHY– Features- “Rolling/ Hilly”
    • SLOPES/ Mayacamas Mountains,+Alt. 1,600ft.- 3,000ft.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, Gravel-Loam/ Volcanic Sub-Soil
  • CLIMATE- “Continental”, +Diurnal Shifts(35°), +WINDS, Longer Growing Season
  • VITICULTURE- 4,750 ac./ 310 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers– Ampere, Capture, Imagery, Keller Range, Miro, Oak Ridge Ranch, Pine Mountain, Rural, Silverwood Ranch, Spicy Wine, Tin Cross
    • Vineyards– Archimedes, Bock, Pine Mountain, Reichel, Sky Pine, Sunnydaze, Tin Cross, Upper Ridge
  • CULTURE- 2011– AVA. Officially Established.

ALEXANDER VALLEY AVA.     @Geyserville

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Gewurtraminer, Marsanne, Muscat(Canelli), Riesling, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Scheurebe, Semillon, Viognier
  • RED= Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Dolcetto, Malbec, Merlot, Negrett, Nero d’Avola, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Primitivo, Sagrantino, Sangiovese, Syrah, Trousseau, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY– California, REGION-Sonoma(North-East), In Northern Sonoma AVA.
    • North of Healdsburg-City(1 mi.), (22 Miles Long &  5-7 Miles Wide), @Hw.#101, LATITUDE: 38.70° ‘N’
    • BORDERS-Dry Creek AVA.(South-West), Chalk Hill AVA.(South), Knights Valley AVA.(South-East)
    • Sub-Zones- Black Mountain, Cloverdale, Geyerville, Jimtown, Maacama, Pocket Peak, 
  • TOPOGRAPHY– Features- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Alexander)”
    • SLOPES/ Mayacamas Mountains, +Alt. 250ft.- 2,400ft.
    • On~Sausal/ Miller Creeks~Tributary~Russian~River~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”
    • Alluvial, Greywacke, Sandstone, Radiolarian Chert, Volcanic Ash, Clay, Greenstone, Serpentinite
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences
  • VITICULTURE– 32,536 ac./ 14,449 ac. Planted
      • CHALLENGE– Unwanted Botrytis
    • Estates/ Producers– Alexander Mountain(417ac.), Alexander Valley, Aperture, Bell Mountain, Clos Du Bois, Coppola*, Demostene(20ac.), Garden Creek, Hafner, J. Rickards, Jordan(120ac.), Lancaster, Mantra, Robert Young, Scherrer, Seghesio, Silver Oak, Stonestreet, Stuhlmuller, Trione, Zialena
    • Vineyards–(77)- Alden Ranch, Alexander Valley Road, Alexander’s Crown, Bear Point, Big River(*1910’s/13 ac.), Brothers Ranch, Brown Barn, Buchignani(13ac.), Carlin, Chateau Block, Chianti Station(HVS.,*1910’s), Christopher’s, Cloverdale Ranch, Cougar Ridge, Coyote Hill, Crazy Creek, Crocker, D&D(HVS.,*1920’s), Ellis Alden, Farrow Ranch, Field Stone(HVS.,*1894), Fredson Ranch(HVS.,*1900’s), Garden Creek“Estate”(70ac.), Gauer Ranch(Alexander Mountain), Geyserville Ranch, Hafner“Estate”, Hawkeye Mountain, Hawkes Pyramid, Home Ranch(HVS.), Hoot Owl Creek Ranch, Jimtown, Lone Tree, McClain, Medlock Ames, Meal, Meola(29ac.), Monolith, Nervo(HVS.,*1896, 2.5ac.), Oat Valley, Oliver Ranch, Oltranti, Pyramid, Reynoso, River, Rockaway, Rockfall, Rock Rise, Seghesio Home Ranch(HVS.,*1895/7ac.), Skipstone, St. Peter’s Church, Stuhlumuller“Estate”(150ac.), Tin Cross, Upper Barn, Verite, Vineyard 101(HVS.,*1920’s/2.5ac.), Whitton Ranch(HVS.,*1890’s, 7ac./*1966, 29ac.), Yoeman
  • CULTURE- 1984- AVA. Officially Established.
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Alexander Valley Winegrowers~ AVW.
    • PIONEERS~ ~Cyrus Alexander~ 1841, Planted First Vines In In Alexander Valley.
      • ~Harry Wetzel~ 1963, Planted First Chardonnay/ Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • GOING THERE-
    • WINE SQUARES~ ~Healdsburg Historic Plaza~ (26 Tasting Rooms)
  • SUB-ZONES Of ALEXANDER VALLEY
    • BLACK MOUNTAIN        
    • GEYSERVILLE CORNER
    • POCKET PEAK

KNIGHTS VALLEY AVA.     @Healdsburg

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Mourvèdre, Sangiovese, Syrah, Petite Verdot, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY– California, REGION-Sonoma(East), In Northern Sonoma AVA., @Hw.#128
  • TOPOGRAPHY– Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Knights)”
    • SLOPES/ Mayacamas Mountains(Base of Mt. St. Helena), +Alt. 750ft.- 1,900ft.
    • VOLCANISM~ ~Mt. St. Helena~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, Rhyolite Bedrock, Cobbled Alluvial, Volcanic Ash(Tuff)
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Mediterranean” Influences, Warmest AVA. In Sonoma
  • VITICULTURE- 2,000 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers– Anakota, Arrowood, Bavarian Lion, Beringer(E.), Cable, Ehret(E.), Hentsteeth, Highland Estates, Kendall Jackson, Melka, Peter Micheal(E.), Voros Cellars
    • Vineyards– Bavarian Lion, Belle Cote, Beringer“Estate”(Block 10), La Carriere, Helena Dakota(12ac.), Helena Montana(60ac.), Knights Bridge, Link, Ma Belle-Fille, Mallacomes, Mon Plaisir, Obsidian, Paola’s, Parr, Les Pavots, Pelkan Ranch, Zukowski

RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY AVA.     @Sebastapol

  • WHITE= Albariño, Albillo Mayor, Chardonnay, Colombard, Fiano, Greco, Grenache Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Muscat(Black), Pinot Blanc, Palomino, Pinot Gri, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Trousseau Gris
  • RED= Zinfandel 21%, Abouriou, Alicante Bouschet, Barbera, Cabernet Pfeffer, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Charbono, Dolcetto, Grand Noir, Merlot, Peloursin, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Schioppettino, St. Laurent, Syrah, Tannat, Tempranillo, Valdiguie, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Sonoma(Central), In Sonoma Coast AVA., LATITUDE: 38.40° ‘N’
    • CITIES-Graton, Guerneville, Monte Rio, Occidental, Sebastapol,  @Hw. #116, #126
    • Sub-Zones- Green Valley AVA.,  4 Areas, Referred to as “Neighborhood”
      • Middle Reach, Laguna Ridge, Santa Rosa Plain, Sabast0pol Hills, Western River Road, Windsor Hills
    • “Golden Triangle of Pinot Noir” Laguna Rd. Between River & Guerneville Rd.
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Russian River)”
    • SLOPES/ Coast Mountain Range, +Alt. 100ft.- 400ft.
    • On~Pacific~Ocean~(Near/ 5 mi.), On~Russian~River~
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime” With Micro-Climates Within Its Neighborhoods.
    • Coastal, Morning/ Evening Fog, Warm Days.  +Diurnal Shifts(+35°)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Goldridge Sandy Loam, Pleasanton Loam
    • Soil Series-  –Arbuckle Series–     –Haire Series–     –Hugo Series–     –Huichica Series–
      • –Goldridge Series–     –Steinbeck Series–     –Yolo Series–
  • VITICULTURE- 169,000 ac./ 16,000 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers-(Not Located In Demarcatd Sub-Zone)– Acorn, Anthill, Belle Glos, Carlisle, E18hteen, Flanagan, Foppiano, Hallberg Ranch, Halleck, Hansel, J., Jolie-Laide, Kendal Jackson, Larson, Marimar, Mary Edwards, Piper Sonoma, Porter-Bass, Wind Gap
    • Vineyards-(Not Located In Demarcated Sub-Zone.)– Alana(5.5ac.), Alegria(HVS.,1890), Allen, Amy’s(HVS.), Amber Ridge, Apple Lane, Bacchi Ranch(HVS.,*1900’s), Baker Ridge, Baranoff, Belloni(HVS.,*1900’s/7.5ac.), Biagi(HVS.), Bisordi Lane, Black Road, Bowland, Bow Tie, Bricoleur“Estate”(20ac.), Buena Tierra, Bush-Crispo, Cahill Lane, Calegari, Castelli-Knight(9ac.), Catie’s Corner, Chenoweth, Cider Ridge, Collins, Copper, Coopersmith, Cresta Ridge, Dairyman, El Diablo, Eastside Knoll, Eddie’s Patch, Emeritus, Ektimo, Elieo, Fanucchi Wood Rd., Farm, Flora Marie, Fog Crest, Foggy Bend, Foppiano“Estate”, Forchini(HVS.,*1910’s), Frei Road, Giovanetti(HVS.,*1890’s), Giusti Ranch, Georganne, High Wire(Chelli), Highland Divide, Hopkins, Huckleberry Snodgrass, Jane’s, Jolene’s, Keefer Ranch, Klopp Ranch, Koplen, Lagomarsino, Lancel Creek, Leras, Laurent Ritchie, Lewis MacGregor, Limerick Lane(HVS.,*1880/30ac.), Lucca’s, Lucky Well, Maffei(HVS.,*1920’s), Mary Edwards“Estate”, Masia Don Miguel, Montafi(HVS.,*1926), Moratto(HVS.,*1920’s), My Father’s, Orcio Sweetwater, Patient Terrior(23ac.), Papera(Carlo’s)(HVS.,*1935), Pillow Road, Rancho Coda, Ponzo(*1912), Pratt(38ac.), River Road(10ac.), Rochioli(Old Block-Jungle)(HVS.,*1950’s), Rue(HVS.,*1910’s), Russi(HVS.,*1900’s), Sexton Hill, Shone Farm(90ac.), Singler, Sodini(HVS.,*1905), Solas, Star Ridge, Starscape, Sweetwater Springs, Tara, Thorn Ridge, Tomar, Treehouse, Two Acres(HVS.,*1910’s/2ac.), Vellutini, Vimark, William James(7ac.), Winberrie(HVS.,*1906), Wohler, Zeigler(HVS.,*1920’s), Zio Tony(45ac.)
  • CULTURE-
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Russian River Valley Winegrowers~ RRVW.
      • Mission~ Dedicated to Promoting the Russian River Valley as the Premier Region For Growing Cool Climate Grapes.
    • PIONEERS~ ~J. Rocchioli~ 1968, One of First Pioneers In Russian River Pinot Noir.
      • ~Joseph Swan~ Early Pioneer of Pinot Noir In Russian River.
      • ~William Selyem~ One of  First Pioneers of Russian River Pinot Noir.

WESTERN RIVER ROAD AVA. (Neighborhood/ Un-Official AVA.)

MIDDLE REACH AVA. (Neighborhood/ Un-Official AVA.)     @Windsor

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Valdiguie, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Sonoma(Central), @Hw. Westside Road/ River Rd.(North)
    • In Russian River Valley AVA.(North), West of Windsor-City(3mi.), LATITUDE: 38.54° ‘N’
    • BORDERS-Dry Creek AVA.(North), Laguna Ridge(South)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Flat/ Rolling/ Terraces”, +Alt. 130ft.- 200 ft.
    • On~Pacific~Ocean~(Near/ 5 mi.), On~Russian~River~(West)
    • Alluvial Bench West of Russian River and South of Dry Creek.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”,  Sandstone, Shale, Gravel, Josephine Loam
    • Soil Series- –Yolo Series–
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime”, INFLUENCED/ Fog(Hangs Around Till it Burns Off.)
    • Warmest Area In Russian River Valley.
  • VITICULTURE- CHALLENGE– Alluvial Bench is Subject to Flooding.
    • Estates/ Producers- Arista, Bacigalupi*, Butcher, Copain, Davis Bynum, DuMOL, Flowers, Gary Farrell*, Great Oak, Hax, Landmark(Hop Klin), MacRostie, Matrix, Moshin, Porter Creek, De la Riviere, Rochioli*(E./140ac.), Thomas George, Twomey*, William Selyem
    • Vineyards- Allen, Appian Way, Bacigalupi(HVS.,*1950’s), Big Hill, Bloom Ranch(10ac.), Bucher, Castelli Knight Ranch, Fannuchi, Flax, Floodgate, Frost Ranch(44ac.), Goodard Ranch(26ac.), Little Hill, Racheal’s, Rochioli“Estate”, Rochioli“Old River Block”(*1974), Rochioli-Allen, Sweetwater, Thale’s, Three Corner, William Selyem“Estate”, Willow Side

GREEN VALLEY AVA.      @Graton

  • WHITE= Albariño, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Muscat(Alexandria)
  • RED= Pinot Noir, Syrah, Trousseau, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Sonoma(Central), @Hw.#116(West)
    • In Russian River Valley AVA.(South-West), Only Neighborhood Which is an Official AVA.
    • BOUNDARIES-West of Hw.#116
    • Sub-Zones- Upper Green Vally,  Lower Green Valley
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Green)”, +Alt. 400ft.
    • On~Pacific~Ocean~(Near/ 10 mi.)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Silt, Sandy Loam,  Soil Series- –Goldridge Series–
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime”, Coolest and Foggiest Area In Russian River Valley.
  • VITICULTURE- 2,700 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- DuMOL, Dutton-Goldfield, Emeritus*(E./110ac.), Freeman, Hartford Family(E.)*, Iron Horse*, Marimar, Orogeny(E.), Rubin Family(E.), Taft Street(E.)
    • Vineyards- 3 D, Alabrex, Alana(5.5ac.), Alper, Asern, Arrendell, Bailey, Barlow, Barron, Bartolomei, Bateman, Bella Luna, Beregszaszy Country, Bondi Home Ranch, Bones’s Lane, Bootleggers’s Hill, Bros. Searby, Calypso, Chenoweth, Cherry Camp, Coffee Lane, Cohen, Coppersmith, Corral, Crinella, Curtis-Davis, D. Giovanetti, Don Miguel, Dr. Maruice Galante, Dz, Emerald Ridge, Ferguson, Fountain Blue, Fox Den(8ac.), Gibson-Martinelli, Giberti, Gold Leaf, Graham, Green Valley Inc., Gunsalus, Hailey’s, Hallberg(100ac.), Hartford(HVS.,*1910’s), Hawk Hill, Heintz Ranch, Hervey, Highwire, Holder, Iron Horse“Estate”, Jackass Hill(HVS.,*1890’s), Jewell, Jonive, Keefer Ranch(*1988), Kobler, Kozlowski, Lake View, Lennox, Lolita Ranch(12ac.), Lorenzo, M Keller, Manzana, Martinelli Road(Bandfield)(HVS.,*1880’s), Marty’s, Millstation, Morelli Lane, Mori, Nellessen, Northern Spy, O’Conner, Pellini, Perry Ranch, Riel, Rir Johnson, Rancho Bello, Ritchie, Ross Road, Ross Station, Rubin Family, Rued, Sanchietti, Schleth, Silva, Silver Eagle, Smith, Stephen’s, Sundawg Ridge, Swicegood, Ted & Shirley Weekds, Thomas Road, Tina Marie, Topolos, Trombetta, Tykanera, Vellutini, Wagging Tails, Walker Station, W.E. Bottoms, Widdoes, Windham, Zephyr Farms
  • CULTURE- 1883- AVA. Officially Established.
    • ASSOCIATIONS– ~Green Valley Vintners~

LAGUNA RIDGE AVA. (Neighborhood/ Un-Official AVA.)      @Forrestville

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Gewurtzraminer, Muscat(Black), Palamino, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Alicante Bouschet, Barbera, Cabernet Pfeffer, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Sonoma(Central), @Hw. River Rd.
    • In Russian River Valley AVA.(Central), BOUNDARIES-East of Hw.#116
    • BORDERS-Green Valley(West), Santa Rosa Plain(East)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Ridge(Laguna)”, On~Pacific~Ocean~(Near/ 10mi.)
    • Middle of “Golden Triangle of Pinot Noir” Laguna Rd., Between River & Guerneville Rd.
    • North the South Ridge Running From Forestville(North) to Sebastopol(South).
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Silt, Sand, Some Clay
    • Soil Series-  –Goldridge Series-, –Altamont Series-, –Franciscan Series–
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime”
    • Estates/ Producers- Balleto(E.), Benovia(E.), Dehlinger, Dutton Estate*(E.), Hanna, Joseph Swan*, Kosta Brown(E.), Lynmar, Martaella(42ac.), Martin Ray, Pellegrini-Olivet Lane(E.), Ritchie, Quail Hill, Scherrer(E.)
    • Vineyards- Burnside Road, Coopersmith, Denner Ranches, Dehlinger, Dolinsek Ranch(Frati)(HVS.,*1910’s), Four Hearts, Gantz(4.5ac.), Great Oak, Hanna Home Ranch, Jasper, Kistler, Klopp Ranch, Laguna, Marcucci, Martaella“Estate”(42ac.), Oehlman, Ritchie, Saralee’s, Toboni, Trenton, Vine Hill

SANTA ROSA PLAIN AVA.  (Neighborhood/ Un-Official AVA.)      @Santa Rosa

  • WHITE= Albillo Mayor, Chardonnay, Colombard, Muscadelle, Palamino
  • RED= Abouriou, Alicante Bouschet, Carignan, Grand Noir, Peloursin, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Tempranillo, Valdigue, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Sonoma(Central), In Russian River Valley AVA.(West)
    • North-East of Santa Rosa-City(     mi.), @Hw.# River Road/ Olivet Rd.
    • BORDERS-Luguna Ridges(West), Middle Reach(North)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Flat/ Rolling”, ON PLAIN/ Santa Rosa, +Alt. 100ft.- 150ft.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Alluvial, Shale, Sandstone, Cobblestone
    • Soil Series-  –Huichica Series–(Clay-Based)
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime”
    • Estates/ Producers- Balletto, Battaglini, Benovia, Carlisle, Failla, Havest Moon, Inman, Lauterbach, Martinelli, Paul Hobbs, Pellegrini, Ramey, Saralee’s, Screen Door, Siduri
    • Vineyards- Battaglini(HVS.,*1885), BCD, Betty Ann(HVS.,*1900’s), Carlisle(Pelletti)“Estate”(HVS.,*1927), Colon, Craighead(HVS.,*1873), Fanucchi, Jane, Maffei(*1920’s), Mancini(HVS.,*1922), Montafi(HVS.,*1926), Moonshine Ranch(7ac.), Occidental Road, Olivert Lane, Olivet Ranch(14ac.), Papera Ranch(HVS.,*1934), Piner Olivet, Saitone(HVS.,*1890’s/22ac.)

SEBASTOPOL HILLS AVA. (Neighborhood/ Un-Official AVA.)     @Sebastopol

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris
  • RED= Pinot Noir
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Sonoma(Central), In Russian River Valley AVA.(South)
    • BORDERS-Green Valley(North-West), Pelaluma Gap AVA.(South), BOUNDARIES-South of Hw.#12
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly”
    • SLOPES/ Sebastopol Hills, +Alt. 400ft.- 800ft., On~Pacific~Ocean~(Near)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”
    • Soil Series-  –Altamont Series–, Wilson Grove,  –Goldridge Series– Clay-Heavy
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime”, Strong Fog Influence
  • VITICULTURE- 848 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Balletto, DeLoach, Kanzler, Littorai, Meridith, Reichwage
    • Vineyards- Baker Lane,Bondi Home, Burnside Road, Falstaff Road, Haven, H. Klopp, Jay Morris(4ac.), Jennifer’s, Jouissance, Maboroshi, Majik(1ac.), McDonald Mountain, Meredith, Monticue, Mukaida, Nellessen, Pennacchio, Platt(31ac.), Rayhill, Sexton Hill, Starkey, Tilton Hill, UV, Wind Gap

WINDSOR HILLS/ Eastern Hills AVA. (Neighborhood/ Un-Official AVA.)  @Windsor

  • WHITE= Chardonnay
  • RED= Pinot Noir
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Sonoma(Central), In Russian River Valley AVA.
    • South-East of Windsor-City(    mi.), LATITUDE: 38.54° ‘N’
    • BORDERS- Middle Reach(West), Chalk Hill AVA.(East), BOUNDARIES-East of Hw.#101
  • TOPOGRAPHY– Features- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/ Windsor Hills, +Alt. ?
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime”
    • Estates/ Producers- Bellacana, Bricoleur, Brown Forman, Calluna, La Crema, Dumol, Gamba, Martinelli, Mutt Lynch, Notre Vue, Sonoma Cutrer*, Windsor
    • Vineyards- Dumol“Estate”, Lorenzo

CHALK HILL AVA.     @Windsor

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dolcetto, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Sonoma(East–Central), @Hw.#101(East)
    • (In-Laps)Russian River Valley AVA.(South-West)/ In(Laps) Alexander Valley AVA.(North-East)
    • Sub-Zones- Mark West Springs
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly”
    • SLOPES/ Mayacamas Mountains(West), +Alt. 200ft.- 1,300ft.
  • VITICULTURE- 1,500 ac. Planted
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, Not Chalk, Quartzite, Sand, Silty-Loam
    • ~Etymology~ Chalk Refers to White-Volcanic Ash From Mt. St. Helena.
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Maritime” Influence
    • Estates/ Producers- Acaibo, Albini Family, Chalk Hill*, Roth*, Trinite(International/Lurtons), Windsor Oaks
    • Vineyards- Clajeux, Colonel’s, Windsor Oakl“Estate”
  • CULTURE- 1983- AVA. Officially Established.

SONOMA VALLEY AVA.     @Sonoma

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Chassellas, Chenin Blanc, French Colombard, Friulano, Furmint, Gewurztraminer, Grenache Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Muscadelle, Palomino, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Roter Veltliner, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Sylaner, Trousseau Gri, Viognier
  • RED= Zinfandel 24%, Aleatico, Alicante Bouchet, Aubun, Barbera, Black Panther, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Castets, Cinsault, Counoise, Etraire de la Dui, Garnacha, Grand Noir, Lenoir, Mataro AKA=Mourvèdre, Merlot, Mission, Mondeuse, Montepulciano, Mysterious Spotted Grape of Old Hill, Petit Verdot, Petite Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Trousseau
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Sonoma(South-East), LATITUDE: 38.9° ‘N’
    • BORDERS-Napa“Region”(East), Alexander Valley AVA.(North),  @Hw.#12, (17mi. Long)
    • CITIES-Agua Caliente, Boyes Hot Springs, Glen Ellen, Kenwood, Sonoma, El Verano
    • Sub-Zones/ AVA.’s- Bennett Valley AVA.(North-West), Los Carneros AVA.(South), Moon Mountain AVA.(East), Sonoma Mountain AVA.(West-Central)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Valley(Sonoma)”
    • SLOPES/ BETWEEN-Sonoma Mountain(West)(Peak 2,463 ft.), & Mayacamas Mountains(East)/ Hood Mt/ Sugarloaf Ridge. +Alt.250ft.-2,600ft., (Peak/ 2,733 ft.) 
    • GAPS/ Annadel (Between Sonoma Mountain and Mount Hood.)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”
    • Goulding-Toomes-Guenoc Association (Lava Flow, Tuffbeds, Sandstone, Gravel and Conglomerate)
    • Spreckels Loam, Huichica Loam
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Maritime”, Influences
    • Winds From San Pablo Bay & Petaluma Gap.
    • Many Hillside Vineyards Above Fog Inversion Layer.
  • VITICULTURE- 5,500 ac. Planted
    • CHALLENGES– Spring Frosh, Winter Drought, Harvest Rain, Ground Squirrels
  • VINICULTURE-
    • Estates/ Producers-(Not Located In Demarcated AVA.)– Argot, Arrowwood, Biale, Bedrock Wine Co.*(M. T. Peterson), BR Cohn, Broc Cellars, Bucklin*, Buena Vista*(*1857), Coturri, Gail, The Grenachista, Gundlach-Bundschu, Hamel, Kenwood, Kistler, Kokomo, Kunde*, Landmark, Ladson, Laurel Glen, Madrone, Paint Horse, Pickberry, Ravenswood*, Scribe, Sebastiani, Serres Ranch, Sixteen 600, Sojourn, St. Jean*(93ac.), St. Francis*, Tom Mackey, VBS., Westwood
    • Vineyards-(Not Located In Demarcated AVA.)– Annadel Gap(22ac.), Argot“Estate”, Armor Plate(Stellwagen)(HVS.,*1890’s), Arrowhead Mountain, Barracia(HVS.,*1890/36ac.), Bedrock/Madrone(HVS.,*1880’s/119ac./33ac. Old Vine), Behler, Berger, Burrel, Carlisle Steiner, Carriger One, Carriger Two, Casa Santinamaria/Maggies(HVS.,*1890), Los Chamizal, Chauvet(*1930’s), Cherry Block, Compagni Portis(HVS.,*1954), Cote des Cailloux, Cullinane, Denmark St., Fredericks(HVS.,1930’s), Heinstein, Hershberb, Herron(HVS.,*1960’s), Kiser, Kitty Face, Idell Family, Iron Hill, Justi Creek/Heritage-Mancuso(HVS.,*1910/10ac.), Katherina, Kunde/Shaw(HVS.,*1882), Ladis, Landa, Landmark, Lazy Dog, Mathis(7.5ac.), MacLead Family, Maggie’s, Miraluna(1ac.), Mission, Old Hill Ranch(HVS.,*1885/12ac.), The Nines, Old Winery, Pagani(HVS.,*1900’s/30ac.), La Prenda, Puccini(HVS.,*1906/1ac.), Red Dog, Rhinefarm, Richard Dinner, Richard’s(2.2ac.), Romanini, Rossi Ranch(HVS.,*1910), Scribe“Estate”, Serres Ranch, Severson, Snow, Steel Plow(11ac.), Stemach, Stornetta, Sunny Slope, Uboldi, Valsecchi(HVS.,*1900’s), Weill a Way, Wellington(HVS.,*1890’s), West Cherry Block, White Perry, Wildcat Mountain(58ac.), Wild Oak, Wildwood, Woolard, Ziblatt
    • Old Vine Cru Vineyards of Sonoma Valley…Bedrock, Monte Rosa, Old Hill Ranch, Pagani
  • HISTORY & CULTURE- 1981- AVA. Officially Established.
    • Sonoma Valley is Know as the Birthplace of California’s Commercial Wine Industry.
    • Sonoma Valley is Often Referred to as the Valley of the Moon.
    • Sonoma Valley Has a History of Italian and German Immigrants Settling the Area. For Some Reason the Italian Generally Settled On the Sonoma Mountain(Western Side) and the German Immigrants Generally Settled On the Mayacamas Mountains(Eastern Side).
    • “Monks & Monasteries” ~Mission San Francisco de Solando~
    • PIONEERS~ ~Gundlach Bundschu~ 
      • Germany Immigrant and Founder of Historical Sonoma Valley Winery.
      • ~Coturri, Phil~ “Sonoma/1956- Present”
        • Viticulturist In Sonoma Valley, Championed Organic Farming In 1970’s.
    • WINNER “Worlds Best”~ DtheV.com Awards- “Best American AVA.”  (2nd. Place)
      • **Refer to “WINE CULTURE/ Derek’s Top 6 List” For Detailed Information.
  • GOING THERE- WINE TOURS~ ~Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley~

BENNETT VALLEY AVA.     @Santa Rosa

  • WHITE= Chardonnay 19%, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Malbec, Merlot, Mourevedre, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Sonoma(South-East)
    • North-East of San Francisco-City(60mi.), LATITUDE: 38.44° ‘N’
    • In Sonoma Valley AVA.(North-West), (Laps)Sonoma Mountian AVA.(South-East)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Bennett)”
    • SLOPES/ Mayacamas Mountains(Bennett Mountain(East)/ Taylor Mountain(West)/Sonoma Mountain(South), +Alt. 250 ft. -1850 ft.
    • BORDERS- 3 Mountain: Sonoma Mountain(Laps/ South), Bennett Mountain, Taylor Mountain
    • High Ground Between Sonoma Valley and Cotati Valley.
    • BETWEEN: Sonoma Valley & Cotati Valley, On~Manzanita~Creek~
    • +WIND GAP/ ~Bennett Valley~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”
    • Valley- Zamora Silty Clay Loam
    • Hillsides- Gneiss, Schist, Sandstone, Gravel, Clear Lake Clay
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”
  • VITICULTURE- 700 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Bennett Valley*, Berlin, Black Knight, C Squared, Flanagan Family, Grey Stack, Manzanita Creek*(E./650ac.), Morley, Nelson, Sable Ridge, Silver Pines, Three Creek, Westerhold(E.)
    • Vineyards- Barbed Oak, Bennett Mountain, Bennett Valley, Berlin“Estate”, Blue Moon, Cardiac Hill, Connell, Dextor, Four Brothers, Frostwatch, Graves(13ac.), Helena Bench, Jackson Park, Judge Family, Lone Oak, Marina’s, Morley“Estate”, Morris, Nelson“Estate”, Nolan, Las Piedras, Radian Ridge, Rolling Hills, Sable Ridge“Estate”, Simpatico Ranch, Sundowner, Sylvan Hills, Terra Dolce, Three Creek“Estate”, Vivio, Westerhold Family
  • HISTORY- 1862- First Vineyards Planted by Isaac DeTurk
    • 2003– AVA. Officially Established.
  • CULTURE- ~Etymology~ Named After James Bennett.

SONOMA MOUNTAIN AVA.     @Glen Ellen

  • WHITE= Carricante, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, Palomino, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon
  • RED= Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dolcetto, Garnacha, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Nerello Mascalese, Petit Verdot, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Sonoma(South-East), LATITUDE: 38.36° ‘N’
    • In Sonoma Valley AVA.(West-Central), (Laps)Bennett Valley AVA.(North-West)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Valley(Sonoma) Terraced”
    • SLOPES/ Sonoma Mountains, +Alt. 500ft.- 1,500ft.(Peak 2,463ft.)
    • ON FAULT/ Rodgers Creek, Ancient Volcanic Caldera
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”,  +Diurnal Shifts(+35° Variation)
    • +Influenced/ Above Fog, Inversion Layer
  • VITICULTURE- 5,800 ac./ 607 ac. Planted
  • VINICULTURE- Still,  Blends
    • Estates/ Producers- Belden Barns, Benzinger*(E./Bio.-Dyn./35 ac.), Bevan, Carlisle, Coturri & Sons(E.), Jack London(E./51ac.), Laurel Glen(E.), Mayo(E.), Paul Hobbs, Pigasus, Richard Berridge, Robert Hunter(E.), Rhys, Silver Pines(E.)
    • Vineyards- Ashton, Barbed Oak(8ac.), Benzinger“Estate”, De Crescenzo(1.5ac.), Dos Limones, Farina, Feingold East(1.5ac.), Herron(1.5ac.), Hi Vista, Laurel Glen(12 ac.), Marymor, McCrea(34ac.), Minnes(3ac,), Morning Sun(37ac.), Moro, Murray Ranch, Nelson(1.85ac.), One Sky(11ac.), Pickberry, Pigasus(Alta Ridge), Red Dog, Richard Dinner(26ac.), Silver Pine, Steiner, To Ergon Berger, Van der Kamp(*1952, 26ac.)
  • CULTURE- 1985- AVA. Officially Established
  • GOING THERE- ~WINE TOURS~ Benzinger’s Bio-Dynamic Tour
    • ~NON-WINE~ Explore Jack London State Park

MOON MOUNTAIN AVA.     @Agua Calient

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Gewurztraminor, Marsanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Roussanne, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Sonoma(South-East), In Sonoma Valley AVA.(East)
    • East of Glenn Ellen-City(    mi.), BORDERS-Napa“Region”(East)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling, Hilly/ Mountainous/ Terraces”
    • SLOPES/ Mayacamas Mountains(Mt. Veeder, Mount Pisgah), +Alt. 400ft.- 2,600ft.
      • Sonoma Side of Napa’s Mt. Veder AVA.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, Basalt, Ash, Tuscan Red-Clay Loam
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”, +Influenced/ Above Fog, Inversion Layer
    • Only AVA. In America Based On 100% Volcanic Soil.
  • VITICULTURE- 17,660 ac./ 1,500 ac. Planted
    • Oldest Pinot Noir Vineyard In America.(Hanzell)
  • VINICULTURE-
    • Estates/ Producers- Amaploa Creek(E.), B Wise, Beltane Ranch, Gardenker, Hamel(E.), Hanna, Hanzell*, Kamen(E.), Louis M. Martini, Mountain Terraces, Pangloss, Peroni, Repris(E.), Sixteen 600, Stone Edge, Yannick Rousseau
    • Vineyards- Alta Vista(*1940/2.5ac.), Amapola Creek, Amaro, Ambassodores 1953, Arrowhead Ranch, Atwood Ranch, Baldwine Rattlesnake Ridge, Barboshi, Bartholomew, Birch Estate Mooon Hollow, Bon, Bonino, Brye(13ac.), Bismark Mountain, Bruschera, B. Wise“Estate”, Caton, Cavedale, Los Chamizal Haywood, Los Chamizal Shorenstein, Charlie Smith, Chuy(*1964), Coturri“Estate”, Cross Creek, Curley, Day, Dearing, De Brye, Dellar, Des Nudos, Favero, Fredericks, Frog Creek, Gamble Family MaryAnn, Gehricke, Gold, Gordenker Ranch, Hanzell(HVS.,*1950’s), Heritage Black Indian Leap, Inis Eibhleann, Iron Hill, Kasper, Kelly, Kistler, Lambert Bridge Gillfillan, Lasseter Trinity Ridge, Ledson Mountain Terraces, Liquid Sky, Lupin Ridge, Las Madronas, McAdams, Mid-Slope, Montecilo(HVS.,*1968), Moon Mountain(70ac.), Moonridge, Mount Pisgah, Mountain Terrace, Monte Rosso(HVS.,*1880’s), Nicholas, Nunnery, Nuns Canyon, Parks/Bohlen, Petroni Poggio alla Pietra, Ramos(4.5ac.), Rancho Salina, Sepio, Sessions(4ac.), Simons, Silver Cloud, Sixteen 600“Estate”(2.5ac.), Sonoma View, Stone Edge Silver Cloud, Sunny Slope, Th. Brown, Theorem(15ac.), Thortorn-Clark, Twelve Moon Ranch, Valley House, Wood Valley Road, Versaggi, Zellerbach
  • CULTURE- 2013- AVA. Officially Established.
    • Oldest Semillon Planting In America is Said to Be Planted In Monte Rosso Vineyard.
    • PIONEERS~ ~Emmanuel Goldstein~ 
      • Planted First Vineyard On Moon Mountain In 1880’s.

FOUNTAINGROVE DISTRICT AVA.     @Santa Rosa

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Garnacha, Graciano, Merlot, Mondeuse Noire, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Sonoma(South-East), In Sonoma Valley AVA.(North)
    • BORDERS-Knights Valley AVA.(North), Chalk Hill AVA.(North-West), Russina River AVA.(West), Sonoma Valley AVA.(South)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/ Mayacamas Mountains, +Alt. 400ft.- 2,00oft.
    • Sonoma Side of Napa’s Spring Mountain AVA.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, Franciscan Bedrock, Tuff, Basalt
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”
  • VITICULTURE- 38,000 ac./ 600 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Bricoleur, Heller Family, Hidden Ridge, Lambert Bridge, Pax, Sheldon
    • Vineyards- Bastoni(35ac.), Bearg Ranch, Cornell, Kick Ranch(41ac.), Luc’s, Peaceland, Pence, Redwood Hill, Riebli Valley, Wedge Family
  • CULTURE- ~Etymology~ Named After the Fountaingrove Winery Which Started In 1882.
    • 2015- AVA. Officially Established.

SPRING MOUNTAIN/ Sonoma AVA. (Un-Official)   @

  • WHITE= Chardonnay
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Sonoma(South-East), In Sonoma Valley AVA.
    • BORDERS-(Laps)Napa“Region”(East)
    • Only 1 of 3 California AVA. to Cross County Lines(Carneros AVA., Pine Mountain AVA.)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Hilly/ Mountainous/ Terraced”
    • SLOPES/ Mayacamas Mountains, +Alt. 2,000ft.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”, +Influenced/ Above Fog, Inversion Layer
  • VITICULTURE–  163 ac./ 50 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers– Cornell, Hidden Ridge(E.), Pride

LOS CARNEROS AVA.     @Sonoma

  • WHITE= Albariño, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Roussanne, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Vermentino, Vernaccia, Viognier
  • RED= Barbara, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Syrah, St. Laurent, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Sonoma(South-East), In Sonoma Valley AVA.(South), In Sonoma Coast AVA.(South-East) 
    • BORDERS-(Laps)Petaluma Gap AVA., (Laps)Napa“Region”(East), @Hw.#12/ #121
    • (AVA. Laps)Napa(East) **Refer to “NAPA, Carneros” For Additional AVA. Information.
    • Only 1 of 3 California AVA. to Cross County Lines(Spring Mountain AVA., Pine Mountain AVA.)
    • Sub-Zones- South of Highway 37
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Flat/ Rolling”, SLOPES/ ?, +Alt. 25 ft.- 100ft.
    • On~San Pablo~Bay~(Near)/ On~Sonoma/ Felder/ Fowler/ Rodgers~Creek~
    • Transitional Area of Sonoma Between Salt Plains/ Marshes and Foothills.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Haire Clay-Loam, Zamora Silty Clay, Wright Loam
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime”, Coolest Area In Sonoma Valley, +WIND~ ~Carneros Express~
    • Receives Fog/ Moisture From Petaluma Gap & On~Pablo~Bay~
  • VITICULTURE- 1,100 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Anaba, Bonneau, Ceja, Cline, Donum, Enkidu, Etude, Homewood, Gloria Ferrer(E./335ac./International(Freixenet)/ Sparkling), Jacuzzi*, Keating, Larson, Meadowcraft, Nicholson, Ram’s Gate, Ryme, Sangiacomo, Schug*(40ac.), Scribe, Three Sticks, Truchard, Viansa
    • Vineyards- Amaral(110ac.), Arrowhead, Bates(56ac.), Black Bird, Broadway, Las Brisas, Catarina(80ac.), Ceja, Corners, Durell(132ac.), Five Sisters Ranch, Fredrick(60ac.), Grace Benoist Ranch, Green Acres(162ac./*1969), Harris(54ac.), Kiser(170ac.), Home Ranch(110ac.), Hudson Ranch(200ac.), Jennings, Kiser, Larson, Las Madres(8.5ac.), Montini, El Novillero(245ac.), Palmer, Placida, Reinke, Ricci, Sandbach, Sangiacomo(60ac.), Southern Sonoma(155ac.), Stevens, Tallgrass, Valeries’s, Vella(100ac.), 
  • VINICULTURE- A Lot of Grape Are Sourced For Sparkling Wine Production.
  • CULTURE- 1983- AVA. Officially Established.
    • ~Etymology~ Los Carneros Meaning The Rams In Spanish Referring to the 1840’s When this Area Was Sheep Ranches and Dairies.
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Carneros Wine Alliance~
      • Mission~ Committed to Promoting the Distinction, Diversity and Quality of Grapes Grown In Carneros.
    • PIONEERS~ ~Schug, Walter~ “German Born”,1959, Winemaker Helped Put Carneros On Map.

NORTH COAST AVA.   @Sonoma

  • WHITE=   |   RED= **Refer to “AVA.’s” For Grape Information
  • GEOGRAPHY– California, Northern California
    • COUNTIES-(AVA. Laps)Lake County, Mendocino County, Napa County
  • VITICULTURE– Wine Produced In “NORTH COAST” Non-Conforming to an AVA.
    • Grapes Can Be Source From Mendocino, Sonoma, Lake and Napa Counties.
  • CULTURE- 1983- AVA. Officially Established.
  • GEOGRAPHIC DISCLAIMER~ “Marin County is Not Sonoma, But I Put it at End of the Sonoma Chapter Because of Proximity and Similarities In Locality, Climate and Topography.”

MARIN COUNTY AVA. (Un-Official)     @San Rafael

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Gewurtraminor, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Montepulciano, Pinot Noir, Refosco, Sagrantino, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, COUNTY-Marin, North of San Francisco-City(1mi.)
    • BORDERS-Sonoma “Region”(North), San Francisco Bay(South)
    • On~Pacific ~Ocean~/On~San Pablo~Bay~
    • Sub-Zones- Petaluma Gap AVA.(Laps)Sonoma County
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly”
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Maritime” Influence
  • VITICULUTRE- ? ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Andromeda, Bailiwick, Brooks Note, Burning Bench(E.), Dutton Goldfield, Easkoot, Kalin Cellars(T. Leighton), Kendric, Pacheco Ranch(E.), Pey-Marin, Point Reyes, Ross Valley, Sean Thackrey, Skywalker Ranch(E.), Trek
    • Vineyards- Azaya Ranch, Blue Wing, Chileno Valley, Corda, Devil’s Gulch, Kendric“Estate”, McEvoy Ranch(27ac.), Moon Hill, Pacheco Ranch(3ac.), Pey-Marin“Estate”, Stubbs, Quail Hill

**Refer to “BIBLIOGRAPHY/ Sources” For Details On Scholarly Works Referenced.