Sonoma County

Sonoma County lies north of San Francisco, between the cool Pacific Ocean and the warmer interior near the Mayacamas Mountains. It is not a uniform wine region: the coast, the Petaluma Gap and parts of the Russian River Valley receive a strong maritime influence, bringing fog, wind and long, cool growing seasons. Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Knights Valley are noticeably warmer farther inland. Elevation, slope, distance from the ocean and gaps in the terrain create substantial variation within a single county.

Its soils are equally diverse. Sandstone, shale and lean, well-drained soils occur near the coast; the light, sandy Goldridge soil is particularly associated with the Russian River Valley. Volcanic soils are found in the hills, while valley floors often contain alluvial deposits. This combination allows Sonoma to grow both cool-climate varieties and grapes that need more heat. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are especially important in cooler areas, while Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Franc have significant roles in warmer valleys and hillside sites.

Sonoma County is a legally recognized county appellation in the United States. Within it are numerous more narrowly defined American Viticultural Areas, or AVAs, including Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, Sonoma Valley, Chalk Hill, Bennett Valley and Petaluma Gap. A smaller AVA on the label generally signals a more specific origin than Sonoma County. Under federal rules, a wine carrying an AVA designation must generally be made from at least 85 percent grapes grown in that AVA.

Wine styles range from crisp, citrus-led Sauvignon Blanc and refined, often oak-influenced Chardonnay to fragrant, silken Pinot Noir. Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel can be ripe, peppery and full-bodied, while Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon commonly combines cassis, plum, cedar and firm yet ripe tannins. Well-known producers include Rodney Strong, Dry Creek Vineyard, Château St. Jean, Ferrari-Carano, Patz & Hall and Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Fresh whites are often best enjoyed young; serious Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet can age well, depending on producer and vintage.