Sonoma Valley

Viticulture in northern Californian began in Sonoma Valley in 1823 when Franciscan monks at Mission San Francisco Solano planted vineyards. By 1857, Agoston Haraszthy, dubbed “Father of the California Wine Industry,” founded one of California’s first successful commercial wineries in Sonoma - Buena Vista Winery.  By 1920, there were 256 wineries in Sonoma Valley, with more than 20,000 acres of grape vines planted. Many of the original winery stone shells still stand today, a reminder of the valley’s rich history.

Framed by the Mayacamas range, Napa County to the east and Sonoma Mountain to the west, Sonoma Valley includes the entire Sonoma section of the Carneros AVA and the historic small town of Sonoma. The area is known for its unique terroirs with Sonoma Mountain protecting the wet and cool influences from the Pacific Ocean. Cool air still penetrates from the south, off the San Pablo Bay at Carneros, as well as from the north through a gap into the Santa Rosa Plain. Given the total variability of the regions, many different varieties of grapes are grown here. On the southern end, the cooler climate is ideal for Pinto Noir and Chardonnay, and in the midsection of the valley, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot typically thrive. Higher up, near the ridgelines, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel come into their own.