Sonoma
Sonoma is Napa's larger, cooler, more diverse neighbor across the Mayacamas range. The Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley produce California's leading Pinot Noir and cool-climate Chardonnay. Dry Creek Valley is Zinfandel country with old field-blend vines. Alexander Valley grows ripe Cabernet at lower price points than Napa. The region holds 19 AVAs with substantial climate variation across short distances.
Signature grapes
Defining styles
Famous appellations
- Sonoma Coast
- Russian River Valley
- Dry Creek Valley
- Alexander Valley
History
Russian colonists planted vines at Fort Ross in 1817; Agoston Haraszthy founded Buena Vista in 1857. Phylloxera and Prohibition wiped out most plantings. The post-Prohibition revival was led by ranchers and Italian immigrants; the 1970s saw the modern boom with Williams Selyem, Kistler, and others establishing serious Pinot Noir and Chardonnay programs. Sonoma was a late mover on AVA recognition relative to its size and quality.