Press Releases
Share/BookmarkCalifornia's Sonoma Wine Country
Sonoma County, CA Sonoma County is one of the most diverse and special winegrowing regions in California, and perhaps in all the world. The region is a large viticultural area, but what distinguishes it is not its size but its amazing range of terroir and microclimates. Combined under the umbrella of the state’s overall temperate climate, this means every major varietal can find a home to grow exceptionally well in some spot of this region.
The county is home to 13 AVAs (American Viticultural Areas), each with its own distinctive characteristics and planted to a wide range of varietals. From cool-climate Chardonnay to rich valley floor Cabernet Sauvignon and everything in between, Sonoma County consistently produces distinctive, high-quality wines with true varietal typicity.
Sonoma County is a diverse landscape for grape growing that, climatically, is strongly influenced by maritime variations. The Russian River meanders through a lush valley of vineyards, providing a conduit pulling layers of oceanic fog through Healdsburg and into the Alexander Valley, as well as forming its own appellation. The result is cool nights and days that rarely get excessively hot making ideal grapegrowing conditions.
Chardonnay is the most planted grape and thrives in the cooler regions. The county's best-known grape, however, is not Chardonnay but Zinfandel, with its heritage as America's grape. Though its genetic origin is European, no other country grows Zinfandel to the extent and quality that America does. And nowhere in America is Zinfandel more known and well-suited to than Dry Creek Valley. This AVA features severe, stone-strewn soils that are ideal for concentrating fruit and flavor character, along with hot days yet moderately cool nights. The resulting Zinfandels offer rich jammy fruit with a rock-solid background of structure and acidity.
Russian River Valley is perhaps the County's best known AVA, renowned for its world-class Pinot Noirs. This fickle grape thrives in Russian River, where the consistently cool nights, dry weather, and moderately warm days tempered by fog ripen the grape ideally. Sauvignon Blanc also thrives here, and is also grown in the warmer inland valleys.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the second leading varietal in terms of quantity, and thrives in the valleys blocked from coastal influence, such as Sonoma Valley, Alexander Valley, and Knights Valley. Intense hillside Cabernet is also produced in the Sonoma Mountain appellation, which covers the Mayacamas range that separates Napa from Sonoma. Merlot is also widely grown in these regions.
Syrah is the fastest growing varietal in Sonoma County, as vineyardists are discovering that it thrives in the Sonoma Coast, Russian River, and the new Rockpile AVA. Rich concentrated fruit, smoky flavors, and higher acid are the hallmarks of these cool-climate Syrahs.
Additionally, many growers are producing small amounts of such interesting grapes as Cinsault, Pinot Gris, Petit Verdot, and Gewurztraminer.
Whatever the varietal, the wines invariably have a real sense of place, as well. Unlike many other wine regions, Sonoma County is historically a farming and growing community. The county still has a widely diversified agricultural base, with dairy farms and produce fields existing alongside grapevines, but it is also home to growers who have been here for generations. These growers are intimately connected to the land, and the resulting wines reflect this natural authenticity. In fact, Sonoma County has the greatest participation in California's Sustainable Winegrowing Program out of any other winegrowing region in the state.
Because of this family history and ownership, Sonoma County wineries exhibit a down-home hospitality that belies the region's world-class wines. Whether you're visiting California's oldest family-owned winery or a recently started culmination of a dream, you'll be welcomed with friendly smiles, genuine warmth, and outstanding wines.
Wine Tasting Tips
- Don't be afraid to try something new. Sonoma County is home to many smaller wineries that you may not be familiar with, but try them and you just might end up with a new favorite!
- Wine and food “ a natural match. Many wineries offer food and wine pairings, while others have picnic facilities for an ideal wine country lunch. Call ahead or check the winery's web site for details.
- Ask questions. Winery hospitality staff are knowledgeable and friendly, so don't be afraid to ask them about the wines.
- Trust your palate. You know what you like better than anyone, so don't be intimidated by other people's descriptions or opinions.
- Spit. That's what the buckets on the counter are there for, and if you're tasting many wines throughout the day, it's the best way to keep your wits about you.
- Learn your style. Wine varietals can be made in many different styles, such as a crisp and minerally Chardonnay versus one that is creamy and buttery. If you ask questions about what makes the wine taste the way it does, you'll get a better idea of what you like and why.
Varietal Guide
Although wines can be made in many different styles, some flavors and characteristics are common to these main grapes:
Sauvignon Blanc: crisp and lively, with citrus flavors, a slight grassiness, good acidity, and little oak influence
Chardonnay: can run the gamut of styles from crisp and minerally to creamy and buttery. Baked apple, pear, and lemon are common descriptions. Chardonnay responds well to oak, so many have toasty, spicy flavors as well.
Pinot Noir: nuanced and ethereal, Pinot Noir is an elegant wine that can be surprisingly structured, offering flavors of red and black cherries, strawberries, and a hint of earthiness
Zinfandel: known for its spicy pepperiness, jammy blackberry and black raspberry fruit, and brambly characteristics. Usually big, full-bodied wines that aren’t overly tannic.
Merlot: Plump, ripe fruit, smooth tannins, and flavors of red and black cherries and red currant characterize this popular grape. Can range in structure from soft and approachable to intense and almost as structured as Cabernet Sauvignon.
Syrah: Fast growing in popularity, Syrah grows well in almost all of Sonoma's wide-ranging climates. In the warmer areas, it exhibits rich black fruit, mocha, and spice flavors, while cooler climates bring out the wine's raciness and pepperiness.
Cabernet Sauvignon: The most widely planted red grape in Sonoma County, Cabernet is concentrated and structured, with flavors of black currant, anise, and cedar. Often best after a few years of aging.
###
Sonoma County, located 30 miles from San Francisco, is America's premier wine, spa and coastal destination, featuring more than 250 wineries and 76 miles of stunning Pacific coast.
For a free visitors guide or information on hotels, wineries, events, spas, attractions, and dining in Sonoma County, visit www.sonomacounty.com or call 800-576-6662.
|
|
|
The Sonoma County Tourism Bureau (SCTB) is the Destination Marketing Organization for Sonoma Country. The SCTB markets Sonoma County as a leisure, business and group travel destination. Tourism generates in excess of $1 billion annually for the local economy.
The Sonoma County Tourism Bureau offices are located at 420 Aviation Blvd., Suite 106, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. For more information call 800-576-6662 or visit www.sonomacounty.com.