Sauvignon Blanc in Sonoma County

Crisp and refreshing, yet seriously structured, it’s no wonder Sauvignon Blanc is such a popular white wine varietal in Sonoma County and beyond. If you enjoy an expressive Sauvignon Blanc, you’re going to love discovering the renowned bottles produced in the exceptional growing regions of Sonoma Wine Country.

Sauvignon Blanc Key Facts

Sauvignon Blanc is an important white grape as it’s one parent of the red grape Cabernet Sauvignon, after all. In France, Sauvignon Blanc is often cultivated to create dry white wines or combined to make dessert wine, while in northern French regions (notably the Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé), Sauvignon Blanc is revered for mineral notes. In New Zealand, producers have defined an iconic style of grassy, fresh, and fruity Sauvignon Blanc.

Sauvignon Blanc Style

As a parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc shares an organic quality with this varietal, often expressed as “green” aromas described as bell pepper, fresh-cut grass, green grape, gooseberry, dry hay, or straw. These are sometimes buffered by “minerality,” or the flavor of crushed stones, which adds depth to this crisp, refreshing white wine.

Sauvignon Blanc may be aged in stainless steel, concrete, or barrels. When aged on its lees in tanks or barrels, Sauv Blanc (also called “SB” or “Savvy”) may acquire a creamy top note.

Sauvignon Blanc in Sonoma County

While Sonoma County winemakers reference international styles, they may often strive for more mineral- or fruit-driven styles as is possible for refreshing and complex Sauvignon Blanc grown in these ideal regions. Sauvignon Blanc is the second-most planted white wine grape in Sonoma County after Chardonnay.

Sonoma County’s Key Sauvignon Blanc Regions

Alexander Valley Wine Region

This warm region is rich with gravelly soils and provides a natural home to Sauvignon Blanc.

Notable wineries for Sauvignon Blanc in Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley:

• Rodney Strong Vineyards, Healdsburg
• Roth Estate Winery, Healdsburg
• Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Geyserville

Dry Creek Valley Wine Region

This designated growing region is sunny and an absolute sweet spot for Sauvignon Blanc (Zinfandel, too!).

Notable wineries for Sauvignon Blanc in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley:

• Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery, Healdsburg
• Quivira Vineyards & Winery, Healdsburg
• Lambert Bridge Winery, Healdsburg
• Dry Creek Vineyard, Healdsburg

Russian River Valley Wine Region

This often foggy growing region produces fresh, deep, fruity Sauvignon Blanc wines.

Notable wineries for Sauvignon Blanc in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley:

• Merry Edwards Winery, Sebastopol
• Hanna Winery, Santa Rosa

Bennett Valley Wine Region

A uniquely cooler nook, Bennett Valley is home to some exciting cool climate Sauvignon Blancs.

Notable wineries for Sauvignon Blanc in Sonoma County’s Bennett Valley:

• Matanzas Creek, Santa Rosa

Sonoma Valley Wine Region

There are notable Sauvignon Blanc standouts in this mostly red wine region.

Notable wineries for Sauvignon Blanc in Sonoma Valley:

• Kenwood Vineyards, Kenwood
• Benziger Family Winery, Glen Ellen

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Written by Sonoma Insider James Knight