Food & Wine

Facts About Sonoma Wine Country

Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County

Stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma County is the largest wine producer in Northern California, with arguably the most diverse and scenic growing regions. It’s no surprise that Sonoma County wines have won countless national and international awards and global recognition. Plan a visit and find out for yourself why Sonoma Wine Country is so special.

Why is Sonoma County an ideal wine region?

Sonoma County offers grape growers a wide variety of superb climates and soils — known as terroir. The climate is ideal for growing grapes, with long, sunny, and warm (but rarely hot) summers buttressed by cool nights, ocean breezes, and refreshing fog.

A Vineyard in Alexander Valley is surrounded by mountains — Alexander Valley wine growing region in Sonoma County, California

Oceanic fog drifts into valleys, helping create daily temperature swings of 40 degrees or more, a range that preserves acidity and complexity in the county’s winegrapes.

Also remarkable is the rich and diverse soils in Sonoma Wine Country. With the Mayacamas Mountains, the rolling hills of the Carneros, the Russian River Valley, the Pacific Ocean coast, and other special geography, Sonoma County has more soil types than all of France, ranging from rich and loamy to uniquely volcanic.

How many different wine grapes are grown in Sonoma County?

More than 60 grape varieties are grown in Sonoma County, but six stand out. Here are the numbers for the most popular grape varietals grown and crushed for wine production in Sonoma County during the 2021 harvest:

Chardonnay: 66,265 tons
Pinot Noir: 47,768 tons
Cabernet Sauvignon: 40,348 tons
Sauvignon Blanc: 13,452 tons
Zinfandel: 11,102 tons
Merlot: 7,627 tons

How many wine regions are in Sonoma County?

Sonoma County’s wealth of unique terroirs is reflected in the county’s 19 American Viticultural Areas (known as AVAs or appellations), each with its own coveted growing characteristics. Learn more about each of the renowned wine regions thriving in Sonoma Wine Country:

Hanna Winery has wildflowers growing in front of it — Hanna Winery has vineyards in the Alexander Valley wine-growing region of Sonoma County, California

How many wineries are there in Sonoma County?

Sonoma County’s 18 wine regions are home to more than 425 wineries. They range from small, family-run operations to internationally acclaimed wine houses. They welcome you with inviting tasting rooms, free walking tours, memorable food and wine pairings, and more. View the complete listing of all Sonoma County wineries.

Ferrari-Carano has a statue of a boar out front — Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery, Healdsburg, California

How much of Sonoma County is planted with grapes?

Nearly 63,000 acres of vineyards thrive in Sonoma Wine Country, which is only six percent of the county. So, as you explore the wines and wineries here, you get to do so against a beautiful backdrop of redwood forests, ocean coastline, winding rivers, fertile valleys, mountains, and rolling hills. No matter where you go in this agricultural paradise, you’ll find excellent farm-fresh cuisine, fun activities, exceptional lodging, and opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Enjoy your time in Sonoma Wine Country. View our list of all Sonoma County wineries.

Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodriguez