Syrah in Sonoma County

Syrah and Sonoma County are a match made in heaven. This ‘noble’ red grape is native to south-central France and has been thriving in the growing regions of Sonoma County since the 19th century. Today, Syrah from Sonoma County is snapped up by wine collectors and enjoyed by savvy wine lovers who know its charms. 

A Taste of Syrah History 

In tracing the Syrah grape’s origin, one story describes a traveling crusader in the Middle Ages who carried a stick of Syrah from an ancient Iranian city to France. Indeed, France is the vine’s likely birthplace and the country produces exemplary Syrahs and often uses Syrah as a component of superb blended wines and Rosé.

In Australia, Syrah is known as Shiraz, which is a major category of wine produced. The Australian Shiraz grape is the same, but the very different climate generally creates a uniquely different style of wine.

Syrah Style in Sonoma County

Back in 1880, the adventurous Sonoma County viticulturist John Drummond imported quality Syrah cuttings from France, and ultimately, the grape caught on as a single-varietal wine in the 1980s and 1990s.

Savory, sweet, or sauvage? The style of Syrah depends on the terroir. This complex and hearty grape does not give out at the first heat wave or climate surprise. Syrah grapes just give a slightly different and ever-interesting style of wine.

Some Sonoma County wineries aim for Syrah that is jammy, ripe, robust, and enjoyable. Other local vintners source from cool climates akin to those of northern France and boast Syrah wines with savory characteristics like cracked pepper enhanced with the lush sensation of Sonoma County fruit.

Sonoma County’s Best Syrah by Region

Russian River Valley

Much of this famous region is well suited for Syrah: Cool, but not too cool. Discover some of the Russian River Valley’s notable wineries for excellent Syrah:

• Dutton Estate, Sebastopol
• Martinelli Winery & Vineyards, Windsor

Sonoma Coast

Syrah is not necessarily a warm climate grape, as the success of wines from Sonoma County’s coolest climates attests. Here are just a few of the wineries along the Sonoma Coast known for Syrah:

• Cline Family Cellars, Sonoma
• Red Car Wine, Sebastopol

Petaluma Gap

This cool, southern Sonoma County Appellation was considered until 2018 to be part of the dynamic Sonoma Coast growing region. Today, in Petaluma Gap, you’ll find exceptional wineries and Syrahs.

• Ramey Wine Cellars, Healdsburg
• Keller Estate Winery, Petaluma

Bennett Valley 

More known for its vineyards, from which many wineries source Syrah, Bennett Valley is a uniquely cooler nook in the middle of Sonoma Wine Country. Notable wineries in the Bennett Valley for excellent Syrah:

• Eric Kent Wine Cellars, Santa Rosa
• Maclaren Wine, Kenwood

More Syrahs in Sonoma Wine Country

From Dry Creek Valley to Sonoma Valley, thankfully, there are quite a few Sonoma County vineyards producing many a fine Syrah. Don’t miss these wineries with favorite Syrahs:

• Donelan Family Wines, Santa Rosa
• Quivira Vineyards & Winery, Healdsburg
• Carlisle Winery & Vineyards, Windsor

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Written by Sonoma Insider James Knight