AVA Wines of Sonoma County: Sonoma Mountain Wine Region

Few Sonoma County, California, wine regions are as determined by elevation, exposure, and geographical features as the Sonoma Mountain American Viticulture Area (AVA).

When viewed from a distance, Sonoma Mountain isn’t a particularly dramatic peak. Comprised of a series of hills piled on top of each other, briefly green and mostly golden, and dotted with groves of live oak. Its western flank meets cool winds and fog from the Petaluma Gap, and wineries pay a premium for the excellent Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah grapes that ripen here.

But just on the other side, you might think you’re looking at a different mountain: Darkly forested and rugged over the Valley of the Moon. The Sonoma Mountain AVA contains 800 vineyard acres and was recognized with AVA status in 1985.

Author Jack London made his home in this region, of which he wrote, “The air is wine. The grapes on a score of rolling hills are red with autumn flame. Across Sonoma Mountain, wisps of sea fog are stealing. The afternoon sun smolders in the drowsy sky. I have everything to make me glad I am alive.”

Top Grapes & Wine Varietals

The fact that both Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir thrive near each other on Sonoma Mountain is no accident of misplaced enthusiasm on the part of farmers — it’s a testament to the complex interplay of topography, sun, and wind exposure on the mountain’s slopes. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, and Syrah are also grown here; there’s even a little Grenache and Grüner Veltliner to be found.

The Lay of the Land

The Sonoma Mountain AVA is located within the northwest area of the greater Sonoma Valley appellation. One of the earlier AVAs defined by specific elevation rather than broad outlines, the appellation lies between 400 and 1,200 feet and is found only on the north and eastern slopes of Sonoma Mountain.

Overlapping the Bennett Valley AVA on the northwestern end, the cooling influence of the Petaluma Gap enhances Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Much of the Cabernet is grown on the fog-sheltered eastern side of the mountain — sunny, warm, and facing the morning sun. Most vineyards on Sonoma Mountain are not contiguous; instead, they are isolated amid woods and grazing land.

Notable Wineries

Benziger Family Winery, Glen Ellen

Benziger Family Winery is the leading wine-tasting attraction on Sonoma Mountain. Their estate is a model of Biodynamic farming, designed to function as its ecosystem of plants, animals, and healthy soil. Benziger’s Tribute and Solstice blends typify their mountain-grown Cabernet-based wines.

Kenwood Vineyards, Kenwood

Just up the road, Kenwood Vineyards has a long relationship with the Jack London Vineyard, on California author Jack London’s original Beauty Ranch, and operated by his heirs. Established in 1970, this winery’s historic cellar dates back to 1906 and is dedicated to producing premium wines truly representative of Sonoma County’s world-class vineyards. 

Laurel Glen Vineyard, Glen Ellen

Laurel Glen Vineyard is a noted producer of Sonoma Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, while much of the area’s top product is released by wineries outside of the appellation. Look for vineyard names like Van der Kamp, Richard Dinner, Steiner, Jewell, Kistler, and Pickberry.

Backroad Bodegas

Leading organic grape growers Coturri Winery may be out of the way, but their wines are worth seeking out. GlenLyon Vineyards & Winery makes a fine Syrah, as well as Cabernet.

Restaurants and Lodging around Sonoma Mountain

At the base of Sonoma Mountain, the hamlet of Glen Ellen offers the best amenities in the area. 

Where to Eat

Start the morning with coffee and croissants, quiche, or other delicious goodies at the French pâtisserie atLes Pascals in the heart of Glen Ellen.

If you’re looking for high-quality meats, fresh produce, fine wine, gourmet groceries, household staples, or natural health and beauty aids, consult with Glen Ellen Village Market. Bring your goodies to Jack London State Historic Park, where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the place Jack London once called home.

Where to Stay

The Glen Ellen Inn Secret Cottages offers 7 cottages hidden away near Calabasas Creek, each with its own fireplace, hot tub, shower, TV, fruit & pastry basket, in-room coffee, and honor bar.

The Olea Hotel is situated along the hillside of Sonoma Valley in Glen Ellen, an elegant boutique hotel that is an adult-only retreat attracting wine enthusiasts from all over the country. 

The Gaige House offers a verdant, secluded setting along the Calabaza Creek with eight Zen suites featuring granite soaking tubs and private Japanese gardens.

---

Written by Sonoma Insider James Knight

Sonoma County Appellations (AVA):

Alexander Valley
Bennett Valley
Carneros – Sonoma
Chalk Hill
Dry Creek Valley
Fort Ross – Seaview
Fountaingrove District
Green Valley of Russian River Valley
Knights Valley
Moon Mountain
Northern Sonoma
Petaluma Gap
Pine Mountain – Cloverdale Peak
Rockpile
Russian River Valley
Sonoma Coast
Sonoma Mountain
Sonoma Valley
West Sonoma Coast