Sonoma County AVA

425 Wineries

Sonoma is a renowned wine region in California known for its diverse and high-quality wines. The region produces a wide range of varietals, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Sonoma's unique terroir, diverse microclimates, and passionate winemakers contribute to the production of exceptional wines. Visitors to Sonoma can enjoy scenic vineyards, boutique wineries, and a warm and welcoming wine country experience.

Sonoma County has many distinctions, but here’s one to note: it grows more Pinot Noir than any other county in California.

There are 19 Sonoma County AVAs (American Viticultural Areas). Each AVA has a unique climate and geography. From warm, sunny days to cooler, fog covered valley floors, the variations in the geography and climate influence each region in many ways.

Notable Sub AVAs

Russian River Valley
Alexander Valley
Dry Creek Valley
Sonoma Valley
Sonoma Mountain
Sonoma Coast

Sonoma Valley (AVA 1981)

(Elegant, fog-influenced Pinot Noir)

Sonoma Valley is bordered by two mountain ranges: the Mayacamas Mountains to the east and the Sonoma Mountains to the west. Along with being the center of Sonoma County’s winemaking history, the area is also known for its unique terroir, protected from the wet and cool influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean by Sonoma Mountain.

Russian River Valley (AVA 1983)

(Cool-climate Pinot Noir & Chardonnay)

The Russian River Valley climate is dominated by regular intrusion of cooling fog from the Pacific Ocean few miles away. The fog arrives in the evening, often dropping as much as 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (about 20 °C) its daytime high, and retreats to the ocean in the morning.

This natural air-conditioning allows the grapes to develop full flavor maturity over an extended growing season.

Dry Creek (AVA 1983)

(High-quality Zinfandel)

More tha 100 years ago, Dry Creek Valley was on of California's most prominent producers of Zinfandel. During Prohibition, much of the valley was converted to fruit trees.

Since 1970, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel have become the most planted varieties, and Dry Creek Valley AVA has become one of the state's top Zinfandel producers. Sauvignon blanc is most important white grape in the valley.

Alexander Valley (AVA 1984)

(Lush Cabernet Sauvignon)

The dominant soil of the region is alluvial. During the day, the Alexander Valley is one of the warmest areas in Northern California but experiences a wide diurnal temperature variation at night that offers cool climate conditions.

The region's proximity to the Russian River serves a source for early morning fog that covers the lower vineyard areas until it is burned off by the morning sun.

Sonoma Mountain (AVA 1985)

(Powerful but elegant Cabernet Sauvignon)

The 2,400-foot Sonoma Mountain range rises above the town of Glen Ellen at the western edge of the Valley of the Moon. These vineyards fall within the larger Sonoma Valley AVA. However, due to the unique hillside terroir, they are entitled to use the more specific designation of the Sonoma Mountain AVA. Powerful, yet elegant Cabernet Sauvignons – the appellation’s specialty – grow here on well-drained soils.

Sonoma Coast (AVA 1987)

The Sonoma Coast AVA extends from San Pablo Bay to the border with Mendocino County. The AVA is best known for its cool climate and high rainfall relative to other parts of Sonoma County.

Close to the Pacific, with more than twice the annual rainfall of its inland neighbors, it is warm enough to ripen wine grapes because most vineyards are above the fog line.