Distinct Differences in Sonoma County AVAs

Definition: AVA = American Viticultural Area, aka an appellation. An AVA is an officially recognized grape-growing area in the U.S. Examples include Napa Valley and Willamette Valley.

When someone asks, What's the difference between Napa and Sonoma? I would say that Sonoma has a wider range of grapes grown and styles made. Napa is known for Cabernet Sauvignon, with Chardonnay a distant second. Sonoma County wine regions showcase the diverse climates and soils, resulting in an impressive variety of wines and styles. 

 

Chilly summer fog from the Pacific Ocean
A key to grape growing in Sonoma County

Sonoma County's Uniqueness 

Sonoma County's western boundary is defined by the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean. During the summer, warmer inland air rises and heavier, cool air off the ocean comes in. These cooling breezes during the growing season make Sonoma wines unique. The 35 or so different soil types add to the uniqueness, as does the varying topography. You get the California sunshine along with the acidity necessary to make interesting and complex wines. 

Sonoma's top three grapes are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by Zinfandel and Merlot then Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah. Additionally, there are smaller quantities of other grape varieties, from Albarino to Valdiguie.

There are noticeable differences in each variety depending on where it's grown. Such as, Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley (black and red fruits, pepper), Russian River Valley (bright fruit, acidity), or Sonoma Valley (full-bodied juicy red fruits).  

There are 19 AVAs in the county. Let's look at a few of the larger ones. Note that there are different microclimates and soil types within each of these areas. 

Alexander Valley after the autumn harvest
with a view of Mount St. Helena,
a 4,400 ft peak in the Mayacamas Mountains

Alexander Valley

This is a warmer region known for the grapes that thrive in this climate, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon. Cab also likes the gravelly soils here. Other grape varieties grown in AV include Merlot, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. The Russian River flows through Alexander Valley, creating a cooler microclimate near the river, where Chardonnay grapes are commonly found. There are approximately 40 wineries in Alexander Valley.
Some of the best known wineries in AV are Alexander Valley Vineyards, Francis Ford Coppola, Jordan, Robert Young, and Silver Oak.

Dry Creek Valley in late autumn

Dry Creek Valley

This is a long, narrow valley with a climate that falls between the cooler regions like Russian River and the warmer ones like Alexander Valley. Its roots, you might say, are in Zinfandel, and DCV is still predominantly Zin. Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet also popular, plus you'll find Petite Sirah, Syrah, Merlot, Grenache, among others. Dry Creek Valley is home to 60 wineries. There is one deli, the Dry Creek General Store, est. 1881. There are no restaurants or traffic lights.

Russian River Valley, Westside Road

Russian River Valley 

This large growing region is about the influence of the cool marine layer that works its way up the river and around the coastal hills mornings and evenings. The key grapes here are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. You'll also find Zinfandel, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc and others. The Russian River Valley is home to over 70 wineries.
Some of the more well-known wineries here are Kendall Jackson, Korbel, and Rodney Strong. A few of the legendary Pinot producers are Gary Farrell, Joseph Swan, Merry Edwards, Rochioli, and Williams Selyem. Pinot Noir is the focus of the majority of the wineries in the RRV.

Sonoma Valley in late winter

Sonoma Valley 

This 17 mile long valley features several microclimates defined by cool waters to the south and mountain ranges on both sides. SV has the largest number of wine grapes varieties of any AVA. Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon came here first in the 19th century. Today, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet are tops, but there's plenty of Zinfandel, Syrah, Merlot, among others. There are over 80 wineries in Sonoma Valley.
Some of the well-known wineries are Buena Vista, Benziger, Chateau St. Jean, Gundlach Buncschu, Kenwood, Kunde, St. Francis, and Sebastiani. Buena Vista was the first premium winery in the state. 

Sonoma County AVAs
click on map to enlarge

 

This post inspired by an article from The Buyer