Sonoma
Napa's bigger, more varied neighbour, cooled by the Pacific.
Sonoma County is more than twice the size of Napa and far more varied. Its many AVAs run from the fog-bound Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley — prime territory for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay — to warm Dry Creek Valley, home of old-vine Zinfandel, and Alexander Valley, known for supple Cabernet Sauvignon. Morning fog from the Pacific pours through the Petaluma Gap and the river valleys, cooling the vineyards and lengthening the growing season. Sonoma's winemaking history is also among California's oldest: the Franciscan mission founded there in 1823 planted some of the first vines north of San Francisco.
Grapes grown here 4
What the region makes
Ripe cherry, cola and spice, with cool-climate acidity.
From lean coastal styles to rich, oaked inland versions.
Brambly and spicy, often from vines planted a century ago.
Softer and more supple than Napa's.
Worth knowing
Sonoma County has close to 20 AVAs — more than almost any other US wine county.
Fog through the Petaluma Gap can leave coastal vineyards far cooler than sites just a few miles inland.
Try this region if you like Californian fruit with cool-climate freshness.
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