Sonoma County
A Brief History of Sonoma County Wine
There’s something special about Sonoma County. Where else in America can you find colorful fields of poppies and lavender, ancient redwood forests, mystical canyons, craggy mountains, hot springs, the vast Pacific Ocean—and of course, lush vineyards? Here, you bask in a Mediterranean climate as you explore quaint towns with historic plazas, vibrant cities, organic farms and more within its 1,600-square-mile territory.
Few wine regions in America boast as long and rich a winemaking history as California’s Sonoma County. Early in the 19th century, Franciscan missionaries planted the first vines in the county, but the missions were appropriated by the Mexican government in 1834. In 1855, a Hungarian immigrant, “Count” Agoston Haraszthy, brought European influences to the region and revolutionized the local concept of table wine. (See the sidebar on page 3 for details.) In 1873, the blight of phylloxera nearly destroyed the industry, which was further devastated by the passage of Prohibition in 1919. It was not until the 1960s that a national upsurge in demand for wine revitalized viticulture in the county. Winemakers became pioneers, experimenting with new varieties and winemaking techniques. By 2000, Sonoma County was California’s leading fine wine-growing region in terms of volume, with all signs pointing toward a robust future.
On the Trail of Great Sonoma Wines
Let’s take a look at the appellations of Sonoma
- Sonoma Coast. The coolest region in Sonoma County, on the Pacific coast, Sonoma Coast is also the county’s largest appellation. It is known for its Chardonnays reminiscent of fresh cream and toasted hazelnuts, and for silky Pinot Noir with a spicy black-cherry flavor.
- Russian River Valley. Given our commitment to quality wine, it’s no surprise that great wines derive from this premier region in the heart of Sonoma County. A damp, cool microclimate here at the geographical center of the region provides ideal conditions for world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
- Carneros. There is something in the soil of this land that was once sheep farming country (the name Carneros literally means “ram”)! This important California wine region is actually shared by Sonoma County and the Napa Valley. Its Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs are considered the best in either appellation. And it is also renowned for its excellent Merlot, sparkling wines and Syrah.
Other regions of note
- Sonoma Valley. The birthplace of the modern California wine industry was home to “Count” Agoston Haraszthy, who founded the Buena Vista winery here—the oldest premium winery in the state.
- Dry Creek Valley. Lodged at the axis of the Russian River Valley and the Alexander Valley, this foggy appellation owes its winemaking heritage to 19th-century French and Italian immigrants.
- Alexander Valley. This rugged, mountainous appellation sits at the northernmost edge of Sonoma County and is best known for its hardy red wines, although Chardonnay is also cultivated in the lowlands.
- Sonoma Mountain. A fortunate location above the fog line provides the even ripening season that is most conducive for Cabernet Sauvignon, among other varietals.
- Green Valley. Berries and Gravenstein apples abound in this appellation known for its “cold climate” wines.
- Chalk Hill. A hilly terrain characterized by warm, volcanic ash soil is the key to this appellation that runs along the Russian River and is known for its olive oils as well as its wines.
- Knights Valley. The best yields in the warmest AVA in Sonoma County are the warm-weather grapes: Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot.
