Personal workspaceSonoma: coast and valleys

Sonoma: coast and valleys

My notes
Pinot NoirChardonnayZinfandelCabernet SauvignonSauvignon BlancSyrah

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Further study

Six Sonoma references

  • Russian River Valley: Pacific fog and variable inland exposure; Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are principal references, with old-vine Zinfandel also present.
  • Sonoma Coast: A large coastal AVA with many local settings; it is not interchangeable with West Sonoma Coast.
  • Dry Creek Valley: An inland valley and surrounding benchlands; Zinfandel is a heritage anchor, alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and other grapes.
  • Alexander Valley: Warm inland Sonoma along the Russian River; particularly associated with Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • Sonoma Valley: Between Sonoma Mountain and the Mayacamas; inland shelter and southern bay influence vary by site. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay help anchor its range.
  • Knights Valley: In northeastern Sonoma County beside Mount St. Helena, Knights Valley is an inland Cabernet Sauvignon reference. Compare its structured reds with the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay of Sonoma’s more ocean-exposed districts.

Closer coastal origins

  • Green Valley of Russian River Valley: Use the complete name to avoid confusing it with Solano County Green Valley. Fog and Goldridge soils are important local references; it lies within Russian River Valley.
  • Fort Ross-Seaview: Rugged coastal ridges, with many vineyards above the lowest fog. It lies inside West Sonoma Coast as well as Sonoma Coast.
  • Petaluma Gap: A wind-and-fog corridor spanning Sonoma and Marin counties. It overlaps Sonoma Coast; do not draw its entire area inside Sonoma County.
  • West Sonoma Coast: A legal AVA established in 2022 within Sonoma Coast, containing Fort Ross-Seaview. The legal area is distinct from earlier informal uses of the phrase.