Sonoma County Winegrape Commission

Authenticity

No other California region can match Sonoma’s heritage and continuing commitment to that heritage.

History: Sonoma is the birthplace of California wine, with the first winegrapes planted in Fort Ross around 1812. It is home to California’s oldest premium winery, Buena Vista, founded in 1857, along with many wineries more than 100 years old and still run by the founding families. This tradition has become the fabric of the county, and even newer wineries are part of its heritage.

Sustainability: With a long history of family winegrowing and biodiversity in agriculture, Sonoma County has a strong connection to the land. The county has the highest participation of any appellation in the California Sustainable Winegrowing Program, is a leader in fish-friendly farming practices, and is home to scores of organically, biodynamically, and sustainably farmed vineyards.

Family Farmers: There are dozens of multi-generational growers and winemakers in the county, and many small producers and growers – roughly 40% of vineyards are less than 20 acres, and 80% are 100 acres or less. Passing the land down to the next generation involves real care for the environment where you live and work, and regardless of a winery’s actual size, Sonoma County wineries are imbued with this philosophy.

Genuinely Welcoming: Our growers and wineries are a true community. From small to large producers, there is a sense of fellowship with close ties to agricultural and historic roots and a true desire to share that with visitors.

Diversity

Literally, Sonoma County has it all.

Soil & topography: Sonoma County has more geologically distinct soil types than all of France, along vineyard topography that ranges from near sea level to 2,600 feet and allows for significant variation in soil fertility and marine climate influence.

Climate: With more than a million acres of land (though only 60,300 planted to vineyard), you’d expect to find a wide range of climates in the county, which is intensified by the marine influence. Cool temperatures on the coast are ideal for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, while the Bordeaux varietals thrive inland. Microclimates created by wind and elevation further create a true patchwork of growing conditions.

Varietals: Because of the climate and soil variation, numerous varietals thrive in Sonoma County – whatever grape you want to grow, somewhere in the county is the perfect spot for it. Consequently, varietals are planted where they grow best – much more so than other regions – and the resulting wines demonstrate true varietal typicity. While other regions are best-known for just one or two varietals, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah are all considered to shine in Sonoma County.

Appellations: The 13 diverse and distinct American Viticulture Areas (AVA) or appellations make Sonoma County the special region that it is, and we believe in promoting the differences and qualities that make each AVA unique. Carneros has more climatic differences than similarities with Knights Valley, for example. What they do have in common, however, is they are both a part of Sonoma County, with all the other similarities that entails, and so when promoting a single AVA, it should be in the context of it being a special and diverse region of Sonoma County.

Quality

Ultimately, it all comes down to what’s in the bottle. The reason this most important attribute of Sonoma County wine is third on the list is that it’s a combination of the first two. Authenticity + diversity equals quality. A natural connection with and passion for the land, the heritage and history of this winegrowing community, and the range of climates and varietals found in this unparalleled region combine to produce wines that are among the best in the world.

Natural Bounty

Grape are not the only thing that thrives in Sonoma County – we live in a true food and wine paradise. Our diverse agricultural history, combined with the food products grown today – all manner of produce, dairy and cheeses, meats, poultry, and fish – form a natural pairing between food and wine It’s not a coincidence that so many of our wines work so well with food.

Sonoma County is truly a natural region, from our agricultural traditions and farming practices to the beauty of the land. The coast, the mountains, the redwoods – they all help form the sense of place that is Sonoma County.

Contacts

Larry Levine
Sonoma Wiinegrape Commission:
larry.levine@sonomawine.org

Phil Bilodeau
Sonoma County Vintners:
phil@sonomawine.com