VISIT SONOMA COUNTY WINERIES

Description:
In 1963, the Wetzel Family purchased a large portion of a homestead built by Cyrus Alexander, the valley's nineteenth century namesake. Harry and Maggie Wetzel originally acquired their Alexander Valley property for a summer home, a rustic country residence where their four children might discover the simple joys of nature. However, it wasn't long before the summer home became a family business. With an eye to their neighbors in nearby Napa Valley, the Wetzel's planted Cabernet Sauvignon and other premium grape varieties. When oldest son Hank Wetzel graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Fermentation Science, the family built a small winery. Proprietor Hank Wetzel produced Alexander Valley Vineyard's first wines in 1975. Alexander Valley Vineyards quickly established a reputation for estate grown wines with distinctive varietal character. Acclaimed for luscious Cabernet Sauvignon, crisp Chardonnay and supple Syrah, Alexander Valley Vineyards brought recognition to the appellation and became a leading winery in Sonoma County. With thirty vintages in the barrel, the winery now produces 100,000 cases annually, including ten varietal wines and five proprietary blends including; Sin Zin, Redemption Zin, New Gewurz, Two Barrel and CYRUS.