History

Russian Colonists planted grapes at Fort Ross (Sonoma Coast.)

Political upheaval brought an appropriation of all missions by the Mexican government. During this period, cuttings from Sonoma Mission vineyards were transported and planted throughout northern California.

Cyrus Alexander plants grapes in northern Sonoma County.

Worldwide outbreak of phylloxera destroys vineyards.

As the 1960s redefined so many facets of American life, the decade made its mark on the Sonoma County wine industry. Americans developed a taste for wine and demand began to grow.

Wine labels are regulated and appellations begin to be important in marketing Sonoma County’s wines. Planted acreage returns toward 1920s levels of 24,000 acres (9,700 ha.)

Sonoma County made the transition from being known as a producer dairy, grain and fruit crops with grapes in fourth position. By 1989 grapes were Sonoma County’s top revenue-generating agricultural crop. Technological advances in winemaking improved wines to meet the more discerning tastes of consumers.

Sonoma County has 17 unique AVAs and more than 60 grape varieties are planted here. It is estimated that the wine industry and related tourism contributes over $11 billion to the local economy each year, about 40% of the county’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).