Sonoma County Vintners
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Sonoma County Wine, Established 1812

Sonoma County wine is crafted in a dream destination breathtaking ocean views, spectacular summits, impossibly tall trees and unforgettable epicurean experiences. But for those of us who work the land, we know that what’s underfoot counts the most: the sites, the soils and the roots. Sonoma County wine could not have become the world-class beverage we know and love today without the pioneers that started it all. Russian colonists planted grapes on the coast of Sonoma County in 1812, and history is continually being made by innovative vintners.

  • 1812

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

  • 1823

    Spanish Franciscan Father Jose Altamira (Sonoma Mission) planted several thousand vines.

  • 1834

    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.

  • 1845

    Bear Flag Revolt in Sonoma; California becomes independent.

  • 1856

    Cyrus Alexander plants grapes in northern Sonoma County.

  • 1857

    The Hungarian Count Agoston Haraszthy “The Father of California Wine Industry” founded Buena Vista winery in Sonoma Valley.

  • 1873

    Worldwide outbreak of phylloxera destroys vineyards.

  • 1920

    There were 256 wineries. With more than 22,000 acres (8,900 ha) in production, Sonoma County had surpassed Los Angeles.

  • 1920-1933

    18th Amendment launches Prohibition. Home winemaking booms. 200 gallons (757 liters) per household are allowed. California produces 150 million gallons (567 million liters) of home wine. Acreage grows to over 30,000 acres (12,000 ha) in grape production.

  • 1933

    By the time Prohibition is repealed, only 160 of California’s 700 wineries remained. Less than 50 wineries in Sonoma County survive.

  • 1933-1945

    WWII prevented importing of French wines, which helped Sonoma County wineries to slowly build and revive; much of new production went into bulk wines.

  • 1945-1955

    Post war grape and wine overproduction showed things down, and pro-ration programs were instituted by the government to deal with the glut. Sonoma County pioneers worked through this to rebuild their wine and grape businesses. Hanzell Vineyards planted the first Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the region between 1953 and 1954.

  • 1960s

    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.

  • 1970

    A second generation of wineries are started, following a nationwide wine boom. Consumption grows at a 40% rate.

  • 1975

    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.)

  • 1976

    A seminal event in bringing California wines to international consciousness, the Paris tasting pitted California wines against French offerings. Napa Valley wineries took the top prizes in both white wine (a 1973 Chateau Montelena chardonnay) and red wine (a 1973 Stags Leap Wine Cellars cabernet).

  • 1976

    In 1976 wine lovers rarely discussed grape growing when considering wine; winery names were what mattered. This was no doubt why few knew that 20 tons (nearly half) of the chardonnay fruit for the Chateau Montelena chardonnay came from Sonoma County vineyards. Bacigalupi Vineyards provided 14 tons.

  • 1980s

    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.

  • 1999

    There are over 49,000 acres (19,800 ha) of vineyards owned by more than 750 growers and 180 bonded wineries in Sonoma County.

  • Today

    Sonoma County has 19 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).

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Sonoma County’s Geography Can’t be Summed Up Easily

Valleys, plains, mountaintops, forests, riverbeds and ocean cliffs create a unique geographical palette resulting in a staggering amount of microclimates: trying to find one uniform characteristic to sum up Sonoma County geography is a challenge.

There are, however, a few noteworthy features that influence the winegrowing regions of Sonoma County. Long before vineyards covered the land, Sonoma County was an inland sea. Tectonic upheavals of the coastal plates created the present day Mayacamas Mountains that form the eastern boundary of the county, and created a soil structure in these areas defined by ash and lava. In addition to this rare distinction, Sonoma County is also home to more soil types than are found in all of France, creating a unique patchwork of site, soil and geographic rarities unlike any other region in the world.

Most wine regions benefit from proximity to a body of water, and  for Sonoma County it’s the Russian River and the 60 miles of oceanic coastline. Meandering through a lush valley of vineyards, the rolling Russian River river provides a conduit for pulling fog through Healdsburg and into the Alexander Valley. On the west side of the county, the Russian River continues its run through Green Valley and empties into the ocean at Jenner.

A land of unlimited potential for grape growing and winemaking, Sonoma County is an inspiring place to live and work.

You Won’t Find a More Diverse Region for Grape Growing than Sonoma County

A nearly infinite array of microclimates provide the magic for our vineyards, but every site has the positive benefit of Sonoma County’s overall ideal combination of weather, temperature, fog and rainfall.

Sonoma County is heavily influenced by its close proximity to nearly 60 miles of Pacific Coast shoreline, and its cool nights and temperate days create the perfect conditions to draw in layers of oceanic fog to chill Sonoma’s warm interior valleys. Daytime temperatures average a comfortable 71˚F, with the warmest summer days rarely topping 84˚F. Nighttime temperatures stay mostly in the 40s, meaning hard frosts are a rarity, even during critical flowering time for grapes. At the start of fall harvest, the weather remains moderate with little to no rainfall. Sonoma County experiences no measurable snow or hail and normal rainfall measures between 25 and 30 inches a year.

Grapes thrive in this climate and, while Sonoma County does experience occasional temperature extreme and hard rains, the reliably moderate diurnal swings are tempered by coastal fog and only trace amounts of summer rain. Grapes thrive here; winegrowers flock here. And while growing grapes isn’t as easy as putting a stick in the ground and watching it grow, our local growers will agree that Sonoma County is one of the world’s most ideal growing regions.

Sonoma County Wine Facts

6%

of the land is planted to vineyards

3 years

from vineyard planting to first crop

60+

grape varieties grown in Sonoma County

202,304

tons of grapes harvested in 2021

500 – 2,000

vines planted per acre

1.5-7 tons

of grapes produced per acre

295

bottles of wine in a barrel

30

pounds of grapes per case of wine

2.4

pounds of grapes in one bottle of wine

Winegrapes Grown in Sonoma County

For those who are devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Sonoma County has incredible wines for you. If you are a wine aficionado who is eager to discover a new varietal, Sonoma County has so much to explore with more than 60 varieties of grapes!

Pinot Noir

Nuanced and ethereal, Pinot Noir is an elegant wine that can be surprisingly structured, offering flavors of red and black cherries, strawberries, and a hint of earthiness.

Chardonnay

Can run the gamut of styles from crisp and minerally to creamy and buttery. Baked apple, pear, and lemon are common descriptions. Chardonnay responds well to oak, so many have toasty, spicy flavors as well.

Follow a manual added link

Cabernet Sauvignon

The most widely planted red grape in Sonoma County, Cabernet is concentrated and structured, with flavors of black currant, anise, and cedar. Often best after a few years of aging.

Zinfandel

Known for its spicy pepperiness, jammy blackberry and black raspberry fruit, and brambly characteristics. Usually big, full-bodied wines that aren’t overly tannic.

Sauvignon Blanc

Crisp and lively, with citrus flavors, a slight grassiness, good acidity, and little or no oak influence.

Merlot

Plump, ripe fruit, smooth tannins, and flavors of red and black cherries and red currant characterize this popular grape. Can range in structure from soft and approachable to intense and almost as structured as Cabernet Sauvignon.

Syrah

Fast growing in popularity, Syrah grows well in almost all of Sonoma County’s wide-ranging climates. In the warmer areas, it exhibits rich black fruit, mocha, and spice flavors, while cooler climates bring out the wine’s raciness and pepperiness.

Pinot Gris

Firmly established as one of the most pleasing aromatic whites, Pinot Gris offers the wine adventurer lightly honeyed fruit flavors of ginger and tropical fruit.

Viognier

Striking a perfect balance between oak-seasoned Chardonnay and aromatic whites like Riesling and Pinot Gris, Viognier has earned respect for its lush flavors, ample fruit and great balance.

Pinot Blanc

Pinot Blanc is the less known cousin to Chardonnay. Subtle and not too assertive, Pinot Blanc has just enough body to marry nicely with a little oak seasoning. Sonoma-grown Pinot Blanc has a rounded creamy texture, with a touch of spice.

Cabernet Franc

A reliable component in Bordeaux-style blends and as a stand-alone varietal with its own personality and flavor of ripe blueberry and licorice.

Sangiovese

Sonoma County Sangiovese delivers a blend of savory herbs and ripe raspberries supported by bracing acidity.

Petite Sirah

Dense and concentrated, Petite Sirah offers ripe berry fruit on a muscular framework of tannins and acidity.

Sonoma County Vintners 🍷

sonomacountyvintners

793

60+ Grape Varieties | 18 Distinct Appellations
#SonomaWine #SipSonoma

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Today is National Women in Wine Day and we celebrate the fantastic women of the Sonoma County Vintners team and all women in the wine industry! Cheers! #nationalwomeninwineday
Open
#WinemakerWednesday on March 22 was another smashing success! Thanks so much to @rameywinecellars for sharing their wines, @themathesonhbg for hosting and to all of the lovely attendees. We hope to see you all again on Wednesday, March 5, 5-6pm.

#sipsonoma #sonomawine #sonomacountywine #sonomawinecountry
Open
Our Sonoma County Wine Auction (SCWA) presents once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for bidders each September - this Williams Selyem retrospective tasting was one of the many coveted auction lots from the 2022 SCWA. Proceeds raised from the auction support nonprofit organizations in Sonoma County. 

The winning bidders in attendance were all thrilled with this opportunity. Thanks so much to the guests, to @williamsselyemwinery, Bob & Heather Cabral, Jeff Mangahas, our panel moderators @andrearobinsonms and @mrnoelburgess, and the wonderful team at @barndivahealdsburg for making this possible. And thanks to @lizthach for sharing this special night with the world.

Read the full article at www.forbes.com/sites/lizthach/2023/03/22/the-fine-art-of-mentorship-at-williams-selyem-winery-in-sonoma/?sh=3e1f9b8358f1 or see Latest News in our link in bio.

#TheProceedsMatter #sonomawine #sonomawinecountry #sonomacounty #sipsonoma @bob_cabral_wines
Open
Sonoma County Vintners and presenting sponsor American AgCredit are pleased to announce that the 2023 auction lots for the Sonoma County Barrel Auction (#SoCoBA) are available now for viewing at SoCoBarrelAuction.com! 

The event, exclusively for the wine trade and media, will be held at MacMurray Estate Vineyards on Friday, May 5, 2023. These Never Before, Never Again wines are crafted by renowned Sonoma County winemakers and showcase the spectacular range of the region. Members of the wine trade may register online to attend the live auction events, with proof of a valid resale license. Proxy bidding is available for trade who are unable to attend in person.

Thanks to our 2023 SoCoBA Sponsor & Venue Partners!
@americanagcredit 
#macmurrayestatevineyards
@bacchuslanding
@ramsgatewinery
@g3enterprises
@diam.cork
@tonnellerie_cadus
@tricorbraunwinepak
@sonomacounty
@Jwinery
@vintnersresort
@btlbarn
@sonoma_county_airport
@proviordering
@tastingpanel
@debbiedouglasdesigns
@pure_luxury_transportation
@theposhprivy
@recology

#sonomawine #sonomacounty #sipsonoma

@jetsettingfashionista @emilymartinevents
Open
Our first #WinemakerWednesday with our partner Chef Dustin Valette of @themathesonhbg Matheson was a hit earlier this month! We're doing it again Wednesday, March 22, 5:00pm – 6:00pm, and @rameywinecellars will be pouring their wines at The Matheson’s beautiful Wine Wall. 

The Matheson will also provide some tasty bites to perfectly complement the featured wines. See all upcoming featured winemakers and dates at sonomawine.com/#winemaker-wednesdays.

#sonomawine #sipsonoma #sonomacountywine #sonomacounty @jetsettingfashionista @emilymartinevents
Open
Join us for Vintner's Vibe at 5:20pm on Tuesday, March 14, on The Drive with Steve Jaxon & Harry Duke on @ksro135! Sonoma County Vintners Executive Director Michael Haney will be joined by Adolfo Hernandez of @monroywines to share his wonderful story and taste his beautiful wines. Ron Rubin of @ronrubinwinery will also join the discussion to talk about his "Trained for Saving Lives" program and how Sonoma County wineries can receive a free AED.

Tune in or Listen Online > https://v7player.wostreaming.net/961

#sonomawine #sonomacounty #sonomawinecountry #sipsonoma
Open
Happy #internationalwomensday to all women wine professionals and to all women in #SonomaCounty and beyond who work hard to make our communities stronger. We're raising a glass of Sonoma County Wine in your honor. Cheers! 

#IWD2023 #sonomawine #sonomacountywine #sipsonoma
Open
Sonoma County Vintners strongly encourages our winery members to participate in the public hearing scheduled to be held by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, March 14, at 9:30 a.m. both in person and virtually via Zoom, to hear the draft Winery Events Ordinance that was continued in the fall of 2022. This ordinance would set new standards for winery events/business activities.

See full details under Latest News in our link in bio or at sonomawine.com/sonoma-county-board-of-supervisors-winery-events-ordinance-public-hearing-march-14/

#sonomawine #sonomacountywine #sonomacounty
Open
Sonoma County Vintners is excited to announce #WinemakerWednesdays with our partner Chef @dustinvalette of @themathesonhbg! Beginning March 8, stop by every other Wednesday from 5:00pm – 6:00pm at the Matheson’s beautiful Wine Wall. Our featured winemaker on March 8 will be @claymauritson of @mauritsonwines.

Save the dates and stop by to mix, mingle and meet some of Sonoma County’s most creative winemakers and winery principles, while tasting some amazing selections of their world-class wines. The Matheson will also provide some tasty bites to perfectly complement the featured wines. 

See all upcoming featured winemakers and dates at sonomawine.com/#winemaker-wednesdays.

#sonomawine #sipsonoma #sonomacountywine #sonomacounty
Open
Early Bird tickets are ON SALE NOW for the 2023 Taste of Sonoma! Join us June 24 at the beautiful @kjwines to taste wines from 100+ wineries, enjoy signature menu selections from the region's most popular food trucks, and relax at themed lounges. The lineup will also include a walk-around wine tasting, guided wine seminars, garden tours, beer garden, premium wine experiences and more!

Early Bird pricing ends May 31 - get your tickets now at tasteofsonoma.com or see our link in bio.

#Tasteof Sonoma #sonomawine #sonomacountywine #sipsonoma #sonomacounty
2d
Open
We're proud to support our Sonoma County Vintners President @claymauritson at this year's @redwhiteandsnow benefiting the @nationalabilitycenter where he is this year's Honorary Vintner pouring @mauritsonwines. 

#adaptivenation #redwhiteandsnow #sonomawine #sonomacountywine #sipsonoma
Open
Have you reserved your spot yet? Trade Registration is OPEN for #SoCoBA May 4-5, 2023! The Sonoma County Barrel Auction is an INVITATION ONLY EVENT for members of the wine trade and media. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to bid and win an exclusive collection of never before, never again wines from across Sonoma County!

See full details at barrelauction.sonomawine.com or our link in bio.

Thanks to our 2023 SoCoBA Sponsor & Venue Partners!
@americanagcredit
MacMurray Estate Vineyards
@bacchuslanding
@g3enterprises
@diam.cork
@tonnellerie_cadus
@tricorbraunwinepak
@siliconvalleybank
@sonomacounty
@pure_luxury_transportation
@theposhprivy
@recology

#sonomawine #sonomacounty #sipsonoma
Open
Early Bird tickets are ON SALE NOW for the 2023 Taste of Sonoma! Join us June 24 at the beautiful @kjwines to taste wines from 100+ wineries, enjoy signature menu selections from the region's most popular food trucks, and relax at themed lounges. The lineup will also include a walk-around wine tasting, guided wine seminars, garden tours, beer garden, premium wine experiences and more!

Early Bird pricing ends May 31 - get your tickets now at tasteofsonoma.com.

#Tasteof Sonoma #sonomawine #sonomacountywine #sipsonoma #sonomacounty
Open
We are sad to hear of the passing of Angelo Sangiacomo, the pioneering patriarch of @sangiacomovineyards and @sangiacomowines. We were proud to honor him as a Sonoma County Icon at the 2017 Sonoma County Barrel Auction and are grateful for his many contributions to our wine community.
Open
Early Bird tickets are ON SALE NOW for the 2023 Taste of Sonoma! Join us June 24 at the beautiful @kjwines to taste wines from 100+ wineries, enjoy signature menu selections from the region's most popular food trucks, and relax at themed lounges. The lineup will also include a walk-around wine tasting, guided wine seminars, garden tours, beer garden, premium wine experiences and more!

Early Bird pricing ends May 31 - get your tickets now at tasteofsonoma.com.

#Tasteof Sonoma #sonomawine #sonomacountywine #sipsonoma #sonomacounty
Open
Join us for Vintner's Vibe at 5:20pm on Tuesday, February 28 on The Drive with Steve Jaxon & Harry Duke on @ksro1350! Sonoma County Vintners Executive Director Michael Haney will be joined by Jeff Cohn, owner of @jeffcohncellars, to taste some of his Rhone-centric wines.

Tune in or Listen Online > https://v7player.wostreaming.net/961

#sonomawine #sonomacounty #sonomawinecountry #sipsonoma
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About

Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) is the leading voice of Sonoma County wine, dedicated to raising awareness of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier wine regions. SCV represents over 250 wineries throughout the county. The organization actively promotes Sonoma County through educational programming; advocates for its members at local, state and federal levels; and contributes to the local communities through the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation. Sonoma County Wine Auction, its annual fundraiser, benefits nonprofit organizations throughout the region.

Sonoma County Vintners

  • 400 Aviation Blvd, Suite 500 Santa Rosa, CA
  • 707-522-5840
  • Contact us

@SonomaCountyVintners
#SonomaWine #SipSonoma

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