Varieties
Learn About the Type of Winegrapes Grown in Sonoma County
Learn About the Type of 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! Browse the grape varieties below to skim just the surface of some of the great wines produced in Sonoma County.
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.
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.
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.
Known for its spicy pepperiness, jammy blackberry and black raspberry fruit, and brambly characteristics. Usually big, full-bodied wines that aren’t overly tannic.
Crisp and lively, with citrus flavors, a slight grassiness, good acidity, and little or no oak influence.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A reliable component in Bordeaux-style blends and as a stand-alone varietal with its own personality and flavor of ripe blueberry and licorice.
Sonoma County Sangiovese delivers a blend of savory herbs and ripe raspberries supported by bracing acidity.
Dense and concentrated, Petite Sirah offers ripe berry fruit on a muscular framework of tannins and acidity.
Sonoma County Vintners is the leading voice of Sonoma County wine, dedicated to raising awareness of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier wine regions, noted for its heritage of artisan winemaking, distinct growing regions, and extraordinary quality. Founded in 1944, Sonoma County Vintners represents more than 200 wineries and affiliated businesses throughout the Sonoma County. Read more
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