Sonoma
Valley
The Sonoma Valley
is north of San Francisco, nestled between the Sonoma Mountain Range
on the west and the Mayacamas Mountains to the east. Sonoma Valley is
one of the earliest winemaking regions in California, with vineyards
planted as early as 1825. By the end of the 19th century, the Sonoma
Valley region was eclipsed by the neighboring Napa Valley. In the early
70's, the Sonoma Valley begain calling attention to itself once again,
with most of the 30 wineries in the valley being built since then.
The Sonoma Valley
is blessed with just the right combination of soil, sun, moisture, and
geography for growing exceptional wine grapes. The Sonoma Valley region
produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignons, Zinfandels, and Pinot Noirs,
but the defining wine of the region is probably the Chardonnay. Chardonnay
grapes make the best wines when they are planted in areas that are not
too hot, and not too cold. And with the temperatures moderated by the
Pacific Ocean, and San Pablo Bay, there are plenty of areas within Sonoma
County that fit this description.
