Sonoma County

California, north of San Francisco, the coastal county west of Napa - a diverse patchwork of valleys.

Cool Pacific fog and wind, especially near the coast; like Napa, days are warm and nights cool.

Sonoma County, the fog-chilled coastal giant west of Napa, is arguably the most diverse wine region in California. Its cool coastline grows glorious Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, while warmer interior valleys produce classic Zinfandel and Cabernet.

The Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast sub-regions have become stars for cool-climate Pinot Noir, and the old-vine Zinfandel vineyards of Dry Creek are an American treasure.

For the buyer, Sonoma offers more value and more variety than its famous neighbour - superb wines for every recipe.

Terroir & Soil

Upland and coastal valleys over varied soils - granitic, volcanic, clay; the cool coast favours Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

What to Expect from the Wines

· Sonoma is California's great multi-zone region - cooler and more varied than Napa.
· The Russian River Valley is superb for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with thrilling acidity.
· Zinfandel from Dry Creek and Alexander valleys is a classic, jammy old-vine style.

Remarkable Bottles from Sonoma County

Williams Selyem Pinot Noir

Sonoma County · 2024 (representative vintage)

Williams Selyem Pinot Noir is an red wine from United States, in the Sonoma County region (California, north of San Francisco, the coastal county west of Napa - a diverse patchwork of valleys.), made principally from Pinot Noir. The cult Russian River Valley Pinot that put California Pinot Noir on the map in the early 1980s.

$90–$150 est. retail

Kistler Chardonnay

Sonoma County · 2024 (representative vintage)

Kistler Chardonnay is an white wine from United States, in the Sonoma County region (California, north of San Francisco, the coastal county west of Napa - a diverse patchwork of valleys.), made principally from Chardonnay. A benchmark Californian Chardonnay — full, barrel-fermented and intense without losing balance.

$85–$140 est. retail

Sonoma County Chardonnay

Sonoma County · 2024 (representative vintage)

Sonoma County Chardonnay is an white wine from United States, in the Sonoma County region (California, north of San Francisco, the coastal county west of Napa - a diverse patchwork of valleys.), made principally from Chardonnay. a house-style Sonoma County chardonnay that showcases the grape in this region.

$12–$28 est. retail

Sonoma County Pinot Noir

Sonoma County · 2024 (representative vintage)

Sonoma County Pinot Noir is an red wine from United States, in the Sonoma County region (California, north of San Francisco, the coastal county west of Napa - a diverse patchwork of valleys.), made principally from Pinot Noir. a house-style Sonoma County pinot noir that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

Sonoma County Zinfandel

Sonoma County · 2024 (representative vintage)

Sonoma County Zinfandel is an red wine from United States, in the Sonoma County region (California, north of San Francisco, the coastal county west of Napa - a diverse patchwork of valleys.), made principally from Zinfandel. a house-style Sonoma County zinfandel that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

Sonoma County · 2024 (representative vintage)

Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is an red wine from United States, in the Sonoma County region (California, north of San Francisco, the coastal county west of Napa - a diverse patchwork of valleys.), made principally from Cabernet Sauvignon. a house-style Sonoma County cabernet sauvignon that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

Food Pairing

· Pinot Noir pairs with duck, salmon and earthy mushroom dishes.
· Chardonnay is superb with roast chicken and creamy pastas.
· Zinfandel matches grilled meats, ribs and robust stews.

Buying from Sonoma County

› Cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the region's signature quality buys.
› Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast label regional character on the bottle.
› Old-vine Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley is a fantastic summer red.