Sonoma Coast
Somewhat of an all-encompassing AVA that was established in 1987,
Sonoma Coast extends from Mendocino in the north down to
Carneros, which lies along the San Pablo Bay in the south. This AVA
overlaps the Russian River Valley, Chalk Hill, Petaluma Gap, Fort
Ross-Seaview and Carneros AVA’s. It has recently been divided into
the West Sonoma Coast AVA with its rugged mountains, steep
ridgelines and cooler microclimates. There are over 500,000 acres of
land in this fog and windswept growing region of Sonoma Coast,
which lies along the Pacific Ocean. The higher amounts of rainfall
and maritime influence are ideal for growing mostly Chardonnay and
Pinot Noir. The slower ripening of the grapes leads to more natural
acidity and lower sugar levels in the resulting wines. There are field
flowers, stone fruits and minerality in these Chardonnays.
