Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A WINE COUNTRY PRIMER
When people talk about Sonoma, they're referring to the wholecounty which, unlike
Napa, is huge. It extends all the way from the coast, up the Russian River Valley, into
Sonoma Valley and eastward to Napa Valley; in the south it stretches from San Pablo Bay
(an extension of San Francisco Bay) to Healdsburg in the north. It's essential to break
Sonoma down by district.
West County refers to everything west of Hwy 101 and includes the Russian River Valley
and the coast. Sonoma Valley stretches north-south along Hwy 12. In northern Sonoma
County, Alexander Valley lies east of Healdsburg, and Dry Creek Valley lies north of
Healdsburg. In the south, Carneros straddles the Sonoma-Napa border, north of San
Pablo Bay. Each region has its own particular wines; what grows where depends upon the
weather.
Inland valleys get hot; coastal regions stay cool. In West County and Carneros, night-
time fog blankets the vineyards. Burgundy-style wines do best, particularly Pinot Noir and
Chardonnay. Further inland, Alexander, Sonoma and much of Dry Creek Valleys (as well
as Napa Valley) are fog-protected. Here, Bordeaux-style wines thrive, especially Cabernet
Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and other heat-loving varieties. For California's fam-
ous Cabernets, head to Napa. Zinfandel and Rhône-style varieties, such as Syrah and
Viognier, grow in both regions, warm and cool. In cooler climes, wines are lighter and
more elegant; in warmer areas they are heavier and more rustic. As you explore, notice
the bases of grapevines: the fatter they are, the older. 'Old vine' grapes yield color and
complexity not found in grapes from younger vines.
Some basics: wineries and vineyards aren't the same. Grapes grow in a vineyard, then
get fermented at a winery. Wineries that grow their own grapes are called estates, as in
'estate-grown' or 'estate-bottled,' but estates, too, ferment grapes from other vineyards.
When vintners speak of 'single-vineyard' or 'vineyard-designate' wines, they mean the
grapes all originated from the same vineyard; this allows for tighter quality-control.
'Single varietal' means all the grapes are the same variety (such as 100% merlot), but
may come from different vineyards. Reserves are the vintner's limited-production wines;
they're usually available only at the winery.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Vintners love to talk. If you don't know how to taste
wine, or what to look for, ask the person behind the counter to help you discover what you
like. Just remember to spit out the wine; the slightest buzz will diminish your capacity to
taste.
