Dry Creek, Sonoma County
www.drycreekvalley.org
www.sonomawine.com
List of Wineries
FB
Winegrowers Of Dry Creek Valley
P.O. Box 1796, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Phone: (707) 433-3031
Contact Form
Over 9,000 acres of sun drenched vineyards lies in Dry Creek Valley, a place that boasts having one of the densest concentrations of Old Vine Zinfandel in the world. Many of the wineries are still family owned and produce limited-production, premium wines. If you are an organic wine junkie, then this is the place to go tasting! Many of the vineyards are committed to following sustainable, organic and biodynamic practices in their vineyards.
A History In Vines
The perfect soil, "One of the smallest AVAs in size (16 miles long by two miles wide), Dry Creek Valley is a dense concentration of floor, benchland and hillside vineyards. The valley was created by the uplift and subsidence along ancient earthquake faults and the deposit of alluvial material. This soil deposited over thousands of years on the valley floor is primarily gravelly and sandy loam – deep, well drained and fertile dirt that produces good crops of flavorful grapes. The soil on the surrounding benches and hills is composed of gravelly clay loam, often strikingly red in color. This very rocky soil drains exceptionally well, helping to stress the vines late in the growing season, concentrating varietal character."
An infamous climate, "Bordered by Lake Sonoma in the North and the confluence of Dry Creek and the Russian River to the south, the valley is classified as a Region II climate for grape growing (similar to Bordeaux region in France). Dry Creek Valley experiences both coastal and inland influences, with the nearby coastal mountain range keeping cool marine temperatures at bay, allowing for daily temperatures in the mid-80’s, July-Sept. But these mountains also provide a conduit for the coastal cold air and fog to come in at night, dramatically dropping temperatures. Long, warm days allow the fruit to fully ripen, while coastal cooling in the evening enables the grapes to mature slowly and retain their acidity and balance. These are the perfect growing conditions for Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc, the region’s signature wines, as well as Bordeaux and Rhone varietals."~Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley
Popular Grape Varieties:
Zinfandel, especially the Old Vine blocks that survived Prohibition. Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux blends (Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot)
Côtes du Rhône blends such as Grenache, Syrah, & Mourvedre.
www.sonomawine.com
List of Wineries
FB
Winegrowers Of Dry Creek Valley
P.O. Box 1796, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Phone: (707) 433-3031
Contact Form
Over 9,000 acres of sun drenched vineyards lies in Dry Creek Valley, a place that boasts having one of the densest concentrations of Old Vine Zinfandel in the world. Many of the wineries are still family owned and produce limited-production, premium wines. If you are an organic wine junkie, then this is the place to go tasting! Many of the vineyards are committed to following sustainable, organic and biodynamic practices in their vineyards.
A History In Vines
The perfect soil, "One of the smallest AVAs in size (16 miles long by two miles wide), Dry Creek Valley is a dense concentration of floor, benchland and hillside vineyards. The valley was created by the uplift and subsidence along ancient earthquake faults and the deposit of alluvial material. This soil deposited over thousands of years on the valley floor is primarily gravelly and sandy loam – deep, well drained and fertile dirt that produces good crops of flavorful grapes. The soil on the surrounding benches and hills is composed of gravelly clay loam, often strikingly red in color. This very rocky soil drains exceptionally well, helping to stress the vines late in the growing season, concentrating varietal character."
An infamous climate, "Bordered by Lake Sonoma in the North and the confluence of Dry Creek and the Russian River to the south, the valley is classified as a Region II climate for grape growing (similar to Bordeaux region in France). Dry Creek Valley experiences both coastal and inland influences, with the nearby coastal mountain range keeping cool marine temperatures at bay, allowing for daily temperatures in the mid-80’s, July-Sept. But these mountains also provide a conduit for the coastal cold air and fog to come in at night, dramatically dropping temperatures. Long, warm days allow the fruit to fully ripen, while coastal cooling in the evening enables the grapes to mature slowly and retain their acidity and balance. These are the perfect growing conditions for Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc, the region’s signature wines, as well as Bordeaux and Rhone varietals."~Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley
Popular Grape Varieties:
Zinfandel, especially the Old Vine blocks that survived Prohibition. Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux blends (Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot)
Côtes du Rhône blends such as Grenache, Syrah, & Mourvedre.
Tips For Wine Touring:
Follow The Family Member: Of course not everyone will have a family member or friend that may happen to live in a wine growing region, but if you do so happen to have this opportunity it can truly be a learning experience, and an inside look at vineyards you may have never thought to try.
Who better than a local!
My cousin, being the local during this trip showed me to the places she liked to go tasting in her neighborhood, wineries she felt were unique, and even a winery she once worked at long ago.
or better yet....
Follow The Vineyard Road: Given that many of the wineries here are along West Dry Creek Road and Dry Creek Road, it would be wise to visit several wineries along these roads if you want to get a lot of tasting in, and get the most out of your day.
Go Zinfandel & Fumé Blanc Hunting: Check out these renowned wineries if you like a lesson in history or the taste of Old Vine Zin, Dry Creek Vineyards, Prohibition survivor Pedroncelli Winery, and A. Rafanelli Winery. Take a few bottles home and do a side by side tasting of Lodi vs. Dry Creek Zin, remember to compare the bottles to similar vintages!
Quivira Vineyards & Winery
www.quivirawine.com
FB
4900 West Dry Creek Road Healdsburg, CA 95448
Phone: (707) 431-8333
Hours:
Monday-Sunday 10AM-4:30PM
Holiday Hours
"In the 16th to 18th centuries, the area we know as Sonoma County appeared on European maps as a mythical kingdom called "Quivira" whose streets were said to be paved with gold. Today, the region's "gold" is the acres of grapevines that thrive there." Named after this mythical realm and having every intention on protecting it, Quivira holds in high regard the principle of careful stewardship of the land and all its creatures.
Goals of Biodynamics & managing soil fertility:
"Instead of using synthetic fertilizers, Quivira uses compost and cover crops to add organic material to feed the vines. About a half-acre of vines was removed at Quivira to make room for a 500 cubic yard compost pile. By composting the entire winery residue and effectively using cover crops, this recycling and crop diversity returns the natural fertility to the soil. The winery manages fertility through particular cover crops, tilled back into the soil at specific times of year to add nutrients when the vines need it most. By regulating vine growth this way, balance and fruit quality are naturally promoted."
Atmosphere: The grounds of this winery are stunning, the tasting room is beautifully decorated and has a long tasting bar. I loved how some of the wildflowers decorated the tasting room, they added a nice pop of color.
Service: Servers were knowledgeable, friendly, and happy to explain and answer questions about organic wine and biodynamic vineyard practices.
Tasting Tools: Good engraved glasses. Spit buckets handy. Water nearby. No crackers. Great lighting.
Wine Availability: Sold at the tasting room, and their website.
Cost: $15 per flight, $100 purchase and over tasting fee will be waived.
Picnic Prospects: Umbrella covered picnic benches, there is also a one-acre estate garden and creek nearby.
Zichichi Family Vineyard
8626 West Dry Creek Road Healdsburg, CA 95448
Phone: (707) 433-4410
Hours:
Monday-Sunday 11AM-4:30PM
Quality Zinfandel from a family owned winery. Their wine sells out fast, so if you are looking to purchase bottles, you will have to opt for "futures" pre-ordering wine of the next vintage.
"Zichichi Family Vineyard and Winery is family owned and operated in the heart of zinfandel country in Dry Creek Valley. Zinfandel and Petite Sirah vines were originally planted on St. George root stock in 1920.The vineyard, which is head-pruned and grows in rocky, gravelly soil, begins on a hill and rolls down to Dry Creek.
Traditional winemaking techniques are utilized in our wines allowing for the clearest expression of the vineyard. Our wines are of superlative quality and thus require a great deal of sacrifice. The wines are aged 20 months in French and American Oak and blended for the final product. ~Zichichi
Atmosphere: Tidy tasting room with a fireplace, the winemaking facility where the barrel tastings are conducted in, are clean, and stunning to see. If you are looking for a barrel only tasting and are a Zinfandel lover, this place is a must see/taste.Service: Server was knowledgeable about the wines and history, and was a pleasure to talk to.
Tasting Tools: Good engraved glasses. Spit buckets handy. Water nearby. No crackers. Great lighting.
Wine Availability: Sold at the tasting room, must be pre-ordered.
Cost: $10 guided barrel tasting and view of winemaking facility.
Picnic Prospects: There is a back deck that overlooks their vineyard, it would be wise to enjoy a glass here and take in the view.
Preston Farm & Winery
www.prestonofdrycreek.com
FB
9282 West Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Phone: (707) 433-3372
Hours:
Monday-Sunday 11AM-4:30PM
Another winery on the organic wine must see list! Lovely grounds, winery kitties, and some delicious Viognier.
"Preston of Dry Creek is an organic farm and winery located in Dry Creek Valley near the historic farm town of Healdsburg, California. Founded in the 1970s by the eponymous Preston family, the nature of the business has changed over time from a conventional estate winery to a diversified farm, counting wine as one of many home-grown and hand-made food products." ~Preston of Dry Creek
Atmosphere: Basking in rusticity, if that's how one can describe the feeling of this place. Take a turn down a shaded dirt road and you'll come upon a cute farmhouse decorated with wicker furniture. Their tasting room is also a tiny market filled with fresh fruits, veggies, eggs directly from the farm, fresh baked bread, olive oil, and an array of cheeses.
Service: Server was knowledgeable, the tasting room often becomes busy, so unfortunately your questions may not be answered. There is a booklet about the winery's biodynamic practices, I recommend you look through that first, and then ask questions about things you don't understand. The sign outside the vineyard states no groups over 8.
Tasting Tools: Good glasses. Spit buckets handy. Water nearby. No crackers. Great lighting.
Wine Availability: Sold at the tasting room, and their website.
Cost: $10 flight of 4 wines, tasting fee refundable with bottle purchase. Winery also does quantity discounts.
Picnic Prospects: Tranquil grounds with plenty of space and shade to sip wine on.
Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves
www.bellawinery.com
FB
9711 West Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Phone: (707) 473-9171
Hours:
Monday-Sunday 11AM-4:30PM
Holiday Hours
Famed for their robust Zinfandels and Romantic wine cave tastings and dinners; wine tasting at Bella Vineyards is definitely a memorable experience. Tasting their late harvest Zinfandel is a must! But what sold the experience and bottles to/for me was the dessert wine pairing; salted dark chocolate peanut butter cups! Divine.
A word from the vineyard, "We came to California to pursue our love for the land—a romance that blossomed as we got to know northern Sonoma County’s amazing heritage vineyards. The stories behind these incredible vines and the generations of families dedicated to caring for them brought us to our Big River Ranch estate vineyard in Alexander Valley, whose ancient zinfandel vines were planted over 100 years ago in 1906, and to Lily Hill Estate in Dry Creek Valley, which has head pruned zinfandel vines planted in 1915." ~Bella Winery
Atmosphere: Intimate setting, the tasting room is set in a dimly lit cave with one small tasting bar. They cannot accommodate parties over 8 given the limited space.
Service: Servers were upbeat, knowledgeable and delightful to talk to. Even though the tasting room was busy the servers were good at controlling a crowd and made me feel welcome. I got to enjoy my wine, and was not rushed through my tasting.
Tasting Tools: Good engraved glasses. Spit buckets handy. Water nearby. Bread sticks, and dark chocolate peanut butter cups for dessert pairing. Ok lighting.
Wine Availability: Sold at the tasting room, and their website.
Cost: $10 per person, waived with wine purchase.
Picnic Prospects: Stunning grounds with a wonderful view of their vines planted on hills, these vines also carpet the roof of their wine cave. Grassy area with umbrella covered wooden tables and chairs.
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