Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Russian River Valley Winegrowers
P.O. Box 16 Fulton CA 95439-0016
Phone: (707) 521-2534
info@rrvw.org
Russian River Valley is probably one of my favorite places to go wine tasting; driving among the redwood trees while the sun flickers through the pines and kisses my cheek is euphoric.
I've traveled to many beautiful places around the world, but this area of Sonoma always seems to capture my heart like no other.
A Cool Place to Grow Grapes
"The Russian River Valley climate is sculpted by the regular intrusion of cooling fog from the Pacific Ocean a few miles to the west. Much like the tide, it ebbs and flows through the Petaluma Wind Gap and the channel cut by the Russian River. The fog usually arrives in the evening, often dropping the temperature 35 to 40 degrees from its daytime high. The fog retreats to the ocean the following morning. This natural air-conditioning allows the grapes to develop full flavor maturity over an extended growing season — often 15 to 20 percent longer than neighboring areas — while retaining their life-giving natural acidity."
Rocks Become Dirt
"The geologic history of the Russian River Valley is both active and recent. The collision between the North American and Pacific tectonic plates caused the uplift of ancient bedrock, which then eroded. Within the last few million years the eruption of volcanic vents immediately to the east resulted in the deposition of volcanic ash on the shallow ocean bottom. The resulting sandstone gave us our famous Goldridge loam soil.Water flowing off of the Sonoma Mountain range carried with it eroded volcanic material, creating soils with large amounts of clay in the central portion of the appellation. Then, in what remains a major mystery to geologists, the Russian River, which once flowed south to what is now San Francisco Bay, changed course and headed west through the coastal foothills. Along its course it deposited large amounts of alluvial materials that are now river benchlands. Each of these different soils has a profound effect on wine produced from grapes grown in this soil." ~RRVW
Tips For Wine Touring:
Follow the Bottle You Tried Abroad: It is a pleasure having great grandparents that live in Sonoma, but for those who don't have family living in a wine making region, how does one find out where to go?
It was during the time I was taking the WSET(Wine & Spirits Education Trust) level 2 course in Taiwan that I tried my first bottle of Merry Edwards Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc. After that, this wine was my inspiration for winery touring around Sebastopol. Sonoma County winery map in hand, I planned my trip around going to Merry Edwards and nearby wineries.
One Road Tasting: It is easy to be wishful when thinking about all the wineries you may want to see in one day, but the fact is those 6 or even 10 wineries you wanted to see may turn into only 3 if you end up over basking in the beauty some of these wineries have to offer.
To make your prospects of wine tasting likely, try and stick to one area/region/town or even road if there are several wineries located there.
Follow the Bottle You Tried Abroad: It is a pleasure having great grandparents that live in Sonoma, but for those who don't have family living in a wine making region, how does one find out where to go?
It was during the time I was taking the WSET(Wine & Spirits Education Trust) level 2 course in Taiwan that I tried my first bottle of Merry Edwards Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc. After that, this wine was my inspiration for winery touring around Sebastopol. Sonoma County winery map in hand, I planned my trip around going to Merry Edwards and nearby wineries.
One Road Tasting: It is easy to be wishful when thinking about all the wineries you may want to see in one day, but the fact is those 6 or even 10 wineries you wanted to see may turn into only 3 if you end up over basking in the beauty some of these wineries have to offer.
To make your prospects of wine tasting likely, try and stick to one area/region/town or even road if there are several wineries located there.
Hook & Ladder
2134 Olivet Road Santa Rosa, CA, 95401
Phone: (707) 526-2255
Hours:
Monday-Sunday 10AM-4:30PM
Producing cool climate grapes and incorporating the knowledge and experience of matching the soil and climate of each parcel with the varietals, allows Hook & Ladder's vines and wine to reach their full potential.
Quality wines coming from the DeLoach family is no surprise, "In 1970, San Francisco firefighter Cecil De Loach and his wife Christine staked their claim in the wine grape business by purchasing 24 acres of old-vine Zinfandel in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. In the early seventies, the De Loaches decided to acquire additional vineyard land. For several years they watched others make notable wine from their grapes before making the decision to produce wine under the De Loach label in 1975. More than three decades later, Cecil and Christine sold that label and have continued their winemaking skills at the helm of a small family winery that employs a simple philosophy – craft exceptional wines, from the highest quality grapes, that people love to drink. We consider each step of the winemaking process an opportunity to showcase the distinctive flavors contained within our carefully cultivated grapes. Every bottle of wine is a worthy representation of the best effort from each and every person at Hook and Ladder Vineyards and Winery." ~Hook&Ladder
Quality wines coming from the DeLoach family is no surprise, "In 1970, San Francisco firefighter Cecil De Loach and his wife Christine staked their claim in the wine grape business by purchasing 24 acres of old-vine Zinfandel in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. In the early seventies, the De Loaches decided to acquire additional vineyard land. For several years they watched others make notable wine from their grapes before making the decision to produce wine under the De Loach label in 1975. More than three decades later, Cecil and Christine sold that label and have continued their winemaking skills at the helm of a small family winery that employs a simple philosophy – craft exceptional wines, from the highest quality grapes, that people love to drink. We consider each step of the winemaking process an opportunity to showcase the distinctive flavors contained within our carefully cultivated grapes. Every bottle of wine is a worthy representation of the best effort from each and every person at Hook and Ladder Vineyards and Winery." ~Hook&Ladder
Atmosphere: Decorated with the Hook & Ladder fire truck out front, the vineyard leads you towards their snug tasting room. Barrels and prepackaged cases of wine line the room along with firefighter memorabilia.
Service: Informative and attentive staff even though this tasting room gets busy.
Tasting Tools: Great glasses. Spit buckets handy. Water nearby. No crackers. Great lighting.
Wine Availability: Sold at the tasting room, their website, supermarkets, and many wine shops across America.
Cost: $10 for a flight of 5 wines.
Picnic Prospects: Outside grounds include benches and beautiful walkways for strolling around the winery.
De Loach Vineyards
1791 Olivet Rd Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Phone: (707) 755-3300
Hours:
Monday-Thursday 10AM-5PM (Appointment Only)
Friday-Sunday 10AM-5PM (Open To Public)
One word I can think of when visiting this tasting room and savoring their wines....
Reverie
Elegance embodied in wine and place, De Loach has all the awards to prove it. De Loach has several vineyards throughout Sonoma and prides themselves in Biodynamic farming practices.
About DeLoach, "As a pioneering producer and winegrower of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, DeLoach Vineyards has been experimenting with and perfecting the best combinations of soil, rootstock and clones for over three decades. In 2003, the Boisset family brought two generations of sustainable winemaking experience from Burgundy, France to California’s Russian River Valley and pulled up the estate vineyards that had just produced Wine Enthusiast magazine’s 2004 wine of the year: DeLoach Vineyards’ 30th Anniversary Cuvée Pinot Noir. The award-winning vineyards were replanted with cover crops in order to revitalize the soil and in the meantime, DeLoach partnered with winegrowers equally dedicated to and passionate about eco-friendly farming practices and the production of high-quality wines. Wine & Spirits magazine named DeLoach Vineyards a Top 100 Winery for the twelfth time in the winery’s history in 2012." ~DeLoach
Reverie
Elegance embodied in wine and place, De Loach has all the awards to prove it. De Loach has several vineyards throughout Sonoma and prides themselves in Biodynamic farming practices.
About DeLoach, "As a pioneering producer and winegrower of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, DeLoach Vineyards has been experimenting with and perfecting the best combinations of soil, rootstock and clones for over three decades. In 2003, the Boisset family brought two generations of sustainable winemaking experience from Burgundy, France to California’s Russian River Valley and pulled up the estate vineyards that had just produced Wine Enthusiast magazine’s 2004 wine of the year: DeLoach Vineyards’ 30th Anniversary Cuvée Pinot Noir. The award-winning vineyards were replanted with cover crops in order to revitalize the soil and in the meantime, DeLoach partnered with winegrowers equally dedicated to and passionate about eco-friendly farming practices and the production of high-quality wines. Wine & Spirits magazine named DeLoach Vineyards a Top 100 Winery for the twelfth time in the winery’s history in 2012." ~DeLoach
Atmosphere: The grounds scream elegance, which is matched as soon as you enter the grandeur of the tasting room; chandlers, mannequins dressed in 17 century French court attire, and gold trim galore makes the thought of dress up no longer child's play.
Service: The service was impeccable! Knowledgeable and welcoming staff; I somehow got lost in conversation with the tasting room attendant about how the nose of their Chardonnay took me on a journey! Buttered popcorn, cream, and ripe citrus fruits to name a few.
Tasting Tools: Great glasses. Spit buckets handy. Water nearby. No crackers. Good lighting.
Wine Availability: Sold at the tasting room, their website, supermarkets, and many wine shops across America.
Cost: $15 for a flight of 5 wines. There are a number of activities you can participate in; you can even dress in 17 century French court attire and blend your own wine!
check out (Tasting Experiences)
check out (Tasting Experiences)
Picnic Prospects: A number of tables with umbrellas are located right outside the tasting room.
Merry Edwards Winery
2959 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Phone: (707) 823-7466
Hours:
Monday-Sunday 9:30AM-4:30PM
The first time I tasted a Merry Edwards wine was in my WSET level 2 class in Taiwan and; the experience of tasting her Sauvignon Blanc for the first time is forever engraved in my memory.
Winemaker Merry Edwards is a pioneer and queen of producing Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc that have a stronghold on the concept of terroir.
Learn more about Merry Edwards:
Winemaking
Biography
Winemaker Merry Edwards is a pioneer and queen of producing Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc that have a stronghold on the concept of terroir.
Learn more about Merry Edwards:
Winemaking
Biography
Atmosphere: I walked into the winery at just the right time, because the tasting room attendant was just starting an in-depth tasting with a few other guests. This tasting room is not your normal setup, there is a front desk where you can book tastings, if available, you'll be taken into a small room and given a short class and tasting of Merry Edwards delicious Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinots.
Service: Since the tastings are done in an intimate setting you will be well taken care of. After purchasing, the tasting room attendant instructed the staff to give me a well chilled bottle since I still had a few wineries to visit.
Tasting Tools: Great glasses. Spit buckets handy. Water nearby. No crackers. Great Lighting.
Wine Availability: Sold at the tasting room, their website, supermarkets, and many wine shops across America.
Cost: Complementary Tasting.
Picnic Prospects: None.
Dutton Goldfield
3100 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Phone: (707) 827-3600
Hours:
Monday-Sunday 10AM-4:30PM
Atmosphere: A cozy little tasting room, tastefully done. The tasting room bar has a white surface which is perfect for oohing and aahing over the beautiful colors these wines display.
Service: The tasting room manager was very informative, polite, and made my visit delightful.
Tasting Tools: Great glasses. Spit buckets handy. Water nearby. Great Lighting.
Wine Availability: Sold at the tasting room, and their website.
Cost:
Picnic Prospects: None, but a beautiful outside area with lounge chairs.
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| Beautiful displays of tart tropical fruits and blossoms. Dry, medium - body, medium beautifully balanced acid, and flavors of lime water, and zesty citrus rind. |
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| Green apple, warm citrus notes, and honey suckle tickles the nose. Dry, medium body, medium balanced acidity, and flavors of soft apple notes, citrus pith, and a long finish. |
This is one of those wines that has stuck with me weeks later!
A stunning wine!
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| Aromas of sweet cream, lemon curd, & sweet nuts. A beautiful palate with a medium body, medium + acidity which is well balanced and refreshing; the acid carried the weight of the wine well. I got powerful flavors of tart orange, grapefruit, and citrus zest combined with toasty oak. Long finish. |
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| Intense red fruits (crushed cherry) and earth. Powerful palate of ripe red fruits, soft low tannin, and a refreshing acidity. |
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| Black pepper, ripe cherry, and dried herbs on the nose. Dry, medium soft + tannins, balanced acidity, with flavors of minty herbal notes, and ripe red fruits. |
Korbel Champagne Cellars
13250 River Rd Guerneville, California 95446
Phone: (707) 824-7000
Hours:
Winter/Spring
Monday-Sunday 10AM-4:30PM
Summer/Fall
Monday-Sunday 10AM-5PM
"The Korbel story is more than a chapter in Sonoma County history. It is the saga of two enterprising families with pioneer spirits and old-world resourcefulness who envisioned the great opportunities emerging from the development of 19th-century America. Although generations apart, the Korbel and Heck families created and preserved a singular tradition of champagne-making excellence that has now been in existence for over 132 years." ~Korbel
The Korbel Story
The Korbel Story
Atmosphere: Russian River vines with the backdrop of pine trees. Free tours and tastings are given daily. There is also a regular tasting room if you don't make it to the tour, and a gift shop next door.
Service: Tour guide was friendly and informative.
Tasting Tools: Great glasses. No Spit Buckets on tour tasting, but spit buckets are available in the regular tasting room. Water nearby. No crackers. Great natural lighting.
Wine Availability: Sold at the tasting room, their website, supermarkets, and many wine shops across America. Certain wines are only available at the winery.
Cost: Complementary tour and tasting.
Winter/Spring (October 1 through April 30)
Daily at 11am, 12, 1, 2 and 3pm
Summer/Fall (May 1 through September 30)
Weekdays at 11am, 12, 1, 2, 3 and 3:45pm
Weekends at 11am, 12, 12:45, 1:30, 2:15, 3 and 3:45pm
Winter/Spring (October 1 through April 30)
Daily at 11am, 12, 1, 2 and 3pm
Summer/Fall (May 1 through September 30)
Weekdays at 11am, 12, 1, 2, 3 and 3:45pm
Weekends at 11am, 12, 12:45, 1:30, 2:15, 3 and 3:45pm
Picnic Prospects: Patio area with tables and chairs to sit on; the view is absolutely stunning!
Porter Creek Vineyards
8735 Westside Road Healdsburg, CA 95448
Phone: (707) 433-6321
Hours:
Monday-Sunday 10:30AM-4:30PM
While visiting my great grandparents in Sebastopol I had to know what were some places along the Russian River that they liked; my great grandfather recommend Porter Creek and off I went.
Vineyard Practices: "All of Porter Creek's estate vineyards are situated on hillsides, and farmed with Aurora certified organic practices in transition to Demeter (biodynamic) certification. Focused farming, and the variation in soil class and exposure amongst vineyard sites produces distinctive, highly-nuanced wines. Low yields and sought to preserve depth of character. To foster flourishing tilth and microbiological activity below ground, the Davis' adhere to detailed soil management. They closely monitor mineral flux in the soil and employ biodynamic preparation and compost. Cover crops and established between vine rows to balance soil composition and stymie erosion. To maintain vertical control over the winegrowing process, winemaker Alex Davis personally oversees the details of vineyard management, such as pruning, leaf pulling and crop thinning, and has himself pruned the entire 20 acres of estate vineyards in certain years." ~PorterCreek
Atmosphere: Cozy, rustic, and said to be hand built tasting room with hills of vines rolling behind it. Don't let the tiny tasting room discourage you! the wines here are amazing, aromatic, concentrated, and many other adjectives you could use to describe how mind blowing these wines are.
Service: A positive experience with the extremely knowledgeable tasting room manager.
Tasting Tools: Great engraved glasses. Spit buckets handy. Water nearby. No crackers. Great natural lighting.
Wine Availability: Sold at the tasting room.
Cost: $15 per person, refundable with purchase.
Picnic Prospects: None.
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The Viognier was to die for! Perfumed aromas of ripe oranges and blossoms with hints of sweet cream...divine.   
Thomas George Estates
8075 Westside Rd., Healdsburg, CA 95448
Phone: (707) 431-8031
Hours:
Winery tasting room Tuesday-Thursday 11AM-5PM
Wine cave tasting Friday-Monday 11AM-5PM
Tours & private tastings Thursday-Sunday 11AM-1:30PM
I was actually about to call it a day, but decided to stop at one more winery along Westside road, I'm glad I did. I had no previous knowledge of this winery before stepping into their wine cave, sometimes the best discoveries just happen by chance encounters.
Powerful terroir expressive drops and attention to quality is what you'll find in the wines available here. Their Story: "Thomas George Estates is run by the father-and-son team of Thomas and Jeremy Baker— who have dedicated themselves to establishing a world-class winery focused on site-specific Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays grown in the cool heart of the Russian River Valley. To realize this vision, the Baker family has assembled an estate program that includes three distinct and coveted vineyards—Baker Ridge, Starr Ridge and Cresta Ridge. Offering a diversity of microclimates, soil types, exposures, vine age and clonal material, these exceptional hillside vineyards provide Thomas George Estates with a complex palette of fruit from which to craft its limited-production wines. These artisan wines are handmade in small lots in a style that emphasizes balance, brightness and terroir-inspired sophistication." ~ThomasGeorge
Atmosphere: The winery pours elegance from the bottle, along with the image the winery is portraying. The tasting room located in their wine cave has plenty of places to lounge around if you are not in the mood to chat at the tasting bar.
Service: (Christopher) who I luckily had to chance to meet excitingly talked about the new vintage they were working on (this was in 2015, last harvest that I visited) I learned lots, tasted beautiful things, probably found one of my favorite Zinfandels, and was overall glad I decided to randomly stop by this place.
Tasting Tools: Great glasses. Spit buckets handy. Water nearby. No crackers. Ok lighting.
Wine Availability: Sold at the tasting room, and their website.
Cost: $20 for a flight of 5 wines, waived with a purchase of $50 or more.
Reserve Tasting Prices
Picnic Prospects: Benches and picnic tables with umbrellas; the winery also has private tastings and custom made wine country boded lunches for $45 per person.
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