SONOMA COAST

This “umbrella” AVA comprises more than half a million acres, stretching from San Pablo Bay on the south to the Mendocino County border on the north. Cold-climate, estate-bottled producers widely scattered across this area have roughly 7,000 acres planted to vineyards. Cool temperatures and relatively high rainfall characterize the area’s weather and lead to slow grape maturation.

Soils of the Sonoma Coast are rocky and well-drained.

Varietals include: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio, and (among others) Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Merlot that have been developed for cool climates.

Petitions are being submitted for sub-AVAs within this large region. The Fort Ross-Seaview AVA may be the first to gain approval.