Founded in 1857 in Sonoma County, Buena Vista is California’s oldest continuously operating winery and still produces notable wines. Sonoma County is also home to more than 400 other wineries spread across its roughly one million acres. About 60,000 acres of vineyard plantings sit on as many as 50 different soil types within 17 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). That combination of size, soil diversity and varied microclimates allows Sonoma to produce a wide range of high-quality wines, including some of California’s finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Sonoma County begins roughly 50 miles north of San Francisco and extends north to the Mendocino County line. From east to west it reaches from the Mayacamas Mountains—separating it from Napa Valley—to the Pacific Ocean, giving the county about 60 miles of coastline and a broad palette of growing conditions.
Jordan wines © Jordan Vineyard & Winery
Because of its varied vineyards and climates, Sonoma grows many grape varieties, and many wineries source fruit from multiple AVAs to craft distinct styles. Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot thrive in warmer areas like Alexander Valley, producing full-bodied, flavorful wines. Notable producers in that region include Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Murphy-Goode Winery and Francis Ford Coppola Winery.
By contrast, Burgundy varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir prefer cooler sites. While California interpretations are often riper and more fruit-forward than those from Burgundy, cooler Sonoma subregions—especially the Russian River Valley—consistently deliver outstanding examples of these grapes. Wineries to note for their Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs include Benovia Winery, Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery, MacMurray Estate Vineyards, MacRostie Winery and Vineyards, and Patz & Hall Winery.
Benovia wines © Benovia Winery
Zinfandel finds excellent expression in the warmer Dry Creek Valley, but the AVA also produces a wide range of reds and whites. Look for wines from producers such as Quivira Vineyards & Winery, Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves, and Ferrari-Carano in that area.
Beyond winemaking, Sonoma celebrates its community and culture each Labor Day weekend with Wine Country Weekend, a three-day series of parties, tastings, dinners and dances that culminates in a high-profile charitable wine auction. The event regularly raises millions to support local causes; this year’s auction generated $4.5 million, much of which goes to children’s literacy programs in Sonoma County.
Sonoma County combines excellent wines, active community support and a welcoming spirit—qualities that make it a compelling destination for wine lovers and visitors alike.