8 Essential Grapes to Understand Sonoma Wine

Sonoma County, just an hour north of San Francisco, might not have the international reputation that the neighboring Napa Valley does, but it still has plenty for wine lovers to be excited about. 

This historic region was first planted in the early 1800s and has grown wine grapes ever since. It boasts a dizzying array of climates and soil types, making it an ideal home for a wide range of varietals and wine styles. From crisp, refreshing whites to full-bodied and age-worthy reds, there’s something for every palate. 

But, to fully comprehend Sonoma’s rich winegrowing history and modern-day landscape, you’ve got to understand the grapes that have come to define it. Here are eight varietals that have made Sonoma wine what it is today.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is the single most popular grape in the county—red or white. And why not? Winemakers love working with Burgundian varietal, as it can be made in a wide range of styles, from heavily oaked and decadent, to mineral-driven and acid-forward. 

This versatility gives wine lovers loads of options, but the classic examples from the Russian River Valley really deliver the best of both worlds. It’s no wonder these wines have exploded in popularity since the AVA was founded in the early eighties—and have helped cement California’s reputation as a global wine powerhouse.

Foggy mornings and a long growing season provide brilliant acidity, while warm days provide optimal ripeness and opulent texture. The ability to have the best of both worlds has made Chardonnay from this region popular all over the world. 

Pinot Noir

Ask wine lovers what the most complex grape is and often, you’ll hear about Pinot Noir. Ask growers which variety is the toughest to farm and you’re very likely to get the same answer. 

Pinot’s thin skin and relatively high acid make for nuanced and aromatically compelling wines, and the grape thrives in cooler growing zones. 

The AVAs located along Sonoma County’s coastline, such as Fort Ross-Seaview and West Sonoma Coast, share a proximity to the Pacific Ocean and foggy mornings that provide the perfect climate for gradual ripening and complex flavor profiles, like forest floor, nori and shiitake, making them ideal for this tricky but magical grape.