The Sonoma Mountain AVA spans the elevated terrain east of Sonoma Valley, nestled between the municipalities of Sonoma and Santa Rosa in California. Known for producing red wines with remarkable intensity and vivid hues, the region primarily focuses on Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir varieties. Situated in Sonoma County, California, the AVA comprises the area around and including Sonoma Mountain in the Sonoma Mountains chain. It features Glen Ellen within its boundaries and is largely surrounded by the Sonoma Valley AVA. The region’s fame comes from its diverse microclimates, found across sun-drenched slopes and within protected valleys, which facilitate the growth of various grape types. Among them are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Zinfandel, contributing to its reputation as a distinguished wine-producing area.
The American Viticultural Area (AVA) encompasses approximately 320 hectares (800 acres) dedicated to vine cultivation. The vineyards are strategically situated across the hills and valleys of Sonoma Mountain, benefiting from diverse sunlight exposure, soil varieties, and levels of shielding from prevailing weather patterns.
In 1985, Sonoma Mountain earned its official recognition as a wine-producing region, following closely behind the designation of Sonoma Valley and the Russian River Valley. The region boasts several renowned wine producers, such as Kistler Vineyards, Paul Hobbs, and Benziger Family Winery.
Sonoma Mountain stands out as an exceptional AVA within the United States, distinguished by its successful cultivation and sale of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay under a single AVA designation, a rarity among American wine regions.
Sonoma Mountain’s Terroir
Positioned up to 2,400 feet (730 meters) above sea level, the vineyards of Sonoma Mountain rise above the renowned fog that characterizes the climate of both the Sonoma and Russian River Valleys. Here, the vineyards enjoy intense sunlight during the day, only to be embraced by the cooler mountain air when the sun sets.
The orientation of the vineyards, mostly on steep east-facing slopes, ensures that the grapes bask in sunlight throughout the day, while also being protected from the Pacific’s prevailing weather patterns. This environment, with its significant temperature variations between day and night, moderates the temperatures effectively. The cooler nights play a crucial role in slowing down grape ripening, allowing for the preservation of acidity while sugars and tannins mature, resulting in wines that are both balanced and vibrant.
On the cooler, western slopes of Sonoma Mountain, the influence of the Pacific is more pronounced, creating ideal conditions for cultivating Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In these cooler microclimates, the Burgundian varietals thrive, yielding bold and rich wines.
Soil Varieties
The Sonoma Mountain AVA‘s soil composition is predominantly volcanic, originating from ancient lava flows and volcanic ash that contributed to the region’s formation many millennia ago.
Characterized by their shallow and well-draining nature, these soils have a minimal organic matter content, creating an ideal environment for grape cultivation. This stress on the vines encourages the production of premium quality fruit, which, due to its robust skin and rich flavors, is less appealing to birds but perfect for creating fine wines.
