As a result, temperatures are at least 10 or more degrees cooler than the rest of the Sonoma Coast AVA. Elevation of the West Sonoma Coast AVA ranges from 400 to 1,800 feet with vineyards planted on steep ridge tops along the San Andreas fault line up against the consistently cold Pacific Ocean, both above and below the fog line. The West Sonoma Coast AVA has a diverse terroir, located on the westernmost part of Sonoma County with cooler marine temperatures and substantial fog that makes West Sonoma Coast wines extremely unique and shine through in the glass with depth, layers and elegance. In general, the structure, rather than the composition of the soil, is the deciding factor where grape plantings are concerned.Įarned AVA Status In: 1981 | Vineyard Acres: 5,565 | Wineries: 100+ One finds a wide disparity between valley floor and mountain soils those found in flatter, valley areas tend to be quite fertile, loamy and have better water-retention while the soils at higher elevations are meager, rocky and well-drained. The soils of the Sonoma Valley, like the rest of the county are varied. In the appellations of the North Coast, the wind is unique to Sonoma Valley and Carneros. The cool air that does affect the region comes northward from the Los Carneros region and southward from the Santa Rosa Plain.īecause the valley is cooled from the north and south, it is different from other California north-south-oriented grape growing valleys in the interior. The Sonoma Mountains to the west helps to protect the valley from excessive rainfall. Along with being the area where so much of Sonoma County’s winemaking history took place, it is known for its unique terroir, with Sonoma Mountain protecting the area from the wet and cool influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean. The appellation is bordered by two mountain ranges: the Mayacamas Mountains to the east and the Sonoma Mountains to the west. The Sonoma Valley AVA centers on the Sonoma Valley in the southern part of the county.
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