Organic Wineries Sonoma

Where to Find the Best Russian River Wineries

Effect of Fog on Russian River Valley Vineyards

The Russian River Valley has long been recognized as one of the best regions, or appellation, for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes in the United States. Located in Sonoma County, the Russian River Valley is approximately 60 miles north of San Francisco and extends from the town of Healdsburg in northern Sonoma County to the Pacific Ocean.

The maritime influence of the fog that moves in from the Pacific Ocean acts like nature’s air conditioning that cools down the grapes each night during the summer when temperatures sometimes reach into the 90s or even triple digits during heat waves.

Temperatures can sometimes fluctuate as much as 30-40 degrees between the peak heat of the day and the cool nights. The fluctuation in temperature between the heat during the day and cool nights allows the sugars and acid levels to develop more slowly and fully, thereby creating fruit that ripens to perfection, is complex and well balanced. The result is that the grapes from Russian River Valley produce some of the most interesting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines in the world.

Of course a lot depends on the farming practices of individual vineyard managers, as well as the growing season. More and more vineyard managers are turning to organic and biodynamic farming techniques. These techniques allow for the true expression of each varietal. It can be tricky and involve more manual labor, but the expression of varietals and the absence of chemicals and pesticides is more than worth the risk and effort.

The growing season has a lot to do with the end product as well. Early rains in September around harvest time, but before the grapes have fully ripened can be devastating for the crop in any given year. Also frost and rain early in the growing season, around March during bud break, can also cause damage that will effect the quality and yield of the crop. It is farming, after all, and therefore susceptible to the whims of Mother Nature.

All in all, the temperatures and weather in the Russian River Valley are fairly consistent from one year to the next. Despite small variations in weather patterns that can sometimes have a devastating effect of the crop of any given year, the Russian River Valley has been acknowledged by professionals, wine critics and consumers alike as a premier growing region for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.

Some of the most notable wineries in the Russian River Valley producing world class Pinto Noir and Chardonnay include DuMOL, Rochioli, Kistler, Small Vines, Martinelli, Littorai, Papapietro Perry, and many others.

Find a list of some of the best wineries in the “Locals Choice” Wine Guide at http://www.bestrussianriverwineries.com

Wedding/Special Event Wine Country Organic Food Catering-Sonoma County CA

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2010 Benziger Family Winery Lake Sonoma Counties Organic Sauvignon Blanc 750ml This Sauvignon Blanc is deliciously crisp and clean, thanks to stainless steel fermentation, which allows its bright citrus flavors and floral aromas to shine. Generous fruit is enhanced by a refreshing acidic structure and harmonious mouthfeel. Enjoy with white fish, summer salads or fresh fruit….