Russian River Valley
You can still come harvest your own raspberries in September, pick your own pumpkins come Halloween, or chop down a Christmas tree while December nights darken along the wending patch of the Russian River as it descends to meet the Pacific at Jenner-by-the-Sea. Commercial gardens grow flowers that decidedly define the color spectrum and a prize-winning dairy provides an expanse of mind-soothing, stress-busting, brown-eyed milkers.
As good as the Russian River Valley Chardonnays are-they are clearly world class, being slightly more lean than those of Alexander Valley, but still fruit developed enough to sustain months in oak barrels for depth and complexity-this is where Pinot Noir shines.
Where most red wines focus on flavor, Pinot Noir is about texture, that sensual, succulent, juicy, fleshy, slides-down-your-throat mouth feel that is so alluring. It is a textural delight that can only be found where morning river fogs moderate afternoon temperatures so that fruit maturity is achieved without loss of depth and suppleness.
Russian River Valley Wineries
Arista Winery
Healdsburg
Arista Winery was founded by the McWilliams family in 2002 with a mission to create the most elegant expression of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. We are committed to sustainable farming practices and sustainable business practices.
Balletto Vineyards
Santa Rosa
Come by and visit our friendly staff and enjoy our beautiful patio area set in the heart of our 200 acre vineyard.
The estate wines of Balletto are born of the distinct soils and climates of Sonoma County's Russian River Valley, and of the Balletto family's passion for the land.
De Loach Vineyards
Santa Rosa
DeLoach Vineyards pioneered Pinot Noir wine growing in the Russian River Valley when Cecil DeLoach, a firefighter from San Francisco with a passion for winemaking, first planted the grape in 1973.
Gary Farrell Winery
Healdsburg
Gary Farrell Winery is perched atop a hillside overlooking the serene and enigmatic Russian River Valley, the winery is a tribute to Gary's winemaking vision - with a striking pristine character that aptly reflects a craftsman's ruthless attention to detail.
Hook and Ladder Winery
Santa Rosa
On 375 acres situated in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley, our vineyards produce cool climate grapes widely recognized as some of the finest in the world.
Matrix Winery
Healdsburg
Matrix is an Artisan Winery in the making. Located on Westside Road this vineyard benefits from cool afternoon river breezes creating the perfect climate for pinot noir grapes.
