The majority of the wine regions of Northern California fall within the coast range which runs generally north-south and extends from the cool Pacific shore to the western edge of the great central valley of California. The heart of Northern California’s wine country is situated north of the San Francisco Bay in the counties of Napa and Sonoma. A unique combination of geologic and weather factors work to make these valleys perfect for growing premium wine grapes.

Some of the key viticultural areas are:

Napa Valley – The Napa Valley VA extends from the town of Napa at the south to Calistoga in the north. The hills that frame the valley are the eroded remnants of the Sonoma volcanic field that erupted between three and six million years ago. The porous volcanic soil makes the vines struggle to produce small berries of highly concentrated fruit that become great wines. The southern reaches of the valley are influenced more directly by the cool, moist air that flows from the Pacific, through the Golden Gate and north to San Pablo Bay and the Delta. Following the Napa river north, the marine influence becomes less pronounced and by the time you reach Calistoga the climate turns dry and hot with summertime temperatures regularly reaching triple digits. The mid-valley zone between the town of St. Helena on the north and Yountville to the south is a region known as the Rutherford bench which lies to the west of the Napa river. The Rutherford bench is home to some of the great Napa vineyards, such as Beaulieu, Robert Mondavi, and Neibaum-Coppola. Rutherford is primarily planted with Cabernet Sauvignon. However, plantings of Merlot and Cabernet Franc are well represented too.

Sonoma Valley – The Sonoma Valley is notable for its array of microclimates and equally varied plantings of a multitude of grape varieties. At the southern end of the valley, the Los Carneros viticultural area is regularly visited by marine air from across San Francisco Bay. This climate makes it ideal for growing the cool weather varieties such as Pinot Noir. Heading north, the Sonoma Valley is defined by the Sonoma Mountains to the west and the Mayacamas range to the east. Upvalley from Carneros and through the town of Sonoma, vineyards are planted with tapestry of classic red grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. White grapes such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, and Viongier are also part of Sonoma’s varietal landscape. Sonoma is “low key” , especially when compared with the more well known Napa Valley. Producers like Kenwood, St. Francis, and Chateau St. Jean call this crescent shaped valley home.

Dry Creek Valley – Running roughly parallel to and west of the Alexander Valley is Dry Creek Valley. The valley is home to the classic Bordeaux varietals as well as century old plantings of Zinfandel that produce incredibly concentrated red wines with deep raspberry tones. These grapes thrive in the rocky earth on the valley floor and the elevated benches of eroded volcanic ash. Dry Creek’s weather is perfect for vines that like cool mornings and toasty heat in the afternoon.

Alexander Valley – Between Healdsburg and Cloverdale, the Alexander Valley is home to the Russian river. The Mendocino mountains rise up to the west and to the east lies the Mayacamas range. The rich soil on the valley floor is conducive to plantings of sweet whites like Gewurztraminer and late-harvest Riesling. Meanwhile, the benchlands away from the valley floor support softer Cabernet Sauvignons and Sauvignon Blancs.

Livermore Valley – Thirty miles east of the San Francisco Bay, amongst cattle ranches and rolling hills is the Livermore Valley viticultural area. Livermore’s weather has more in common with the hot central valley than the more temperate regions surrounding the Bay. The mountains of the coast range to the west snatch up the bulk of the rainfall that sweeps in from the Pacific, leaving precious few drops for the vines. The dearth of moisture and gravelly soils encourage plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillion. The Livermore Valley has a long history of wine production with Concannon going back to 1883 and surviving prohibition by supplying sacramental wine to the Catholic community in San Francisco.