Sonoma County

Taking 101-N from San Francisco? Highway 12 going west from Napa? Either way, all roads lead to Sonoma.

Encompassing rugged mountains, a spectacular coastline, magnificent redwood forests, gently flowing rivers, charming small towns and lush pastureland, Sonoma boasts a kaleidoscope of vineyard terrains, soil types and microclimates, and virtually every grape variety cultivated in California. Sonoma appellations produce some of the world's finest bottles, especially bright, vivid Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs from the cool-climate Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast regions; rich, complex Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons from the warmer Alexander Valley; and classic Zinfandels from old, hillside vines in Dry Creek Valley. At Folie à Deux, our close relationships with top growers in these regions enable us to craft remarkably delicious and distinctive wines that eloquently convey the essence of each variety and appellation.

Russian River Valley
Alexander Valley
Dry Creek Valley

Russian River Valley

At 38° 29' 47" N, 122° 46' 12" W, the Russian River Valley is located in the heart of Sonoma County, 55 miles north of San Francisco (Just pray you don't get stuck behind a grape truck along the way!).

Why We’re Crazy About Russian River Valley:

The valley contains a wide range of alluvial soils, composed primarily of gravel, loam and sand provides essential water drainage while retaining sufficient moisture and nutrients to nurture the vines during the appellation's long growing season. Russian River Chardonnay However, its key climatic feature is the cooling fog from the Pacific Ocean, which reduces temperatures by 35-40 degrees at night, fostering a long, even growing season. The cool fog is ideal for Chardonnay, which ripens slowly in the Russian River Valley and develops intense varietal flavors while retaining vibrant acidity.

Alexander Valley

Located at approximately 38° 42' 28" N, 122° 54' 9" W, in northern end of Sonoma County, the Alexander Valley stretches 22 miles from Healdsburg north to Cloverdale, following the meandering course of the Russian River.

Why We’re Crazy About Alexander Valley:

Its sometimes narrow valley floor is flanked by undulating hillsides rising up to 2,000 feet in elevation. Along its heavily graveled benchlands and foothills lie some of California's supreme Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards, which benefit from Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot the region's warm daytime temperatures, marine-cooled evenings and well-drained, volcanic hillside soils. These conditions yield mouthfilling, fruit-forward and supple red wines boasting layers of lush black cherry, dark berry and spice flavors balanced by smooth, well-structured tannins.

Dry Creek Valley

38° 30' 7" N, 122° 59' 46" W. Located northwest of the northern Sonoma town of Healdsburg at 16 miles long and two miles wide, Dry Creek Valley is one of California's smallest appellations, but don't let its size fool you!

Why We’re Crazy About Dry Creek Valley:

During the 1870s, it was discovered by Italian immigrants, who were reminded of the hills of their native Tuscany and Piedmont. This Mediterranean-style region plays host to warm summer days, tempered by morning fog from the Dry Creek Zinfandel Pacific Ocean with vines that thrive in its well-drained, stony soils. The Italians planted Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Carignane grapes on Dry Creek's benchlands to emulate the hearty red wines to which they were accustomed, often interplanting those varieties and creating 'field-blended' wines. Grazie Italia!