Grape Growing Regions

Grape Growing Regions & Wineries

Northern California is filled with unique wine grape growing regions, each containing a variety of appellations (a legally defined and protected geography). Valley Wine Tours focuses on the Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, Russian River and Suisun Valley - all briefly described below.

You may have heard about AVAs - American Viticultural Areas - basically a “geographic pedigree of its wine.” We’ve got the simple story at our AVAs page.

Sonoma Valley

California’s wine industry was born in the Sonoma Valley more than 100 years ago, established by immigrants who recognized the natural abundance the land brought forth. Their early efforts took root and evolved into today’s thriving wine industry. The Valley of the Moon, as Sonoma Valley is known, has always cast a luminous spell on inhabitants and visitors alike, filling them with an ever-new appreciation of the cornucopia that is inherent in this special place.

Today’s crop of Sonoma Valley winemakers is as diverse as the grapes grown here. Among them are the first-ever Hispanic and African American-owned wineries, a healthy percentage of women in all aspects of the industry, including ownership, and large and small operations, each pursuing their dream in their own way. Many of the world’s finest wines are grown in this valley by winemakers who share the same independent spirit and love of the land as their predecessors.

Click here for a complete list of Sonoma Valley wineries.

Napa Valley

To the Wappo Indians who first inhabited the valley, "Napa" meant a land of plenty. Spawning salmon filled the waterways, clouds of migrating waterfowl darkened the skies and the valley floor served as home to wildcats, elk, black bear and grizzlies. Wild grapes also grew in abundance, but it took early settlers such as George Calvert Yount to recognize the valley's potential for cultivating winegrapes. Establishing the first local homestead in what is now Yountville in 1836; Yount was the first to plant vineyards in the valley. Other early pioneers include Charles Krug (commercial winery in 1863), Schramsberg (1862), Beringer (1876) and Inglenook (1879).

Today, Napa Valley is home to approximately 325 wineries and numerous more brands. Its growers and vintners combine cutting-edge science with traditional techniques, and its reputation for producing world-class wines is firmly established in an ever-growing global market.

More information on Napa Valley wineries is available here.

Russian River, Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys

These fertile growing regions lay a short way north of the Sonoma Valley. They present breathtaking views and are full of beautiful wineries tucked far away from view. The unique weather and topography makes excellent growing conditions for a wide variety of grapes.

•Russian River’s warm days and cool nights are perfect for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
•A short distance north is Dry Creek which is a little warmer and resembles Tuscany. It is perfect for Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Cabernet and Merlot.
•Alexander Valley is slightly to the east is one of the most diverse growing regions producing world-class Chardonnays, Zinfandels, Cabernet and Sangiovese.

There are more than 200 wineries in these areas; the region produces wine featuring over 25 grape varietals. The winding roads and rural environment are perfect for relaxed wine tasting.

For a complete list of wineries, please go to the Wine Road listings.

Suisun Valley

Part of the North Coast AVA, Suisun Valley is Valley Wine Tours latest “find.” Although the AVA is the second oldest AVA in California, it may remind you of Napa and Sonoma 10-20 years ago!

Check out this valley region with our expert guides - we’ll introduce you to gold and silver medal-winning wineries.