http://www.the-winery.net/rafanelli-winery-zinfandel/
Sonoma County Wine Guide
The premises of the Sonoma County Wine Selection Guide
Sonoma County is a well known grape growing and region wine producer located 30 miles north of San Francisco. The moderate climate is ideal for a wide variety of agricultural products, but the vineyards, growing grapes and wineries dominate the landscape of the Sonoma County economy.
The county seat is based in Santa Rosa, which is about 65 miles north of the Golden Bridge Gate.
There are over 200 award-winning wineries located in Sonoma County with twelve different grape growing regions, also known as appellations or designated AVA (American Viticultural Area). These consist of Alexander Valley, Bennett Valley, Sonoma-Carneros, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, Green Valley Russian River Valley, the Knights Valley, Rockpile, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Mountain and Sonoma Valley.
For the purposes of this article, we in the three northernmost appellations of Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Russian River Valley.
The Alexander Valley is the northernmost appellation in Sonoma County is the hottest region, and the Mendocino County border. Alexander Valley is known for growing a wide range of grape varieties that grow well in hot climates such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietals, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Sangiovese. It is red varieties of grapes that do well in warmer warm, while white varietals, like cooler weather.
Some well-known wineries and tasting rooms include Silver Oak Alexander Valley, Goode Murphy, Francis Ford Coppola Winery, and Geyser Peak. The small enclave of Geyserville is in the midst of Alexander Valley, and has a tasting room collective called Local as well as some very good restaurants.
Dry Creek Valley is the west of Alexander Valley and west of the city of Healdsburg, the center where these three names meet. Dry Creek Valley is known for growing Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as several varieties of Rhone, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache and Mourvedre.
The Dry Creek Store is a great place to stop for lunch. It is located in the heart of the Dry Valley Creek Road. notable wineries in Dry Creek Vineyards Dry Creek Valley include, Ferrari-Quran, Rafanelli, Bella Vineyards, Mauritson, and dozens more.
The Russian River Valley is just south of Dry Creek Valley and also includes sub-designation of Green Valley. It is recognized as a premium growing region for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The warm days and the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean offers ideal conditions for growing these varieties. Other varieties grown in the Valley of Russian River include Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinto Gris.
The Russian River is repleat with restaurants and restaurants everywhere. Some of the wineries Highlights include Martinelli, Rochioli, Gary Farrell, Hartford Court, and many more.
Sonoma County is bordered to the west by Ocean Pacific and has miles of roads along the majestic coastline. Other features include Sonoma County, Russian River, Redwood magectic, more than 20 courses GOF, over 40 spas, festivals, many local farmers markets and an incredible amount of quality restaurants and restaurants.
For these and many other reasons, Sonoma County is a point of popular holiday destination for people from around the world. If you are planning a visit to make sure Sonoma County consultation with the Chamber of Commerce in the particular area you are visiting to see if there is a special event happening.
You can also contact any specific wineries you visit and get a copy of your calendar of events. Bodegas are notorious for events throughout the year, many food and wine pairing, music and holiday themes.
For recommendations of wineries and restaurants in the Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Russian River Valley, http://sonomacountywineguide.com visit. About the Author
Hi, my name is George Bato and I have lived in Sonoma County for the past 20 years, and in the wine industry for 15 years.
During that time I have come to know many of the best wineries, grape growers and winemakers throughout the region.
Sonoma County Wine Guide is a directory of the best wineries, tasting rooms, restaurants, and lodging in the Russian River, Alexander, and Dry Creek Valleys of Sonoma County. These are places that the locals frequently visit and recommend most.
If you are visiting Sonoma County, or are a local, you will want to get your Free guide.
Get your Free Sonoma Wine Guide by visit our website at
http://www.sonomacountywineguide.com
Copyright © 2010
http://www.SonomaCountyWineGuide
— All Rights Reserved
Passport to Dry Creek Valley 2010