Alexander Valley WIne Region Guide

Alexander Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in California, located in the north of Sonoma County. It is known to be California's one of most visited wine areas that attract visitors because of its charming vineyard landscapes stretching across the valley, top-notch Cabernet Sauvignon and of course the hospitality you will experience visiting wineries.

Check out the list of wineries in Alexander Valley

Where is Alexander Valley?

As already mentioned, Alexander Valley sits in the north of Sonoma County, California. The vineyards of Alexander Valley stretches across the 15,000 acres, in front of the Mayacama Mountains. It is the biggest viticultural area in Sonoma with the Russian River flowing down the valley and vineyards on both sides.

When it all started

The history of wine production in Alexander Valley goes back to the second half of the 19th century when Cyrus Alexander planted the first vineyards with the vine cuts collected on the Pacific coast. This area had been known for the mass production of bulk wines. It was only after the 1960s that quality wine production come into the spotlight of several local winemakers who tried to recover the long winemaking traditions of this area. In 1984, Alexander Valley earned AVA Status and today, it is home to almost 50 family-run wineries producing some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon.

Terroir of Alexander Valley

The climate of Alexander Valley is influenced by the Pacific Ocean. Cool marine breeze chills down the valley making mornings and evenings a bit chilly when heat spikes during the day. This change of the temperature guarantees that grapes are fully ripened with preserved acidity. The climate of Alexander Valley together with its well-drained alluvial gravel and rocky soils creates the perfect conditions for growing Cabernet Sauvignon.

Grape varieties and wines of Alexander Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon is the king of the viticultural area but the hilly areas of the valley also favours another Bordeaux varietal - Merlot. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc also find it pretty comforting. You will also be able to find some Zinfandel, Sangiovese and old vines of Grenache.

Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is famous for its well-structured smooth tannins with the aromas of cherries, black fruits and violets. Some of the good examples also present rich chocolate notes and tobacco. Chardonnay from this area because of its warm climate influence produce wines with tropical fruit aromas.