The Sonoma County appellation is California’s most extreme climate thanks to the Pacific fog and strong winds that flow through the Petaluma Wind Gap, a break in the jagged mountains at Bodega Bay. A single day might see a temperature flux of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Enveloping morning fog gives way to late morning sun warming the vines and prompting an ideal dose of photosynthesis before the cool afternoon breezes usher nightly fog. As a result, the appellation’s growing season is extended as most Pinot Noir ripens evenly on the vine until mid-October. Shop for Sonoma County Wines.

Bob's Ranch Estate Vineyard

Bob's Ranch is one of WALT's Estate Vineyards. Located just east of Sebastopol, the vineyard lies in the Sonoma Coast AVA with influences of the nearby Petaluma Wind Gap. A cool climate vineyard influenced by coastal breezes along low rolling hills and morning fog. This marine layer keeps the vineyard 15 degrees cooler than the rest of the Russian River northern neighbors. The terroir is mostly fine sandy loam soil that gives excellent drainage which leads to low vigor vines and small yields. There are 45 blocks on 86 acres with 9 distinct clones of Chardonnay and 17 distinct clones of Pinot Noir.

Gap’s Crown Vineyard

The picturesque Gap’s Crown vineyard is perched on a hillside. The site is in the direct path of the Petaluma Wind Gap, characterized by coastal fog and the cool, steady winds from the Pacific Ocean. This vineyard’s reputation has quickly ascended as one of the best in the Sonoma Coast appellation. Vineyard Manager, Mike Cybulski, and his dedicated team practice vine-by-vine farming to optimize the vine and fruit development throughout the growing season. Gentle slopes and extremely rocky soils produce wines of great depth and richness. The terroir of the vineyard will change with elevation with more fertile ground near the bottom and hard, rocky soils evident in the upper blocks where we source fruit.

Sangiacomo Vineyard

The Green Acres Vineyard is a certified sustainable vineyard, first planted in 1969 by the Sangiacomo family. Due to the distinctive character and intensity of the grapes, this is one of the most sought-after Sonoma Coast Chardonnay vineyards. There is one organically grown block, and five of the original acres of Chardonnay (“The Heritage Block”) planted in 1969 to the Old Wente clone on St. George rootstock which still remain. The vineyard is bordered by Sonoma Creek on the east with Fowler Creek running down the middle.

Shop Sonoma County Wine     Soil Summary

Soil Summary

Appellations can range from 50 miles to hundreds of miles across a variety of terrains. Within these appellations, our vineyards have an array of soil series. Even in each vineyard, there are a range of different soils. Our goal is to illustrate the main differences of our five appellations. We hope that with these illustrations you can see, and ultimately taste, the differences of our wines of a place.

Sonoma Coast

Bob’s Ranch Vineyard Estate
The Cotati series consists of deep, moderately well drained soils formed in material weathered from soft sedimentary rocks. Fine, mixed, active.

Gap’s Crown Vineyard
The Goulding series consists of shallow, somewhat excessively drained soils formed in material weathered from metavolcanic or metasedimentary rocks. Goulding soils are on mountains. Loamy-skeletal, mixed, active.

Sangiacomo Vineyard
The Goldridge series consists of deep, moderately well drained soils formed in material weathered from weakly consolidated sandstone. Goldridge soils are on rolling uplands. Fine loamy, mixed, super-active.