INTRODUCTION


Sonoma Valley viticulture dates back to 1825, when Franciscan mission fathers planted the first vineyards. Geographically, the Sonoma Valley is bordered on the west by the Sonoma Mountains and on the east by the Mayacamas Mountains. This crescent-shaped region stretches north from San Pablo Bay up to the outer limits of the city of Santa Rosa, and includes the towns of Sonoma, Glen Ellen, and Kenwood.

In 1981, the federal government designated more than 6,000 vineyard acres as "Sonoma Valley," a distinct viticultural area. Approximately 8 miles (12.87 kilometers) wide and 17 miles (27.36 kilometers) long, it includes three official appellations: Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Mountain and Carneros. Today, the district includes more than 13,000 acres of premium wine grapes and 45 wineries. The Sonoma Valley appellations are located within Sonoma County, reaching from the Napa-Sonoma County line to the Pacific Ocean.

The areas within the Sonoma Valley include the Russian River valley, the Dry Creek viticultural area, Alexander Valley (actually part of the great Russian River Valley),Knights Valley, and Sonoma-Carneros, on San Pablo Bay at the base of Napa and Sonoma Counties.

In 1857, "Count" Agoston Haraszthy planted the first major vineyard of European varieties here. According to legend, Native Americans called this the "Valley of the Moon" because the moon appears to rise several times a night behind surrounding hills.

Only 45 minutes north of San Francisco, Sonoma Valley is also home to numerous small farms, fabulous Wine Country restaurants, unique historical sites and attractions, beautiful scenery, wonderful shops and boutiques, and a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere.