Visit Dry Creek Valley
Come and explore Dry Creek Valley, the most captivating and bucolic valley in all of Sonoma County. Dry Creek Valley is located in Northern Sonoma County, only 70 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Experience a sense of adventure as you escape the beaten path, see the rugged mountain ridges and catch the scent of redwoods and evergreens. The well-drained and fertile soils of the valley floor rise to meet the large concentration of bench land vineyards on the east and coastal mountain vineyards on the west. 9,000 vineyard acres encompass this 16-mile long and 2-mile wide valley. Lake Sonoma borders the valley to the north and the confluence of Dry Creek and the Russian River to the south. Fog from the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean coastal influences lead to a cool climate similar to that of the Bordeaux region of France. The valley is renowned for its dense concentration of Old Vine Zinfandel planted in the early 1900s.
In 1870 French and Italian immigrants first planted grapes in Dry Creek Valley, which slowly evolved to recognition in 1983 as an official American Viticultural Association. 60+ wineries and 150 growers continue to generate small-to-medium production as multi-generational family-owned establishments. Although Zinfandel is the signature varietal, conditions are also perfect in the valley for Bordeaux and Rhone varietals. The committed land stewardship is an integral part of the valley’s farming practices. Farms contribute local culinary delights, including olive oil, artisanal bread and peaches, which are all part of the daily life in Dry Creek Valley. The beauty and terrain of the valley provide an adventurous setting for biking, hiking and picnicking.
Noted California Author and Journalist Michele Anna Jordan described her view of Dry Creek Valley with this:
“Dry Creek Valley strikes me as a place you could spend a lifetime studying and still not fully comprehend its intricate tapestry of influences.”
Want to learn more about Dry Creek Valley varietals and history? See two links below.
©2011 Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley®. All rights reserved.
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Photography © Credits: Charles Gesell and Paul Miller, Quivira Vineyards & Winery, MJ Wickham.
Content and images cannot be used without express written permission of Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley.