Sonoma County is one of the most diverse wine regions in the world — 19 official AVAs spanning cool coastal fog and warm inland valleys, producing everything from delicate Pinot Noir to powerful Zinfandel. This guide breaks down each AVA, its signature grapes, and the wineries worth visiting.
The 19 AVAs of Sonoma County
No. 1
Alexander Valley
Warm and sunny. Bold Cabernet Sauvignon anchors one of Sonoma's premier red wine regions.
No. 2
Bennett Valley
Cool winds from the Petaluma Gap shape elegant Syrah and Merlot.
No. 3
Chalk Hill
Volcanic soils and warm days yield rich Chardonnay and crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
No. 4
Dry Creek Valley
Home to some of California's oldest Zinfandel vines. A compact, family-owned region at its best.
No. 5
Fort Ross-Seaview
High elevation above the fog line. Elegant, slow-ripening Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
No. 6
Fountaingrove District
Small and lesser known. Cabernet and Bordeaux blends from a compact hillside AVA.
No. 7
Green Valley of Russian River Valley
The coolest part of Russian River. Sparkling wines, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay of real distinction.
No. 8
Knights Valley
Easternmost Sonoma AVA, bordering Napa. Robust Cabernet Sauvignon with a Napa-like intensity.
No. 9
Los Carneros
Shared with Napa, cool and foggy. World-class Pinot Noir and sparkling wines.
No. 10
Moon Mountain District
Steep volcanic slopes above Sonoma Valley. Powerful Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
No. 11
Northern Sonoma
Umbrella AVA encompassing several others. Diverse varietals across a wide swath of the county.
No. 12
Petaluma Gap
Windy and cool. One of California's most exciting emerging AVAs for Pinot Noir and Syrah.
No. 13
Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak
High elevation and rugged terrain. Structured Cabernet and Merlot built for the cellar.
No. 14
Rockpile
Remote and rugged, above Lake Sonoma. Intense, old-vine-style Zinfandel and Petite Sirah.
No. 15
Russian River Valley
Foggy and cool. The benchmark for California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
No. 16
Sonoma Coast
A vast AVA along the Pacific coast. Cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay of real character.
No. 17
Sonoma Mountain
High elevation with varied exposure. Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc from a distinctive mountain terroir.
No. 18
Sonoma Valley
One of California's oldest wine regions. A diverse portfolio from Zinfandel to Chardonnay across historic estates.
No. 19
West Sonoma Coast
Officially recognized in 2022. Extreme fog influence, cool and coastal — Sonoma's most progressive frontier.
Book Your Private Sonoma Wine Tour
From legendary Pinot Noirs to powerhouse Cabernets, Sonoma's 19 AVAs offer one of the most diverse wine tasting experiences in California. Your driver rides in your vehicle — you sip, we navigate.
