Russian River Valley
The Coast Nearby Pacific Ocean sends on-shore breezes and fog to cool vineyards. Proximity to brisk water creates cooling effect that results in wine textures from structured to silky.
The Fog Fog cools vineyards and develops full flavor maturity of grapes. Cool-climate grapes Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are nurtured by seasonal fog.
The Soil Combination of fractured sandstone and sandy loam create Goldridge soil; ideal for cool climate grapes. Variety of soils foster diversity of wines throughout valley.
The People Real people making world class wines. Approachable legends. Stewards of the land. Authentic people who identify themselves as farmers who make wine.
From a famous site in the Russian River, the 2016 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard spent a year in one-third new French oak followed by six months in tank. With a ting of green in its gold color, it has more Chablis-like lemon drops, white flowers, and lemongrass aromatics to go with a marine-like salinity and obvious crushed rock minerality. It’s rich, deep, and concentrated on the palate, with a beautiful texture, as well as bright, integrated acidity. It’s a beautiful wine.
The Russian River Valley makes another big stride in proving itself to be one of the world’s premiere wine growing regions. In the 2019 Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition, the top three Sweepstakes winners were all wines made with Russian River Valley grapes. All three of the wineries are also members of the Russian River Valley Winegrowers (RRVW).
Take a walk through the six neighborhoods of the Russian River Valley enjoying Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandels and other varietals.
Learn MoreEach year, the Paulée Dinner brings together discerning wine lovers who celebrate this rare opportunity to mingle with the brilliant minds behind their favorite wines, and also experience wines that are nearly impossible to find. We look forward to continuing to build upon this great tradition from Burgundy, in our own backyard of Sonoma County and in the exquisite setting of the Russian River Valley.
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