Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods of the Russian River Valley

Experience what makes us different than other wine regions. We’ve got the best climate to grow Pinot Noir. And more soil types than France. The result? An incredible array of flavor profiles.

Just like a city filled with diverse communities, Russian River Valley consists of six smaller areas called neighborhoods. These stretch from Sebastopol to Santa Rosa and Forestville to Healdsburg. Our neighborhoods are as unique as the award-winning wines we produce.

We’re a valley filled with generations of farmers and winemakers. A community of friends and neighbors, ready to welcome you. Eager to take you on an exploration of cool climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and so much more.

Our Six Neighborhoods

Our Russian River Valley neighborhoods stretch from Sebastopol to Santa Rosa and Forestville to Healdsburg. The valley’s superb growing conditions result in wines of uncommon depth and richness that maintain bright, natural acidity. Wines from each neighborhood exhibit specific characteristics including unique aromas and textures that celebrate the variety of this premier Russian River Valley region.

Middle Reach

Near southern Healdsburg and Dry Creek Valley, Middle Reach is closest to the Russian River itself. Some of the oldest grapevines of the appellation still bear fruit today. Wines tend to be textured with ripe flavors and are less aromatic.

Santa Rosa Plain neighborhood of Russian River Valley

Santa Rosa Plains

Closest to Santa Rosa on the east side of the Laguna de Santa Rosa, this sub-region is best known for the valley’s oldest plantings of Zinfandel. Shale, sandstone and clay soils yield spicy, raspberry influenced Zinfandels and more.

Laguna Ridge

South of the Russian River near Forestville, this sub-region overlooks the Laguna de Santa Rosa. Pioneering winemaker Joseph Swan was the first to plant Pinot here. Goldridge and Altamont soils meet cool temperatures to create lush, high-quality Pinot Noirs with enough tannins to provide structure and ageability, among others.

Green Valley

South of Forestville and north of Sebastopol, Green Valley includes the towns of Graton and Occidental. The only Russian River Valley sub-region designated as its own AVA, Goldridge soil yields Pinots with ripe tannins, high acids, and luxurious mouth-feel.

Sebastopol Hills

Coolest sub-region of Russian River Valley. Sebastopol Hills spans east and west around the southwest portion of the town of Sebastopol. Soil type is mostly Goldridge. Find acclaimed full-bodied Pinot with just the right amount of acidity.

Eastern Hills

Following the western edge of the Mayacamas range, this northernmost neighborhood has the least fog influence. Soils may be the most diverse within the Valley and are both volcanic and sedimentary. The western facing vineyards along the hills are exposed to warm afternoon temperatures and grapes tend to ripen earlier.

Access Our Neighborhoods Toolkit

If you are part of the wine trade and are interested in learning more about the Russian River Valley Neighborhoods, please feel free to click the link below for downloadable versions of our trade and media assets.

Access The Tooklit