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DRY CREEK VALLEY

Dry Creek Valley
The history of grape growing and winemaking in Dry Creek Valley is among the longest in California, with its roots beginning more than 130 years ago.

OVERVIEW

Approximately 16 miles long and 2 miles wide, Dry Creek Valley is one of the smallest enclosed American Viticultural Areas. Roughly 9,300 acres of vineyards extend along the valley floor, the surrounding benchlands and hillsides, and 58 wineries produce a diverse selection of wines ranging from the renowned Zinfandels to Bordeaux and Mediterranean varietals. The history of grape growing and winemaking in Dry Creek Valley is among the longest in California, with its roots beginning more than 130 years ago.





LOCATION

Dry Creek Valley is approximately 70 miles north of San Francisco Bay and about 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean in northern Sonoma County, California. Well situated for winegrowing, Dry Creek Valley stretches east to west, framed by hillsides and bench lands. The confluence of Dry Creek and Warm Springs forms Lake Sonoma to the north. To the south, the Valley is bordered by the confluence of Dry Creek and the Russian River.

SIZE

One of the smallest enclosed American Viticultural Areas, Dry Creek Valley is 16 miles long and two miles wide. This is measured ridge to ridge and end to end, whereas the actual growing zone of the valley is much narrower.


ACREAGE

Total acreage of Dry Creek Valley vineyards is 8,876 acres*
Cabernet Sauvignon 2,316 Petite Sirah 162
Zinfandel 2,251 Cabernet Franc 120
Merlot 1,500 Carignane 55
Chardonnay 1,210 Petite Verdot 27
Sauvignon Blanc 499 Viogner 26
Syrah 306 Semillon 25
Pinot Noir 142 Other Varieties 200

(Total vineyard acreage in Sonoma County is 60,302 acres*)

CLIMATE

Classified as a Region II, Dry Creek Valley's fog and proximity to the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay give it a cool climate similar to the Bordeaux region of France. Shielded from the daytime cold of the ocean by the coastal hills, the growing season has daily high temperatures in the mid-80s with afternoon and evening cooling. The climate is warmer in the north and cooler in the south, allowing for diversity in grape growing.

SOILS

Dry Creek Valley is a patchwork quilt of diverse, well-drained soils and terrain ideal for an array of grape varieties. The Valley has one of the largest concentrations of bench lands in Sonoma County.

Deep, fertile Yolo soils are on alluvial fans and flood plains. Any crop can be grown on these soils. Good for white grapes. Cortina soils are very gravelly, sandy loams on channeled stream bottoms.

The Manzanita series of gravelly silt loams is found on alluvial fans and river terraces. Constrained rooting depth makes it suited to limited production of white or red grapes.

The mid-terrace and hillside soils on the benches and hills, often a distinctive red color, are composed primarily of gravelly clay loam. Zinfandel thrives in the mid-terrace soils. Small crops of fine red grape varieties are grown on the hillsides.

GRAPES AND WINES

In addition to Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc, its hospitable climate and diverse soils are well suited to Cabernet Sauvig-non, Chardonnay and Merlot, as well as the popular Mediter-ranean varieties, such as Syrah, Barbera, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese and Viognier.

PEOPLE

The first to plant vines in Dry Creek Valley were the French, who were later joined by the Italians and Mexicans. The Valley's old families preserve the history and tradition; the new families bring modern techniques, styles and technology. Dry Creek Valley reflects the pride and diversity of the people who live and work within its narrow, gentle geography.

WINEGROWERS OF DRY CREEK VALLEY

The Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley is a trade association of wineries and growers. The 62 wineries are mainly family- owned and operated, and most have estate vineyards. The more than 140 grower members are dedicated to farming and preserving this unique appellation.