Sonoma & Fort Ross Changed By Peruvian Grape Cuttings

Source: Fort Ross Vineyard and Winery Website

---

Forward from Fort Ross Vineyard and Winery: Fort Ross was established in 1812 by the Russian-American Company. Fort Ross has an important significance in the grape growing history of California as in 1817 the first grapes in Northern California were planted at Fort Ross from Peruvian grape cuttings by Captain Leontii Andreianovich Hagemeister. These grapevines were the first grapes planted in Sonoma and Napa counties.

Today, vineyards in this area are typically planted at a minimum 900-foot elevation but can be as high as 1,800 feet. These means the temperatures are typically warmer and the periods of sunlight are longer than the foggy bluffs of the coast. When the sun goes down, though, vineyard temperatures plummet. It's these unique growing conditions that shape its distinctive wines and earned Fort Ross-Seaview its AVA designation.

Source: Fort Ross Vineyard and Winery

With 18 commercial vineyards and five wineries located within its 27,500 acres, the Fort Ross-Seaview American Viticultural Area (AVA, wine region, or appellation) on the Sonoma Coast produces delectable Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as wonderful Pinotage, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne varietals.


Offering stunning views from its perch high above Fort Ross (and even higher above the ocean), Fort Ross Vineyard and Tasting Room (15725 Meyers Grade Road, Jenner, 707-847-3460) is actually closer to the Pacific Ocean than any other vineyard in California. The design of its attractive tasting room honors the rustic barns of Sonoma County.

The Fort Ross Vineyard & Winery pours Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinotage made from grapes grown exclusively in the winery’s vineyard. Expect a tasting fee. Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. In winter, the tasting room closes one hour earlier.

Also in the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA, Hirsch Winery & Vineyards (45075 Bohan Dillon Road, Cazadero, 707-847-3600) welcomes visitors only by advance appointment for private tours for a maximum of six people per group (otherwise, it is closed to the public). You can also purchase Hirsch Vineyards’ wine online.

The other vineyards in the AVA sell their wine online, including Peay Vineyards, Flowers Vineyards & Winery, and Wild Hog Vineyard.

Located entirely within the Sonoma Coast AVA, Fort Ross-Seaview AVA occupies a mountainous area rising just east of Fort Ross State Historic Park (19005 Coast Highway One, Jenner, 707-847-3437). The weather here can be foggy, cool, and windy, but grapes have been grown here since the early settlement days of the Russian-American Company.

Today, vineyards in this area are typically planted at a minimum 900-foot elevation but can be as high as 1,800 feet. These means the temperatures are typically warmer and the periods of sunlight are longer than the foggy bluffs of the coast. When the sun goes down, though, vineyard temperatures plummet. It's these unique growing conditions that shape its distinctive wines and earned Fort Ross-Seaview its AVA designation.

Source: Sonoma County.Com