“Making single vineyard-focused wines and highlighting the extremely diverse terroir of the Sonoma Coast was a logical step in expanding our Pinot Noir offerings and going beyond the Carneros region. Sourcing from these exceptional vineyards and working closely with the growers to maximize the pure impression from each site has been a great undertaking and we have been rewarded with outstanding wines. Of course, the added recognition and positive critic feedback gives us a confidence boost and makes us proud to know our hard detailed work is coming to fruition. Cheers!” – Johannes Scheid, Winemaker
The Sonoma Coast is a premier wine-growing region in the western part of Sonoma County, California. It stretches over 50 miles along the Pacific coastline, providing a unique terroir for wine grapes that cannot be found elsewhere in the region. Terroir refers to the combination of soil, climate, topography, and other environmental factors that influence the taste and quality of wine grapes.
The Sonoma Coast’s distinct terroir is shaped by its cool maritime climate, characterized by frequent fog and ocean breezes that moderate the temperatures. These conditions result in a long growing season, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and develop complex flavors while retaining their natural acidity.
The region’s soils are also a critical component of its terroir. The soils in the Sonoma Coast are predominantly volcanic and marine, with varying levels of sand, clay, and loam. These soils have unique mineral compositions that affect the grapes’ flavor, aroma, and structure.
Furthermore, the topography of the Sonoma Coast is diverse, with hills, ridges, valleys, and slopes creating microclimates that produce distinct grape varieties. The region’s topography influences the amount of sunlight and drainage the vines receive, ultimately affecting the grapes’ flavor and ripeness.
Overall, the distinct terroir of the Sonoma Coast is the result of a combination of environmental factors that create a unique expression of wine grapes. The region’s cool maritime climate, volcanic and marine soils, diverse topography, and sustainable farming practices all contribute to the distinctiveness of its wines. As a result, wines grown in the Sonoma Coast express their terroir in ways that distinguish them from wines grown in other parts of Sonoma County and beyond.
