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Inviting comparison to the French regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy the Alexander Valley Viticulture area is among the world’s finest. We will visit a minimum of six winery’s. |
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All winery tasting fees are included. Pick-ups in Sonoma or Napa included. Pick-ups in San Francisco are an additional $29.95. |
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A optional picnic lunch is available. |
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Departures: 10 am (8:30 am for SF). |
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Returning: Around 4 to 5 pm. (5:30 for SF). |
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We customize the winery’s we visit each tour to meet the expectations of our guests. Don’t see one you want to visit, just ask. |
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Total number of winery’s: 20 - Vary in size from “mega-winery’s” to small family owned. Climate: Classified as a lower Region III in the warmer north and a Region II in the south. Similar climate to Burgundy and Bordeaux in France. The area benefits from the evening flow of cool air from the Pacific Ocean (30 miles away) and the Russian River lowering the warm summer daytime temperatures averaging 85-degrees. Premier Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon. Additional Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, Sangiovese. History and Developmental Time-line. 1840: Dispatched by Capt. Henry Fitch of San Diego, CA Cyrus Alexander arrives on horseback looking for unclaimed land suitable for ranching. He finds thousands of acres. 1841: Capt. Fitch buys the valley from the Mexican Government in the form of a land grant. Cyrus Alexander settles in the valley and creates a working ranch named Rancho Sotooyme for Capt. Fitch. 1844: First vineyard planted by Cyrus Alexander. 1872: First winery established in Cloverdale by H. Kier. 1872: Cyrus Alexander passes away. The valley is later named in his honor. 1875: It is estimated 250 acres are devoted to vineyards. 1876: Simi Winery is founded by Italian immigrants Giuseppe and Peito Simi. 1880: Geyser Peak Winery is founded. 1885: An estimated 1,500 acres are planted in vines. 1900: Phylloxera (a pest that kills grapevines) outbreak and falling wine prices close many winery’s. 1920: Prohibition enacted, only two Alexander Valley winery’s survive making grape concentrate and sacramental wine. 1933: Prohibition ends, a few winery’s reopen. 1956: The first new vineyard is planted in the region in nearly two decades. 1964: Eight winery’s are operating. 1970’s: There is a general resurgence of the Valley’s wine industry. 1984: Designated an American Viticulture Area IAVA). 1990’s: Over 13,000 acres of vineyards are now planted with 30 grape varieties, 28 winery’s and 200 grape growers. 2002: Wine sales slow to and increase of only 5%. Many winery’s do not renew purchase contracts with external vineyards. Chardonnay sales slow as many people switch to reds, leaving unsold grapes.
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Appellation Summary & Developmental Time-line: Alexander Valley Designed an American Viticulture Area (AVA) in 1984. Total size: 66, 000 acres, 20 miles long. |
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You will travel in a new Ford Mark III executive van with a 12” raised roof, big picture windows, individual bucket seats, and dual air. There will be no more than 10 passengers in your group (average is 4 to 6) to insure person attention, plenty of room and a fantastic day. |
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Tour Cost: $74.95 each. |
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We Go Where The Big Buses And Long Limos Can’t. |
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Wine-Country Tours Napa Valley & Sonoma, California, USA |
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Alexander Valley Tours |
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ADVERTISING |
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Wine-Country Tours Email: service@wine-country-tours.com |
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