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The Russian River Appellation is a remarkably diverse region of rolling hills, apple orchards, and towering redwoods. The morning river fog cools down afternoon temperatures making the region prime territory for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This region also produces the most sparkling wine in the state. We will visit a minimum of 6 wineries.
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Overview: Russian River |
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Total acreage in vines: 11,200 acres. Total number of wineries: 50 - varying in size, from small family-owned wineries, with fewer than 25 acres, to larger farms. Climate: Do to the cooling of the fog which is a defining feature harvest in the Russian River Valley is typically 10 days to 2 weeks later than in neighboring appellations. Russian River Valley is comprised of three different regions, each with unique climate and soil characteristics that determine the stylistic nature of the primary grapes grown in the area. Green Valley. The closest to the ocean and coolest of the three regions, Green Valley is home to chardonnay, pinot noir, and the production of sparkling wine. Predominately fine, sandy, gold ridge loam soils create favorable conditions for these later-ripening varieties. Laguna Ridge & Santa Rosa Plain. The full effects of the fog are very evident in the Laguna Ridge & Santa Rosa Plain region. Although it usually burns off by mid-to-late morning, giving the grapes sufficient daylight hours to fully ripen, the fog brings in enough cold to maintain high levels of acidity, even at elevated maturity levels. Soils are thick with high clay content. The Middle Reach. The farthest region from the source of the cooling fog, the days begin to warm up earlier as the fog retreats to the coast. Although the Russian River Valley is generally a very cool growing region, these north and northeast portions of the appellation have a warmer climate and soils with high volcanic ash. Premier grape: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Additional grapes: Sauvignon Blanc,, Merlot, Zinfandel and Gewürztraminer. History and Developmental Time-line: Early 1800’s: Russian colonists settle on the California Coast. 1836: First wine grapes are planted by Yegor Chernykh (a Russian trained agronomist) at a farm just west of what is now Graton. 1882: Korbel brothers start making wine following traditional methods used in the Champagne region of France. 1890: Area has grown to 250 growers farming 6,000 acres of grapes and producing more than a million gallons of wine—a third of the county’s output. The majority are Italian immigrants. 1900: Phylloxera outbreak and falling wine prices close many wineries. 1920: Winegrowing declined as a result of falling grape prices and Prohibition. 1960’s Viticulture was revived with renewed planting and the introduction of new grapes—primarily chardonnay and pinot noir—varieties particularly suited to the area’s climate.
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Appellation Summary & Historical Time-line: Russian River Valley Designated an American Viticulture Area (AVA) in 1983. Total size: 96,000 acres, 20 miles long.
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Tour Cost: $74.95 each for 2 people. |
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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 (per person). |
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A picnic lunch is included. |
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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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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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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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Russian River Tours |
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ADVERTISING |
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Wine-Country Tours Email: service@wine-country-tours.com |
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