Russian River Valley Wineries - Along Westside Road
American Viticultural Area

This print by artist Kerne Erickson depicts the undulating vineyards along Westside Road in the Russian River Valley AVA which is located in Sonoma County north of San Francisco. The Russian River Valley AVA accounts for about one-sixth of the total planted vineyard acreage in Sonoma County. Granted AVA status in 1983, the Russian River Valley has a characteristically cool climate, heavily affected by fog generated by the valley's proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The geography of the Russian River Valley was shaped millions of years ago by collisions between the North American and Pacific tectonic plates and eruptions by volcanic vents that deposited volcanic ash over layers of eroded bedrock. This created sandstone of loam known as "Goldridge soil" Although this area is known for cool climate varietals notably Pinot noir and Chardonnay, there are other varieties that do well in this region: Alicante Bouschet, Arneis, Barbera, Black Muscat, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Canaiolo nero, Carignane, Chardonnay, Chenin blanc, Cinsault, Dolcetto, Early Burgundy, Freisa, Gewürztraminer, Grenache, Malbec, Mammolo, Marsanne, Merlot, Muscat Canelli, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot blanc, Pinot gris, Pinot Meunier, Pinot noir, Pinotage, Roussanne, Sangiovese, Sauvignon blanc, Semillon, Syrah, Trousseau Gris, Viognier and Zinfandel.