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"Sonoma County Wines of California"The Sonoma County Wines, of California are in a large area of more than 200,000 acres stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Mayacamas Mountains. In this overview of the area, we have included what we felt to be the most fascinating facts for our readers. We have included a link to the website, where we learned so much. You will find their site very informative with all kinds of facts about the various wineries located here as well as a more complete history. Grapes and wine have been integral to the history of Sonoma. As early as 1812, Russian colonists planted grapes at Fort Ross, on the Pacific Coast. In 1823, Padre Jose Altimera, a Spanish Franciscan Father, planted several thousand grape vines at the mission, San Francisco Solano, beginning the tradition of the modern wine industry we now see in this area. In 1855, the man considered to be "The Father of the California Wine Industry", Count Agoston Haraszthy, purchased the Salvador Vallejo Vineyard in Sonoma Valley, renamed it Buena Vista, and started producing fine wines from his vineyard. In 1861, he was commissioned by the California legislature to study viticulture in Europe. It is interesting to note, that although he was very successful in completing this task, it is reported that he never received payment for his efforts. Count Haraszthy returned in 1862, bringing with him over 100,000 cuttings of prized grape varietals from France, Italy and Spain. He is credited with being the first to promote the idea that Sonoma County could produce as fine table wines as the Europeans. Today, the Sonoma County Wines produce approximately 190,000 tons of grapes in nearly 65,000 vineyards. There are over 250 wineries in this region and over half of them are less than 20 years old. It is a credit to the area that small family-owned wineries can continue to exist comfortably alongside the larger enterprises. The main varietals grown here, include: Chardonnay, which is considered America's most popular white wine is the county's leading varietal. The annual Sonoma County grape harvest is worth an estimated $200 Million and represents 61% of the county's total agricultural production. We will be reviewing wines and giving you a brief overview of some of the different wineries located here. Please watch for links on this page, as we continue to explore the world of fine California wines. We would love to have your input as well. So be sure to share your favorite wines and wineries of this region with us and your fellow readers.
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