WINERIES

The vineyards of Sonoma County are renowned for their widely diverse microclimates within 19 AVAs, ranging from sea level to 2,600 feet in elevation.

I was particularly drawn to Fort Ross Vineyards for its unique location between the redwood forests and the Pacific Ocean.

Lester and Linda Scwhartz established their 51-acre vineyard in 1988 in the challenging steep, cool and foggy coastal ridges above the Pacific Ocean. In tribute to their South African heritage, they planted Pinotage grapevine cuttings sourced from South Africa. The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varieties thrive in this unique climate of hot days and cool nights provided by the coastal fog.