November 21st - This Date in Wine History

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Wine has a long established history of being our drink of choice for celebrating, entertaining, and savoring life; but it didn't start out that way. From the invention of the barrel to the designation of the separate viticultural areas, wine has a long and sorted history.  In our daily feature "This Date In Wine History," we share an event of critical importance in wine history.

  • North Carolina ratified the U.S. Constitution and is admitted as the 12th state in 1789.  It is home to Appalachian High Country, Haw River Valley, Swan Creek, Upper Hiwassee Highlands, Yadkin Valley and possibly soon, Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County.

  • The Kentucky General Assembly passed a bill to establish a commercial vineyard and winery in 1799

  • California's Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA was designated in 1983.

  • California's South Coast AVA was designated in 1985.

  • New Mexico's Mimbres Valley AVA was designated in 1985.

  • Happy National Zinfandel Day.

Northern Sonoma - Wine Region of the Day

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Northern Sonoma received its designation as an AVA in 1990. Situated over 329,000 acres, Northern Sonoma is home to sub-appellations Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Knights Valley, Rockpile, Russian River Valley, and Sonoma Coast.  It is the second largest appellation within Sonoma County.  It contains myriad elevations, soil types and climates.  It was designated, in large part to allow the term, "Estate" to be applied to vintages from large producers like Gallo and Rodney Strong but is home to some small producers as well.  The primary grape produced in this area is Cabernet Sauvignon but Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel are grown here as well.

Northern Sonoma - Wine Region of the Day

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Northern Sonoma received its designation as an AVA in 1990. Situated over 329,000 acres, Northern Sonoma is home to sub-appellations Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Knights Valley, Rockpile, Russian River Valley, and Sonoma Coast.  It is the second largest appellation within Sonoma County.  It contains myriad elevations, soil types and climates.  It was designated, in large part to allow the term, "Estate" to be applied to vintages from large producers like Gallo and Rodney Strong but is home to some small producers as well.  The primary grape produced in this area is Cabernet Sauvignon but Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel are grown here as well.

Sonoma Coast - Wine Region of the Day

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Sonoma Coast received its designation as an AVA in 1987. Situated across 500,000 acres that stretch from San Pablo Bay to the south and Mendocino to the north, Sonoma Coast is home to multiple sub-appellations Chalk Hill, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Los Carneros, Northern Sonoma, Russian River Valley, Fort Ross-Seaview and Sonoma Valley. The appellation is known for its cool climate and high rainfall relative to other parts of Sonoma County. The area has a broad range of soil types and microclimates across its various sub-appellations.  As a result, a wide variety of grapes are grown in Sonoma Coast.  Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are predominant but you also find Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel among others.

Northern Sonoma - Wine Region of the Day

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Northern Sonoma

Northern Sonoma received its designation as an AVA in 1990. Situated over 329,000 acres, Northern Sonoma is home to sub-appellations Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Knights Valley, Rockpile, Russian River Valley, and Sonoma Coast.

Green Valley of Russian River Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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Green Valley of Russian River Valley

Photo of the Green Valley of Russian River Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz. 

The Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA is located on 19,000 acres in Sonoma County, California. The Green Valley of Russian River Valley received its AVA distinction in 1983. The area is known for its sandy and well-draining soil and low fertility, causing the grapes to develop slowly on the vine and retain balance and acidity. The region is a sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley AVA, and its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean breeze and fog make it one of the coolest appellations within Sonoma County. The cold climate in the Green Valley favors the cultivation of cool climate varietals like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling.

November 21st - This Date in Wine History

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Map of the Green Valley of Russian River Valley by Gretchen Miller Neuman for Qorkz.

Wine has a long established history of being our drink of choice for celebrating, entertaining, and savoring life; but it didn't start out that way. From the invention of the barrel to the designation of the separate viticultural areas, wine has a long and sorted history.  In our daily feature This Date In Wine History, we share an event of critical importance in wine history.

  • California's Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA was designated in 1983.
  • California's South Coast AVA was designated in 1985.
  • New Mexico's Mimbres Valley AVA was designated in 1985.

Green Valley Of Russian River Valley - Wine Region Of The Day

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Green Valley Of Russian River Valley 

The Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA is located on 19,000 acres in Sonoma County, California. The Green Valley of Russian River Valley received its AVA distinction in 1983. The area is known for its sandy and well-draining soil and low fertility, causing the grapes to develop slowly on the vine and retain balance and acidity. The region is a sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley AVA, and its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean breeze and fog make it one of the coolest appellations within Sonoma County. The cold climate in the Green Valley favors the cultivation of cool climate varietals like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling.