

This is supported by most of Sonoma’s fertile farming land being devoted to wine grapes and wineries.ĭue to this diversity, Sonoma is not known for any one specific type of wine and instead is home to a wide range of wines. This means that a single microclimate in Sonoma can create a more diverse range of grapes than other regions.Īn incredible diversity in terroirs, combined with the 18 unique appellations and microclimates in Sonoma, allows the county to produce a truly staggering diversity of wines. Terroirs are natural factors that influence how a plant grows in an area, such as size, coloration, and taste. In fact, Sonoma County’s biological diversity means it has a number of different terroirs even within microclimates. This means that a wider range of wine grapes can be cultivated across the region at the same time. The Sonoma Mountain region offers a wide assortment of climates to farm in, ranging from cold mountain heights to warm, wet lowlands. The main draw of Sonoma wineries is the variety of microclimates available to farmers in this region. Napa Valley, on the other hand, has more vineyards in total and many of them are recognized the world over for their high quality. This begs the question: what is the difference between Sonoma and Napa Valley wines? In short, Sonoma offers a wider range of climates and conditions, meaning a greater diversity of wines from the region. Which, of course, has led to some comparison and competition between the two regions over the years. Both are famous for breathtaking vistas, natural beauty, and an assortment of high-end vineyards that produce some of the best wine in country. Two of the most popular regions for wine in the United States are Napa Valley and Sonoma in California. Published by OFW Strategic Director Brian Mounts in line with our editorial policy.

This Article Was Reviewed, Fact-Checked, and Edited by Staff Sommelier Rob Wyngard
