United States·Established·Mediterranean

Alexander Valley AVA

Sonoma’s warmer Cabernet Sauvignon zone. Includes the historic Geyserville and Pagani Ranch sources for Ridge Vineyards’ Zinfandel field-blend bottlings.

Established
AVA defined 1984
Classification
AVA
Climate
Mediterranean
Soil
Alluvial soils on valley floor; gravelly benches a…
Principal grapes
4
Cross-references
5

About Alexander

Alexander Valley AVA is one of Sonoma County’s warmer Cabernet Sauvignon zones — a Russian River valley extension northeast of Healdsburg with Mediterranean climate distinctly warmer than Dry Creek Valley or Russian River Valley. The AVA produces serious Cabernet Sauvignon (Silver Oak’s Alexander Valley Cabernet is widely distributed; foundational producers like Robert Young Estate and Stonestreet operate at higher tiers) alongside major Zinfandel production from historic field-blend sites. Ridge Vineyards sources its famous Geyserville bottling from old-vine Zinfandel-Carignane-Petite Sirah plots in Alexander Valley; this and Pagani Ranch are among the most editorially significant California field-blend sources. Other notable producers include Lancaster Estate, Verité, and Jordan Vineyard & Winery.

Terroir & regulation

Geography
Russian River valley northeast of Healdsburg, extending toward the Mendocino County line
Climate
Warm-Mediterranean; warmer than Dry Creek Valley and Russian River Valley
Soil
Alluvial soils on valley floor; gravelly benches at higher elevations; some volcanic on Mayacamas-side slopes
Principal grapes
Cabernet SauvignonZinfandelChardonnaySauvignon Blanc
Established
AVA defined 1984

Principal producers

  • Silver Oak
  • Ridge Vineyards (Geyserville)
  • Robert Young Estate
  • Lancaster Estate

Editorial notes

Practical guidance

Alexander Valley Cabernet ages 10-15+ years; the Geyserville Zinfandel field blend can age 15+ years from old-vine sources.

Cross-references

Related producers

Related styles