Dry Creek Valley is a unique wine growing area in Sonoma County. Approximately 16 miles long and two miles wide, it’s located just north of the Russian River Valley wine growing area. With its close proximity to the town of Healdsburg, Dry Creek Valley is a wine lover’s paradise for bold distinctive wines made primarily by small family producers.
The variety of growing conditions range from hillside vineyards to the valley floor. The grapes produced in Dry Creek Valley are very distinctive due to the hillside red volcanic soil which is pervasive in this area. Due to good drainage on the hillsides, the “stressed” vines produce wines with powerful and distinctive flavors. Dry Creek Valley hillside Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah are world class wines with a strong identity.
On the valley floor, the soil is primarily gravelly and sandy loam due to shifting of earthquake faults and the depositing of alluvial material. Dry Creek experiences similar temperatures to Russian River Valley, but with more extreme temperatures on the high side. It’s not uncommon to see a temperature reading in the mid 80’s during the peak of the growing season. There is also afternoon cooling and fog which makes for good balance and maturity in the grapes grown in Dry Creek. High acid white wines like Sauvignon Blanc excel on the valley floor. Available as a private custom tour.
Dry Creek Valley
Popular Wineries
Ferrari-Carano
“Since 1985, Ferrari-Carano has been a leading producer of world-class, nationally-acclaimed wines. Vintage after vintage, the wines exhibit a remarkable consistency of style and elegance.”
Pedroncelli
“Pedroncelli’s winery and vineyards are located in Dry Creek Valley, an American Viticultural Area they helped form. Renowned as prime land for grape growing high quality wines are the result.”
Quivira Vineyards
“Quivira Vineyards’ is a leading producer of Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc and Rhone varietals, built upon intentional winegrowing and a thoughtful commitment to sustainable and organic farming.”
Sbragia
“The Sbragia Family has deep roots in historic Dry Creek Valley, farming here for more than 100 years.”
Seghesio
“Seghesio Family Vineyards continues to specialize in Sonoma County Zinfandel and Italian variety wines made from estate-owned and farmed vineyards, including those first planted in the late 1800s”
Visit Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley for more information.
