Nestled in the heart of the renowned Russian River Valley is the picturesque and historic Russian River Vineyards. Historically speaking, this iconic vineyard is one of the oldest vineyards in the northern Sonoma County wine growing region. The first vines were planted with Merlot in 1963, a time when the surrounding farm plots were planted with apples and prunes.
Surrounded by towering Redwood trees, this eclectic winery was modeled after the many stockades built by Russian settlers in the early 1800’s and the hop kilns that dotted the Sonoma County. Russian River Vineyards was named long before the Russian River Valley was designated as an AVA in 1983.
Award-winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel are poured in the outside tasting room overlooking the rolling vineyards, weather permitting.
The newly released 2012 Pinot Noir Estate Grown is a single vineyard Pinot Noir. Delicately balanced, yet concentrated with bright red fruit, this wine has been aged for 16 months in French Oak and cellared for an additional 10 months.
Another new release is the 2013 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast. This wine is intensely lush, showing rich tropical fruits of mango and pineapple with expressive notes of honeysuckle and pear, and white peach.
For Zin Lovers, the 2010 Sack Vineyard Zinfandel displays aromas of spicy, ripe dark fruit with hints of smoke, tobacco with a touch of pepper.
Corks Restaurant is housed inside the rustic farmhouse and is the only winery-based restaurant in the Russian River Valley. Wine and food pairings, lunch and dinner are available upon reservation. www.russianrivervineyards.com
David M. says
January 10, 2015 at 7:59 pmI get clients new to the area all the time and I always take them to the vineyards!
Deborah Mines says
January 11, 2015 at 9:19 amExcellent! What type of business are you involved in? Russian River is my favorite escape! Thanks for reading!
David M. says
January 11, 2015 at 3:39 pmreal estate 🙂 Keep up the good posts!