Meandering alongside the Russian River, Sonoma’s Alexander Valley AVA boasts warm days tempered by cool nights, allowing Alexander Valley Vineyards to produce wines that balance tremendous flavor with refreshing acidity.
Alexander Valley Vineyards, known affectionately as AVV, is an Alexander Valley AVA pioneer with 50 years and four generations of expertise at the helm. Inspired by the similarities between Sonoma’s Alexander Valley and Europe’s most famous winegrowing regions, the Wetzel family put down roots in Alexander Valley in 1962, acquiring an agricultural paradise that had been established in 1840. The family’s wines gained critical recognition early on, inspiring AVV founder Hank Wetzel to spearhead the formation of the Alexander Valley AVA in 1984.
Defined by the nearby Russian River, Alexander Valley is an agricultural utopia of gently rolling hills, pastures and forests. Warm, sunny days are tempered by cool nights that allow the grapes to develop rich flavors while maintaining vibrant acidity and beautiful freshness. The nearby Mayacamas Mountains provide AVV with varied soils—spanning fine, alluvial material from the Russian River to rocky deposits from Sausal Creek—and elements eroded from the nearby mountains.
Today, AVV retains the bucolic charm of its past with historic farming buildings and classic architecture, while its wines offer dazzling interpretations of the land. From unique white grape varieties like Gewürztraminer to powerful Cabernet Sauvignons and vibrant Zinfandels, the Alexander Valley AVA provides a stunning backdrop for timeless wines.
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