Chalk Hill

Although Chalk Hill lies entirely within the Russian River Valley, its soil, climate and elevation are all distinctly different than other AVAs in the Valley. Designated in 1988 and shaped a little like Pinnochio's profile, the appellation acquired its distinctive "nose" when its western boundary was extended to incorporate Chalk Hill Vineyard.

Occupying the northeast corner of the much larger Russian River region, Chalk Hill is named for its unique, chalky white ash soils that are the legacy of volcanic activity eons ago. These mildly fertile soils lend themselves to the production of excellent whites, particularly Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The Chalk Hill AVA is also known for Bordeaux-style varietals that include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay.

Chalk Hill’s is home to five wineries which sit above the rest of the valley, on the western bench-land slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains that divide Sonoma County from Napa to the east.

Grape growing in the Chalk Hill area actually dates to the 1860s with the first pioneering family, Sarah and John Rich. They planted vines on what is now the site of Chalk Hill Estate. After John's death Sarah married widower Lorenzo D. Latimer, a successful local lawyer. Sarah supervised their successful family farm. The family also developed their Glen Valley Resort which was built around the natural hot springs found there. Although the Resort no longer exists, it was a popular destination in the early 1900’s for travelers and the San Francisco elite who made the full day rail-and-wagon journey to share the bucolic calm of its healing waters.

This AVA has over 1,000 acres under vine. Relative the rest of the Russian River Valley, it enjoys a warmer climate, making it suitable for red and white grapes. Due to the higher elevation of this viticultural area, vineyards escape much of the cooling fog that regularly shrouds the lower-lying growing areas near the river.