Russian River Valley|
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| Type | American Viticultural Area |
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| Year established | 1983
2003 Amend
2005 Amend
2011 Amend |
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| Country | United States |
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| Part of | California, North Coast AVA, Sonoma County, Northern Sonoma AVA, Sonoma Coast AVA |
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| Sub-regions | Chalk Hill AVA, Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA |
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| Growing season | 215 days |
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| Climate region | Region I-II< |
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| Heat units | 2,000-2,800 {GDD units |
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| Soil conditions | Huichica Loam, Yolo Clay Loam, and Yolo Silt Loam |
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| Total area | 96,000 acres (150 sq mi)
96,767 acres (151 sq mi)
126,967 acres (198 sq mi)
141,011 acres (220 sq mi) |
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| Size of planted vineyards | 16,000 acres (6,500 ha) |
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| No. of vineyards | 70 |
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| Grapes produced | Alicante Bouschet, Arneis, Barbera, Black Muscat, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Canaiolo Nero, Carignane, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cinsault, Dolcetto, Early Burgundy, Freisa, Gewurztraminer, Grenache, Malbec, Mammolo, Marsanne, Merlot, Muscat Canelli, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Pinotage, Roussanne, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Syrah, Trousseau Gris, Viognier, Zinfandel |
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Russian River Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Sonoma County, California located in the Russian River Valley landform. The wine appellation was established on October 21, 1983, as the nation's 53rd, the state's 34th and the county's sixth AVA by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by the Appellation Committee, on behalf of twenty local vintners and growers, proposing an approximately 150 sq mi (96,000-acre) viticultural area in Sonoma County to be kmown as "Russian River Valley."
The area generally lies between Sebastopol and Santa Rosa in the south, and Forestville and Healdsburg in the north. The Russian River Valley has a characteristically cool climate, heavily affected by fog generated by the valley's proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The area is known for its success with cool climate varietals, notably Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The plant hardiness zone ranges from 9a to 10a.