Sonoma wine region
Sonoma County is the most diverse wine-growing region in the USA. Three-times the size of Napa County, it comprises 13 AVAs divided across three main areas: Sonoma Valley, Northern Sonoma and Sonoma Coast.
The ‘true’ Sonoma Coast, where many vineyards cling to ridges just 3km to 8km from the Pacific Ocean – not to be confused with the ‘official’ Sonoma Coast AVA, which is ridiculously large at 200,000ha and includes parts of the warmer Carneros and Sonoma Valley appellations – is a hot spot for cool-climate Pinots with crystalline fruit, high acidities and lower alcohols.
Quick Links Sonoma Wine Reviews | California producer profiles
Read more about the Sonoma wine region:
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Younger generations: Emidio Pepe and Occidental
Fresh faces in Abruzzo and Sonoma...
By Author collaboration Last updated
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Wines of the Year 2025: North America
USA highlights of 2025...
By Clive Pursehouse Published
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Decanter’s 100-point wines of 2025
Only the very best need apply...
By Rupert Millar Published
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‘We tasted 4,000 American wines this year. These are Decanter’s Top 50 US Wines of 2025’
The best of the best...
By Clive Pursehouse Last updated
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Sonoma County: The 2022 vintage report
The 2022 vintage in Sonoma County...
By Ana Carolina Quintela Last updated
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Ted Lemon and his 30 year winemaking journey at Littorai
Building something to last...
By Ana Carolina Quintela Last updated
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What is Fumé Blanc?
What is Fumé Blanc and how does it differ from Sauvignon Blanc...
By Clive Pursehouse Last updated
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Napa Valley’s Silver Oak: Revolutionising the use of American oak in winemaking
Toast of the town...
By Jonathan Cristaldi Published
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Cristaldi: The age of cellar-worthy California Sauvignon Blanc
Napa's other ageworthy wine...
By Jonathan Cristaldi Published
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California shakedown: The wine glut taxing California’s wine scene
Less is arguably more in California these days...
By Kate Nowell Smith Last updated
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Cru Americana: 10 of America’s finest vineyards
The wines from America's greatest plots...
By Ana Carolina Quintela Published
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Jessica Biel and partners release Prophet & Poet wines
A star-studded launch of collectable Sonoma wines...
By Clive Pursehouse Last updated
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Pursehouse: ‘I reviewed over 150 wines in March, here are 10 standouts‘
North American editor Clive Pursehouse shares his tasting highlights from March...
By Clive Pursehouse Last updated
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The best Sonoma County wines for $50 or less
A selection of Sonoma County's top wines at $50 and under...
By Ana Carolina Quintela Last updated
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Decanter’s Dream Destination: Montage Healdsburg, Sonoma, California
Peaceful escapism in prime wine country...
By Lauren Mowery Published
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Sonoma County Barrel Auction: Showcasing ‘never before, never again’ cuvées
A look at some of the region's most unique wines offered as auction lots...
By Ana Carolina Quintela Published
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Cristaldi: The evolution of Silver Oak
A look at the iconic California label's growth and change...
By Jonathan Cristaldi Last updated
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Montecillo Vineyard: Mountain magic in Sonoma
Wonderful Cabernet Sauvignon from high atop the Moon Mountain AVA...
By Clive Pursehouse Last updated
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Decanter’s Top 50 US Wines: Part two – 30-11
Part two of our Top 50 US wines of 2024...
By Clive Pursehouse Last updated
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Peter Michael masterclass: DFWE NYC 2024
A benchmark tasting of this Sonoma estate's flagship red and white cuvées...
By Jonathan Cristaldi Last updated
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Decanter’s Top 50 US wines: Part three – the top 10
Decanter's top 10 US wines of the year...
By Clive Pursehouse Last updated
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Decanter’s Top 50 US Wines: Part one – 50-31
A look at our Top 50 US wines of 2024...
By Clive Pursehouse Published
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Top-rated American sparkling wines for New Year’s Eve
See the best US fizz to see in the new year...
By Clive Pursehouse Last updated
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Thanksgiving food and wine: Going local in California
A look at new takes on the traditional meal that is often referred to as Turkey Day...
By Ana Carolina Quintela Last updated
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Sonoma County: 2021 vintage report
A Decanter deep dive into the 2021 vintage across Sonoma...
By J'nai Gaither Last updated
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California harvest report 2024: A pleasant surprise
A look at the 2024 harvest in America's largest wine producing state...
By April Louis Published
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Busting myths around Californian Chardonnay
Looking at Californian Chardonnay in a new light...
By Clive Pursehouse Last updated
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Sonoma County’s best kept secret: Moon Mountain District
With wines from four sustainable producers...
By J'nai Gaither Last updated
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Napa’s 2024 harvest kicks off with bubbles
A look at the early sparkling harvest in Napa...
By Clive Pursehouse Published
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Luxury Sonoma Chardonnay property on sale at $15m
Listing shows estate with outdoor pool and vines...
By Chris Mercer Last updated
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Napa Valley opens its doors to Ukrainian winemakers
A Ukrainian delegation of wine professionals visit Napa Valley...
By Clive Pursehouse Last updated
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Sonoma Coast: 2021 vintage report and 2022 preview
A deep dive in the western reaches of Sonoma for the 2021 vintage...
By Clive Pursehouse Last updated