Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page, where we provide answers to common inquiries about the establishment of the Sebastopol Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA).
AVA stands for American Viticultural Area. It is a designated winegrowing region in the United States recognized by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Each AVA has its own unique characteristics and wine styles.
Sonoma County is home to several distinct AVAs, including the Sonoma Coast AVA, the Russian River Valley AVA, which lies within the Sonoma Coast AVA, and the Green Valley AVA, among others.
We as growers believe that the Sebastopol Hills is a unique, world class grape growing region.
For experts and enthusiasts, the establishment of a new AVA provides a valuable tool for understanding and discussing the wines produced within that area. It allows them to delve deeper into the terroir, climate, and geological aspects that contribute to the flavor profiles and overall quality of the wines. Winemakers and viticulturists can make more precise decisions regarding grape cultivation and winemaking techniques tailored to the specific conditions of the new AVA.
From a marketing standpoint, having a distinct AVA designation allows wineries to showcase the unique characteristics of their wines and differentiate themselves in the marketplace. Consumers who are familiar with and appreciate the wines from a particular AVA may actively seek out wines labeled with that AVA, recognizing the specific qualities associated with it. It provides a marketing advantage and can help promote the region’s reputation for producing exceptional wines.
Establishing a new AVA within an existing AVA serves several purposes. Firstly, it allows for a more specific identification and recognition of a distinct winegrowing region within a larger area. While the parent AVA, such as the Sonoma Coast AVA, provides a general sense of the area’s characteristics, a smaller AVA, like the proposed Sebastopol Hills AVA, offers a more focused designation that highlights the unique features of that specific region.
By granting the petition to establish the Sebastopol Hills AVA, the TTB would formally recognize the region as a premier winegrowing area. This recognition would provide winegrowers with the flexibility to label their wines with the prestigious Sebastopol Hills AVA designation, highlighting the unique characteristics and quality of wines produced in the area.
By establishing the Sebastopol Hills AVA, wine producers and vineyard owners in the region aim to promote and protect their wines’ reputation and marketability. The AVA designation provides a clear geographic delineation that helps consumers identify wines produced within the area and understand their unique qualities.
Additionally, the establishment of an AVA can benefit the local economy by attracting more visitors and wine enthusiasts to the region, fostering tourism, and supporting the growth of the wine industry. It also allows winemakers to differentiate their products in the marketplace and potentially command higher prices for wines bearing the AVA designation.
Overall, the purpose of the petition for the Sebastopol Hills AVA is to recognize and celebrate the distinctive attributes of the region and its wines, while providing tangible benefits to the local wine industry and community.
The establishment of Sebastopol Hills AVA is intended to provide additional labeling options for producers and wineries who meet the requirements. Wines derived from overlapping AVAs such as the Russian River Valley AVA and the Green Valley of the Russian River Valley AVA will have the option of choosing which AVA to showcase on their label.
The name “Sebastopol Hills” is already widely used in the wine industry to identify wines sourced from grapes grown in this area. It has been recognized as a sub-area within the Russian River Valley AVA and is associated with the specific region’s distinguishing features and high-quality wines.
The effort to establish the Sebastopol Hills AVA is led by the Sebastopol Hills Winegrowers Association, a dedicated group of vintners and grape growers who are deeply invested in the region. The association represents a collective of passionate individuals and family-owned wineries committed to promoting the unique qualities and distinctiveness of Sebastopol Hills.
Founding members, including John Balletto of Balletto Vineyards, Ted Lemon of Littorai Wines, Alex Kanzler of Kanzler Vineyards, and others, have played an instrumental role in spearheading the AVA petition and driving its progress. Their expertise, knowledge, and deep connection to the land have been invaluable in showcasing the exceptional viticultural potential of Sebastopol Hills. Through their collaborative efforts, they seek to secure formal recognition for this remarkable wine-growing region and support the growth and success of the local wine community.
You can read more about the Sebastopol Hills Winegrowers Association and its current members here.
The viticultural history of Sebastopol Hills dates back to 1972 when the first vineyard was planted with grape varietals like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, and field blends. Since then, numerous vineyards have been established, primarily focusing on Pinot Noir. The region has gained recognition for producing high-quality grapes and wines from renowned vineyards and wineries.
The proposed boundary of the Sebastopol Hills AVA includes the series of hills directly west and south of the City of Sebastopol in Sonoma County, California. It extends south of Bodega Hwy (Hwy 12), east of Barnett Valley Road, north and northeast of Blucher Creek, and west of Highway 116. The boundary is described as a triangular land of northeast and southwest-oriented ridges on the lee side of a transverse ridge separating the Russian River Valley from the Petaluma Gap.
The proposed Sebastopol Hills AVA covers approximately 10,320 acres and includes approximately 1,113 acres of planted and productive commercial vineyards across at least 50 Vineyards, as well as 2 licensed and bonded wineries.
The proposed boundary of the Sebastopol Hills AVA, as seen in the map here, is largely defined by the narrative description in the 2005 amendment of the Russian River Valley AVA.
This boundary was determined based on the topographic features, distinguishing characteristics, and historical use of the name “Sebastopol Hills” to identify the specific wine-growing region. The boundary follows specific roads, landmarks, and natural features, as described in the metes and bounds description provided in the petition.
The proposed boundaries are based on substantial evidence, including the historical use of the name “Sebastopol Hills” to define the specific winegrowing region within Sonoma County. The petition also refers to previous amendments to the Russian River Valley AVA, which included the Sebastopol Hills region, as well as the neighborhood initiative of the Russian River Valley Winegrowers Association that identifies Sebastopol Hills as one of the distinct neighborhoods within the AVA.
For more details, please refer to our AVA petition or contact us.
Sebastopol Hills benefits from a coastal cool climate influenced by airflow from the Pacific Ocean and heavy fog intrusion. The combination of cooler temperatures, consistent afternoon winds, and fog patterns distinguishes the region from other nearby areas.
Yes, Sebastopol Hills is defined by the Wilson Grove Formation, which contributes to the acclaimed Goldridge, Sebastopol, Steinbeck, and Cotati Fine Sandy Loam soils. These soils have distinct characteristics that set Sebastopol Hills apart from the surrounding AVAs.
Sebastopol Hills is characterized by gently rolling, undulating hills with moderate elevations. This hilly terrain provides some protection from winds and creates a unique microclimate. In contrast to flatter landscapes, the topography of Sebastopol Hills influences the character and terroir of the region.
Blucher Creek and Atascadero Creek are the primary water bodies in Sebastopol Hills. These creeks contribute to the overall landscape and hydrology of the region. Sebastopol Hills is also part of the Russian River watershed.
Sebastopol Hills features moderately high, undulating hills, with vineyards typically planted between 100 and 500 feet in elevation. This range of elevations creates diverse growing conditions within the AVA.
Sebastopol Hills distinguishes itself through its unique climate characterized by heavy fog intrusion, cooler temperatures, and consistent afternoon winds. The distinct geology, soils, topography, bodies of water, and elevation contribute to the overall terroir and make Sebastopol Hills a distinctive winegrowing region within Sonoma County.
Yes, the proposed Sebastopol Hills AVA is entirely within the Russian River Valley AVA and partially overlaps with the Green Valley of the Russian River AVA which also lies within the Russian River Valley AVA. Special rules apply to the establishment of overlapping AVAs, and our petition demonstrates both the similarities and differences between the proposed Sebastopol Hills AVA and these existing AVAs.
It is also important to note that the Russian River Valley AVA is within the significantly larger Sonoma Coast AVA, which itself is part of the even larger North Coast AVA.
Sonoma County is home to several distinct AVAs, including the Sonoma Coast AVA, the Russian River Valley AVA, which lies within the Sonoma Coast AVA, and the Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA, West Sonoma Coast AVA, among others.
Covering over 500,000 acres, the Sonoma Coast AVA, officially designated in 1987, is an American Viticultural Area located in Sonoma County, California. It is one of the prominent winegrowing regions within the larger North Coast AVA (approximately 3,000,000 acres and spread over multiple counties). The Sonoma Coast AVA stretches along the Pacific coastline of Sonoma County, encompassing an expansive area from the border of Mendocino County in the north to the San Pablo Bay in the south.
The AVA is known for its cool climate, maritime influences, and diverse terroir, making it suitable for growing grapes, particularly cool-climate varieties like pinot noir and chardonnay. The proximity to the Pacific Ocean brings in cooling fog, gentle breezes, and a moderating effect on temperatures, creating ideal conditions for these grape varieties to thrive.
The Russian River Valley AVA is a renowned wine-growing region in Sonoma County, California. It was established in 1983 and is known for its high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. The AVA covers over 160,000 acres of land and features diverse microclimates, topographies, and soils. The defining characteristic of the Russian River Valley is the distinctive marine layer fog intrusion that settles over the vineyards in the evenings and overnight, helping to retain acidity in the grapes.
The Russian River Valley AVA has identified several “neighborhoods” within its boundaries to highlight the differences in terroir and wine characteristics. These neighborhoods include Middle Reach, Santa Rosa Plains, Laguna Ridge, Green Valley, Sebastopol Hills, and Eastern Hills. Each neighborhood has its own distinct features, such as soil types, elevation, and microclimate, which contribute to the diversity of wines produced in the region.
The Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA is a sub-region within the Russian River Valley AVA. It was recognized by the TTB in 1983 and covers approximately 32,000 acres of land, with about 19,000 acres dedicated to grape cultivation. Green Valley is known for its “coastal cool” climate, fog intrusion, and the prevalence of Goldridge Fine Sandy Loam soil. It produces wines with higher natural acidity compared to warmer parts of Sonoma County.
Sebastopol Hills is a sub-region within the Russian River Valley AVA. It is characterized by undulating hills with elevations below 1,000 feet, Goldridge Fine Sandy Loam soils, and a cooler climate influenced by heavier fog intrusion and coastal influence. These distinguishing features set Sebastopol Hills apart from other parts of the Russian River Valley.
Sebastopol Hills shares similarities with the Russian River Valley and Green Valley AVAs, such as the “coastal cool” climate, fog intrusion, and the presence of Goldridge Fine Sandy Loam soil. However, Sebastopol Hills has its own unique features, including undulating hills, heavier fog intrusion, and almost exclusive reliance on Goldridge, Sebastopol, and Cotati Fine Sandy Loam soils. These distinguishing characteristics support the establishment of the Sebastopol Hills AVA as a separate designation within the Russian River Valley, while still maintaining its connection to the broader AVA.
Yes, wines produced in the Sebastopol Hills AVA can be labeled as Russian River Valley AVA (or the broader Sonoma Coast AVA or North Coast AVA) if the winegrowers choose to do so. The overlapping boundaries provide an option for wine labeling while acknowledging the shared characteristics and allowing for differentiation based on the specific terroir of each sub-region.
Wine made from grapes grown in the overlapping regions of the proposed Sebastopol Hills AVA and the Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA have multiple labeling options.
Winegrowers within the overlapping areas have the option to label their wine as Sebastopol Hills AVA, Green Valley of the Russian River Valley AVA, or as Russian River Valley AVA if they choose. They can always also choose to use the broader Sonoma Coast AVA and the North Coast AVAs for their wine’s label.
Yes. As the proposed Sebastopol Hills AVA is entirely within the existing Sonoma Coast AVA, wine made from grapes grown within the boundaries of the proposed Sebastopol Hills AVA can be labeled Sonoma Coast if the winegrower chooses to do so.
The proposed Sebastopol Hills AVA is adjacent to, but not overlapping, both the Petaluma Gap AVA and the West Sonoma Coast AVA.
The Petaluma Gap AVA, recognized in 2018, is described as a “gap” in the coastal range mountains of Sonoma County and Marin County. It possesses unique winds and a distinct microclimate reliant on fog intrusion. While there are similarities in terms of fog intrusion and wind patterns, Sebastopol Hills has a “coastal cool” climate, which is reputed as the coldest area within the Russian River Valley, while Petaluma Gap has a “marine” climate. The topography and soil types also differ, with Sebastopol Hills primarily featuring Goldridge Fine Sandy Loam soil and rolling undulating hills.
The West Sonoma Coast AVA, established in 2022, is located a few miles from the Pacific Ocean and features strong coastal influences, resulting in a cooler “marine” climate. The topography of the West Sonoma Coast AVA includes minor amounts of low elevation terrain but is predominantly mountainous with heavy fog intrusion. The geological makeup of the region differs from Sebastopol Hills. While the Wilson Grove formation exists in the very southern end of the West Sonoma Coast, the Franciscan formation dominates there.
Yes, there are distinguishing features between Sebastopol Hills AVA and adjacent AVAs. While there may be similarities in terms of fog intrusion and wind patterns, each AVA has its own unique climate, topography, and soil composition. Sebastopol Hills, with its “coastal cool” climate, undulating hills, and predominantly Goldridge Fine Sandy Loam soil, stands out as its own distinct viticultural area.
Additionally, the establishment of an AVA can benefit the local economy by attracting more visitors and wine enthusiasts to the region, fostering tourism, and supporting the growth of the wine industry. It also allows winemakers to differentiate their products in the marketplace and potentially command higher prices for wines bearing the AVA designation.
Overall, the purpose of the petition for the Sebastopol Hills AVA is to recognize and celebrate the distinctive attributes of the region and its wines, while providing tangible benefits to the local wine industry and community.
Sebastopol Hills Winegrowers Association is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number xx-xxxxxxx) under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
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