| Wine region | |
 A vineyard in the Russian River Valley AVA | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 1983, amended in 1987, 2003, and 2005[1] |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | California, North Coast AVA, Northern Sonoma AVA, Sonoma Coast AVA, Sonoma County |
| Sub-regions | Chalk Hill AVA, Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA |
| Total area | 96,000 acres (150 sq mi)[2] |
| Size of planted vineyards | 15,000 acres (6,100 ha)[2] |
| No. of vineyards | 70[3] |
| 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[3] |
The Russian River Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Sonoma County, California. Centered on the Russian River, the Russian River Valley AVA accounts for about one-sixth of the total planted vineyard acreage in Sonoma County. The appellation was granted AVA status in 1983 and enlarged in 2005.[1] The area generally lies between Sebastopol and Santa Rosa in the south, and Forestville and Healdsburg in the north.[1][4] 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.[3]
- ^ a b c "§9.66 Russian River Valley" (Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms - Part 9—American Viticultural Areas - Subpart C—Approved American Viticultural Areas). Code of Federal Regulations. Retrieved January 4, 2008.
- ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
Biggerwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b c "Russian River Valley (AVA): Appellation Profile". Appellation America. 2007. Archived from the original on March 24, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2008.
- ^ "Russian River Valley AVA Boundary". Russian River Valley Winegrowers. 2008. Archived from the original on December 9, 2008.