Fall is Finally here!
This time of year, is one of my favorites in Sonoma County. The hustle and bustle of harvest is behind us, and we’re heading into the holiday season. I look forward to time with family and friends, enjoying delicious local food and, of course, amazing Sonoma County wines!
After thirty-eight years of living here, I’m still amazed by the natural beauty of fall. The vineyard leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow and red, creating a sea of color against the forested hillsides. Fog and clouds drift through the valleys, adding depth and texture to the landscape—it’s truly one of the most beautiful places on earth.
A stunning view of our Estate Vineyard as the leaves turn color.
Even as the season slows, the work continues in the vineyard. Our focus now is on recharging the vines and preparing them for next year. Earlier this year, we collected vine tissue samples to assess nutrient levels. The results were excellent—our vineyard shows a balanced mix of nutrients—so our efforts now are aimed at replenishing what was used during the growing season.
We take a multi-pronged approach: applying a targeted liquid fertilizer through drip irrigation to reach deep root zones, planting cover crops to improve soil structure and water retention and spreading compost to add a full spectrum of macro and micronutrients. By actively nurturing our soils now, we’re setting the stage for another vibrant growing season come spring!
How the Russian River Valley Got Its Name
The Russian River Valley, one of Sonoma County’s most celebrated wine regions, draws its name from an unexpected source—Russian settlers who arrived long before grapes became its signature crop. In the early 1800s, fur traders from the Russian-American Company established Fort Ross along the rugged Sonoma Coast.
Fort Ross is currently a State Park that is open to the public. Here is picture from inside the fort, I highly recommend visiting the park if one ever has the chance!
Seeking fertile land for agriculture to support the colony, they sent expeditions inland and discovered a lush valley nourished by a winding river. This river became known as the Russian River, a name that endured even after the Russians departed in 1841.
Another picture from Fort Ross, here you see a preserved view of a store inside the fort selling varies furs. It’s fun to image what this place was like 200 years ago!
Decades later, the same fertile soils and cool marine influence that appealed to early settlers began attracting grape growers. The fog that rolls up the Russian River each morning now defines the valley’s winemaking identity, shaping world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Though the Russians came for survival, they inadvertently gave their name to a region that would become synonymous with elegance and balance in wine. Today, the story of the Russian River Valley reminds us that history and nature are intertwined. At River Road Family Vineyards and Winery, we take immense pride in crafting wines from such a remarkable place that carries a legacy that began over two centuries ago on the edge of the Pacific.
On behalf of the entire team here at River Road Family Vineyards and Winery, we wish you all continued good health!
Be Well,
