HAPPY NEW YEAR!

All of us here at River Road Family Vineyards and Winery would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! As the busy season winds down and the weather gets rainy and cold, I like to reflect on the past year. The 2024 growing season was a “textbook” vintage. Starting with water charged soils from a decent rain season followed by mild frost pressure, the vines had everything they needed to get a great start for spring. The weather was moderate throughout spring and summer. The only heat spike we experienced was around the Fourth of July. This was early enough in the season to limit the effect on the vineyards that we work with. The temperatures continued to be ideal going into September and the grapes had plenty of “hangtime” to develop intense flavors while retaining acidity. The lower after noon temperatures also kept the sugar levels low. These conditions made an extremely high-quality vintage! The young wines have great structure and a density to the flavors that can only come from a great season. I can’t wait to share these wines with you this coming year!

We had several frosty mornings here in December. The frozen landscape is quite captivating!

The Russian River

The history of the Russian River in Sonoma County is intricately tied to the development of wine grape agriculture, a transformation that has shaped the region’s economy and identity. The river itself has long been a vital resource for those who have lived along its banks, providing water for irrigation and fostering the fertile lands that would later become famous for their vineyards.

Long before wine grapes were planted in the region, the Russian River was home to the Pomo and Coast Miwok tribes, who used the river for fishing and transportation. The river’s seasonal fluctuations and rich ecosystem made it an important resource, and the fertile land along its banks became valuable for agriculture once European settlers arrived.

In the early 19th century, the Russian presence in California, particularly through the establishment of Fort Ross in 1812, marked one of the first instances of European influence in the region. The Russian-American Company cultivated crops such as wheat and barley, but their agricultural efforts were primarily focused on sustaining their fur trading operations rather than growing wine grapes. After the Russians abandoned Fort Ross in 1841, the land fell into the hands of Mexican settlers and, later, American homesteaders.

The real turning point for the Russian River’s agricultural future came in the mid-to-late 19th century. As California transitioned to American rule following statehood in 1850, the region became an important agricultural hub. Early settlers planted a variety of crops, but the soil and climate conditions were particularly well-suited for viticulture. By the late 1800s, wine grapes were being cultivated in the region, and the Russian River Valley began to establish itself as a promising site for premium wine production.

The Russian River offers many places to enjoy it’s beauty. Here is a current picture of the Hacienda bridge. One of the many beautiful views of the river.

The fertile soils along the river, coupled with the cool, fog-influenced climate, proved ideal for growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other cool-climate varieties. By the mid-20th century, as California’s wine industry grew, the Russian River Valley emerged as one of Sonoma County’s premier wine-growing regions. The river’s meandering path through the valley, with its various microclimates and diverse terroirs, allowed for the cultivation of a range of varietals, each thriving in different pockets of the valley.

By the 1980s and 1990s, the region’s wine reputation grew exponentially, fueled by the success of vineyards in the Russian River Valley. Today, the Russian River Valley is known for producing some of the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the world. The rich agricultural history of the Russian River—from its early role in farming to its status as a cornerstone of California’s wine industry—continues to define the region, making it a dream come true for me to be able to make world class wines that highlight how special the Russian River Valley truly is!

On behalf of the entire team here at River Road Family Vineyards and Winery, we wish you all continued good health!