Introducing Sonoma County’s Newest AVA
We are thrilled to join The West Sonoma Coast Vintners in announcing the TTB’s approval of the newly established West Sonoma Coast American Viticultural Area (AVA). The West Sonoma Coast AVA is located within the westernmost portion of Sonoma County, holding forty-seven vineyards planted with varieties ranging from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to Syrah. The approval of the AVA recognizes the region’s unique growing conditions that are clearly expressed in the wines and gives proper distinction to the growers who farm this cold, marginal viticultural region.
After decades of growing grapes in this region of Sonoma County and consistently seeing distinctive wines being produced, we’re happy to see the West Sonoma Coast receive the recognition it has long deserved.
Join us in raising a glass to celebrate this announcement and make sure to head to the link in our bio to read the full press release.
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Press Release: “California’s Newest Sonoma AVA: The West Sonoma Coast”
CALIFORNIA’S NEWEST SONOMA AVA: THE WEST SONOMA COAST
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 23, 2022 – The West Sonoma Coast Vintners is proud to announce the TTB’s approval of the newly established West Sonoma Coast American Viticultural Area (AVA). The West Sonoma Coast AVA is located within the westernmost portion of Sonoma County, holding approximately 50 vineyards planted with varieties ranging from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to Syrah. The approval of the AVA recognizes the region’s unique maritime growing conditions that are clearly expressed in the wines and give proper distinction to the growers who farm this cold, marginal viticultural region.
West Sonoma Coast is the 19th AVA in Sonoma County. The AVA is located on the furthest western sliver of Sonoma County encompassing the steep, rugged mountainous terrain along the Pacific Ocean coastline. The AVA comprises three sub regions from north to south: Annapolis, the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA and Freestone-Occidental. The Pacific Ocean forms the western boundary of the AVA, and the shared Sonoma-Mendocino County line forms the northern boundary. The eastern boundary follows a series of elevation contours within 5 to 7 miles of the Pacific Ocean while the southern boundary is marked by the northern boundary of the Petaluma Gap AVA.
The growers in West Sonoma Coast are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in this marginal climate. Erin Brooks of Ernest Winery summarizes the significance of the new appellation noting, “A great deal of effort from our winegrowing community has been devoted to getting this AVA approved. We are excited for West Sonoma Coast to be recognized as the true coastal region within the greater Sonoma Coast appellation, a distinction that will inform the wine consumer on a unique style that is dictated by coastal proximity.”
Elevation of the West Sonoma Coast AVA ranges from 400 to 1,800 feet with vineyards planted on steep ridge tops along the San Andreas fault line up against the consistently cold Pacific Ocean, both above and below the fog line. As a result, temperatures are at least 10 or more degrees cooler than the rest of the Sonoma Coast AVA. Due to the immediate proximity of the Pacific Ocean, cold marine air and heavy fog create challenging conditions for grape growers, while offering distinct advantages for wine grapes. The maritime conditions moderate the temperature in the vineyards – daytime highs are cooler, while nighttime lows are warmer than just a few miles inland. This modest diurnal temperature swing allows the fruit to ripen slowly throughout the day and the night, a phenomenon experienced only in a truly cold-climate, maritime environment. This slow, steady ripening promotes the development of fruit that reaches true physiological maturity at lower sugar levels with pronounced acidity.
The climatic characteristics of West Sonoma Coast guide the style of the wine produced in the AVA. Bright acidity, moderate alcohol, and pure flavors are the qualities that are often associated with the wines from the West Sonoma Coast. The newfound status of the region as an AVA provides clarity for the consumer who can expect a wine labeled ‘West Sonoma Coast’ to have these defining qualities that differentiate its wines from those grown on warmer sites farther inland in the Sonoma Coast AVA.
The area comprising the West Sonoma Coast AVA has a long agricultural history dating back to the 1880s, with the earliest vitis vinifera vines planted as early as 1817. In addition to wine grapes, the area still produces commercial apples and supports a lively dairy and ranching industry, as well as many nature parks, conservancy efforts and environmental projects.
About the West Sonoma Coast Vintners
The West Sonoma Coast Vintners is an association of wineries and growers who are passionate about farming along the mountainous coastline of western Sonoma County. Their goal is to promote and preserve the character and complexity of the rugged West Sonoma Coast region — its wines, culture, history, natural landscape, and cool, maritime climate. For a list of members of the West Sonoma Coast Vintners and to learn more, visit westsonomacoast.com.
2021 Rosé is Here!
2021 Rosé!
Women in Wine | Emi Curtis
This month we are highlighting the women behind 32 Winds Wine in celebration of International Women’s Day. Many of you know that our team at 32 Winds is small but we are mighty! The women here make up the majority of that small team, each bringing their own unique strengths to the table and contributing to the success of 32 Winds.
Continuing our series of highlighting the women at 32 Winds, here is Emi Curtis.
Born and raised in West Sonoma County, it’s no wonder Emi ended up in the wine industry. She joins us with a passion for wine, marketing, social media and all things Sonoma County. At 32 Winds, she is our digital marketing and social media maven.
To get to know her a little better we asked her a few questions:
What drew you to Sonoma County?
I was actually born and raised in Sonoma County! It is and always will be home for me. There really is no other place like it in the country and I’m extremely privileged to live here.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love being involved in so many different aspects of 32 Winds. Everything from bottling days, waxing magnums, waking up at 4am to take photos of harvest, tasting through the wines with Matt Taylor and the team and visiting vineyard sites to creating email marketing campaigns, shooting content for our website and social media accounts, and working closely with the team to come up with fun ideas to market our wine. I love it all!
What is your favorite wine varietal?
Pinot Noir hands down. And even more specifically, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Have your tried ours yet??
How do you like to spend your days off?
Exploring Sonoma County with my husband and two dogs. Anything outside. Beach days. Eating my way through my long list of favorite restaurants. Visiting new breweries. Hiking. Cooking. Spending time with friends and family.
What is your favorite restaurant in Sonoma County?
That’s such an unfair question! I can’t pick just one. Bravas Bar de Tapas is at the top of my list (try the octopus!). I also love Sushi Kosho at the Barlow in Sebastopol as well as Underwood in Graton for some incredible authentic Thai food.
Women in Wine | Liz Findeiss
This month we are highlighting the women behind 32 Winds Wine in celebration of International Women’s Day. Many of you know that our team at 32 Winds is small but we are mighty! The women here make up the majority of that small team, each bringing their own unique strengths to the table and contributing to the success of 32 Winds.
Continuing our series of highlighting the women at 32 Winds, here is Liz Findeiss.
Our Founders Club members are lucky people. Liz manages our club and provides each member with exceptional service and care. She has been with the 32 Winds team since 2014 and is often the friendly face greeting guests at our Tasting Room. She is passionate and enthusiastic for creating memorable experiences for everyone who visits 32 Winds.
To get to know her a little better we asked her a few questions:
What drew you to Sonoma County?
I knew from my first visit to Sonoma County that this is where I was meant to be. Life here moves at a peaceful pace and there is natural beauty everywhere you look. You can’t help but feel connected to the land.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I think for me, it is the joy I get from spending the day in a beautiful setting working alongside some of my favorite people. I think what we have at the tasting room is truly special, so I love the ability to share it with our guests.
What is your favorite wine varietal?
Tequila. Oh, and of course any varietals in those delicious 32 Winds wines.
How do you like to spend your days off?
Loading up the pup and exploring. There are so many great day trips to take around here but I think heading to the coast is probably my favorite.
What is your favorite restaurant in Sonoma County?
Sherry’s house.
Women in Wine | Mia Mascarin-Oven
This month we are highlighting the women behind 32 Winds Wine in celebration of International Women’s Day. Many of you know that our team at 32 Winds is small but we are mighty! The women here make up the majority of that small team, each bringing their own unique strengths to the table and contributing to the success of 32 Winds.
Continuing our series of highlighting the women at 32 Winds, here is Mia Mascarin-Oven.
Following in her father’s footsteps and her family’s rich history, Mia Mascarin Oven became the 4th generation in the wine business in 2010 after 20+ years in the energy industry. Mia and her father, Ed, work closely together to carry on the Mascarin family legacy of making exceptional wines. Mia’s main focus at 32 Winds is overseeing operations, while juggling finance, strategy and sales.
To get to know her a little better we asked her a few questions:
What is your favorite part of your job?
Bottling day! That’s when everything for the vintage comes together in a neat little 750ml package. I am grateful for all the hard work that goes into the harvest, and careful attention during crush, fermentation, and elevage… but more than anything I am respectfully awed by nature’s course throughout the growing season, and how beholden we are to its whims.
What is your favorite wine varietal?
Most definitely a pinot noir. The rich aromatic ones that speak of the terrain that the grapes came from. But I love exploring varietals from other countries – Albarino, Rioja, and even Plavac Mali from Croatia.
How do you like to spend your days off?
Days off? Huh? If there was such a thing – perhaps a drive with my family along Hwy 1 from Point Reyes to Ft Ross, or a walk along the paths of mighty Armstrong Woods in Guerneville.
What is your favorite restaurant in Sonoma County?
I love the buzz & sights & smells of Valette, the delicious wood fired pizza of Campo Fina, the shared plates of Guiso Latin Fusion, and crispy crab tacos at Willi’s Seafood. We have such a treasure of culinary delights in Sonoma County – and Healdsburg is the epitome of what the county has to offer both in food sources and creative talent.
Women in Wine | Sherry Harkins
This month we are highlighting the women behind 32 Winds Wine in celebration of International Women’s Day. Many of you know that our team at 32 Winds is small but we are mighty! The women here make up the majority of that small team, each bringing their own unique strengths to the table and contributing to the success of 32 Winds.
First up is the one and only, Sherry Harkins.
Sherry is the big heart behind the magic of life and culture at 32 Winds. She leads the team with abundance and optimism and a strong passion for building a lasting connection to the land and our stewardship of it. Gathering with family and friends, every chance she gets, is what fuels Sherry. With an extensive background in Food & Wine, Marketing and Hospitality, sharing all things 32 Winds is second nature.
To get to know her a little better we asked her a few questions:
What drew you to Sonoma County?
As a 5th generation northern Californian, Sonoma County has always been part of my world. My grandparents spent their summers at Summer Home Park and Camp Rose on the Russian River. My dad was raised in San Francisco but “grew up” on the river. Family members began flipping the scenario, living in Sonoma County full time and visiting the city about 60 years ago. And that works for me as well!
What is your favorite part of your job?
The people, the wines and the soil. I love our wines at 32 Winds, I love the people I meet and the experiences and memories we provide, but my heart is in the dirt. Which, of course, is where it all begins. The vines are nourished, the grapes are nurtured, and the air is cleansed…life begins. We are fortunate in Sonoma County to enjoy bountiful gifts from our earth everyday and I hope to give back back some in return.
What is your favorite wine varietal?
My father used to answer that with, “whatever is in my glass!”. It seems to be a moving target for me and morphs daily. I love a beautiful Chenin Blanc or a dry Rosé and our Pinot Noir is always my go-to. I am leaning towards lower alcohol wines which seem to suit my palate these days. Whether it’s my age, my palate, or my experience, it all plays a role in my favorites du jour. Ask me tomorrow…could be different!
How do you like to spend your days off?
My days off are definitely a work in progress. With a very small team, even when away from 32 Winds, we are usually in contact and always available if anyone needs help. That being said, I could write pages for how I would like to spend days off. Being with family and friends, and dogs, doing just about anything. Or nothing. Being outside, biking, hiking, swimming, paddle boarding, yoga, following golf, trying to take up pickle ball…anyone?? Giving back. Study leadership. Learn new things. Cooking, entertaining, reading. Did I say being with family and friends?! Oh, and traveling again.
What is your favorite restaurant in Sonoma County?
That’s a hard one! I love Guiso, the food is wonderful and the people just the best. Diavola is a go- to for me, always a nice meal and cocktails ala the Gun Club are a big bonus! Catelli’s is our family favorite – owned and run by the Catelli family, loved by my mine and always treated like family. Valette is always the perfect choice for a special night. The food is delicious and the staff is great. My favorite seats are at the bar! I love the entire crew at SingleThread and am amazed daily by what they (literally) have on their plates. Although not somewhere I dine often, or certainly not often enough, I am in awe of their support of our community and the spirit and love they bring to all they create. And Khom Loi for a spicy night in heaven!
