winemadeez: The Russians Are Coming!

The Russian River Valley is located in the heart of Sonoma County. Here growers and winemakers not only produce world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but also many other cool-climate-loving varietals that express themselves beautifully in this cooler region. Wine growing in the Russian River Valley dates back to the 19th century when immigrants arrived in the region and began planting vines, appropriately the valley is named for the first non-natives to settle in Sonoma County. During the 1830's these Russian settlers migrated into the temperate agricultural regions of Sebastopol and the Sonoma Coast and by 1876 viticulture was well established in the Russian River Valley. At first, most of the vineyards planted were for personal 'family' consumption and it wasn't till the dawn of the 20th century that wineries sprung up for a more commercial use. What makes this wine growing region unique is the way it is situated, able to draw cooling fog from the Pacific Ocean just a few miles to the west. This draw enables the nighttime temperatures to drop anywhere from 30 to 40 degrees from the daytime high. The cooling effect of the fog during summer days helps to slow the ripening of the grapes resulting in longer 'hang time' which helps to produce fuller flavor development. I am a huge fan of the Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs grown in this region and I know that Pinot Noir in particular is a very difficult grape to get right. Some of the more notable family wineries to survive prohibition in the 1920's were the Foppiano's which was founded by Giovanni Foppoiano in 1896 and is Sonoma County's oldest continually-operated, family-owned winery in the region. There is so much to choose from in this lush growing region by way of food and wine. One of our favorite restaurants is also part of a lavish family owned bed and breakfast called the Farmhouse Inn which is located in Forestville, California in the hub of the Russian River Valley. We have experienced some great meals there the Artisan Cheese Course never disappoints with a wine list is that is out of this world! As far as the wineries go, there are so many notable wineries with history such as the Martinelli Winery which was established in 1887 and shows family wine making at is best! Today there is a definite cross section of old and new winemakers who continue to improve their process with Russian River Valley grapes and this year the appellation celebrates 30

years in its journey! One of the more recently established wineries in the Russian River Valley is the Inman Family Winery located on

Piner Road at Olivet Road and also one of my favorites, not just because the owners are family. The winery was started in 2000 by Simon (my brother-in-law) and Kathleen Inman. Kathleen is the winemaker and is masterfully crafting great Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs and a Sparkling Brut Rose with a true elegance. The winery facility has set the bar very high for those who are striving for excellence in environmentally-aware and eco-friendly businesses (you can even plug in your electric vehicle there). So I say that within the 'old and new guards' there is so much to look forward to in this rich valley and I encourage you to explore and savor this gem!