Dry Creek Valley Wineries
Explore Dry Creek Zinfandel & Its Other Red Wines
More than 60 wineries produce both red and white wine in this small region in the northern part of Sonoma County. Zinfandel wine is the signature grape -- this region is one of just a few that have mastered this finicky red.
Warm days and cool nights make the growing conditions here similar to Bordeaux in France. This picturesque region is north of the town of Healdsburg. Vineyards cover this region that is 16 miles long from north to south and 2 miles wide. More than 10,000 vineyard acres grow almost 25 wine varieties.
Read on to discover the history, Dry Creek Valley red wines, ten popular Dry Creek Valley wineries and more.
History of the Dry Creek Valley Wineries and Wine Region
The history of the Dry Creek Valley wineries starts in 1870. This is the year Georges Bloch, a French immigrant, planted the first vineyard in the region. Within a few years, he also cofounded the first Dry Creek Valley winery.
During the next two decades, the planting of grapes for wine production skyrocketed. Even at that time, over half of the vines were Zinfandel. At the end of the 1880s, this northern California region had a phylloxera outbreak -- which destroyed most of the vines in the region.
Prohibition in the 1930s was this region's next large setback. After phylloxera hit, many of the Dry Creek vineyards replanted. However, they had to destroy these plants again during Prohibition.
It was not until the late 1950s to early 1960s when the Dry Creek Valley wineries started to replant their vines. However, the real revival of this Sonoma wine region did not start until the mid-1970s. At this time, a larger percentage of land turned into vineyards with newly planted grape vines.
Dry Creek Valley wineries received their official AVA designation in 1983. It is one of eight subregions in the larger Northern Sonoma AVA. Part of the Dry Creek Valley AVA overlaps with the new, smaller Rockpile AVA established in 2002.
Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel & Other Red Wines
Climate is a key factor to the high quality wines found in this region. The warm days and cooler nights allow the grapes to ripen to their full potential. In turn, you can find a number of fruity red wines from this region.
Even though most vines were destroyed during Prohibition, a handful of Zinfandel wines survived. Some of these are more than 100 years old.
Old vine Zinfandel wines are heavier and more Cabernet Sauvignon like than the other Zinfandel wines in this region. Common flavors and aromas for these wines include black cherry, plum, blueberry and hints of tobacco, espresso, chocolate and clove.
Even though Zinfandel is king here, just a few more acres of Cabernet Sauvignon grows here than Zinfandel. The climate here is also perfect for this popular type of red wine. It accounts for 26% of all vines. Zinfandel is next with 25% of all vines and Merlot comes in third at 17%.
Dry Creek Valley wineries also produce Syrah, Pinot Noir, Petit Sirah, Cabernet Franc, Carignane and Petit Verdot -- all are less than 3% of total acres planted. Some wineries are also trying their hand at Rhone varieties such as Barbera, Grenache and Sangiovese.
Ten Dry Creek Valley Wineries to Try
Taste and explore the wines from these Dry Creek Valley wineries. Many of them are fun to visit, but the main reason for their place on this list is their quality of red wine.
1. Mauritson Family Winery
Mauritson Family Winery is one of my favorites. They have a great selection of Zinfandel wines. However, they also produce a great Malbec and -- if you can get your hands on it -- an amazing Pinot Noir from vineyards in the Russian River Valley.It's not only their wines, but the atmosphere at this winery that makes it stick out in my mind. The staff is friendly and personable, you can tell they love this winery too!
During a visit, it is not uncommon to run into Clay Mauritson, the wine maker, in the tasting room or around the property. They are open daily for tasting.2. A Rafanelli Winery
A Rafanelli Winery is another one of the Dry Creek Valley wineries with a top rated Zinfandel wine. They also produce a flavorful Cabernet Sauvignon wine and a Merlot wine.This is a small production winery and -- unfortunately -- you can only buy their wines in person. We all hope that changes in the future. With their classic Zinfandel wines, they still deserve a spot on this list.
3. Ridge Vineyards
Ridge Vineyards is one of the larger Dry Creek Valley wineries. Here you will find a large selection of Zinfandel wines. They are also widely distributed, so they are easier to find than most wines from this region.Their tasting room in Dry Creek Valley is bright and sunny. It also bumps right up to one of their Zinfandel vineyards. From the deck, you can get a close up look of some of their vines and one of the vineyards.
4. Dry Creek Vineyard
Featuring classic, jammy Zinfandel wines, Dry Creek Winery is another favorite. In addition to their Zinfandel, they have a great variety of red wines. My other favorites here are their Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. They also have a great dessert wine that you have to try.Tasting room hours are daily. Wines from Dry Creek Winery are easy to find both online and your local wine shop.
5. Amista Vineyard
Amista Vineyard is one of the new Dry Creek Valley wineries in the region. Both the wines and the experience make this another great find.Amista's most popular wine is their award winning Syrah. Other popular reds here are the Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and -- one of my favorites -- the rose of Syrah. Similar to Mauritsons, you often run into Vicki and Mike, the owners. They also throw some of the best parties in the region!
6. Fritz Underground Winery
Nestled high in the hills about four miles off the main road of the other Dry Creek Valley wineries is Fritz Underground Winery. This is a world class winery that focuses on quality vs. quantity.It is a must visit for Cabernet Sauvignon lovers. I recommend both their Dry Creek Cabernet Sauvignon and their Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. They also have a great late harvest Zinfandel that is worth a taste.
7. Ferrari Carano Winery
Ferrari-Carano Winery has award winning wines and picture perfect gardens. They have a wide range of wines from the affordable to the high end. One of their wines was even featured at a White House dinner several years ago.Not only do they have a great portfolio of wines, but they have an amazing wine tasting facility. The Italian inspired facility has beautiful gardens, a huge Italian villa with their tasting room and unparalleled views of the surrounding vineyards.
8. Lambert Bridge
Lambert Bridge is one of the Dry Creek Valley wineries with a large selection of reds. From Zinfandel to Petit Sirah, this winery has a red for everyone.
Wine tasting here is fun too. The tasting room is open daily and -- with a reservation -- you can enjoy their special wine and food pairing in the barrel room each weekend.
9. Dutcher Crossing
This is another one of the new Dry Creek Valley wineries. Zins from their Maple Vineyard in Dry Creek are my favorite. Dutcher Crossing also has one of the best Ports. Pair it with some dark chocolate and it will keep you coming back for more.
This winery also hosts a number of great parties. They are always on my list of places to visit when I am in the region.
10. Truett Hurst Winery
This is a little known winery that I stumbled on a few years ago. Sipping one of their award winning wines on the back deck of the tasting room is a memorable experience.
Both their Pinot Noir and Zinfandel wines are worth the price. Their old vine dessert wine is also a good find.
Passport to Dry Creek Valley®
During the event, you get to sample a number of outstanding wines from this region -- usually those that are not open on normal tasting days. Each winery also pairs their wines with mouth watering treats. Another advantage of attending this event is being able to buy futures from many of the Dry Creek Valley wineries.
Tickets are available for the entire weekend or Sunday only. It is a little pricier than other wine events, but this keeps the crowds down and gives you the chance to sample more Dry Creek wines during each visit.
Getting To Dry Creek Valley Wineries
Getting to this wine region is a cinch. The Dry Creek Valley wineries are right off 101 -- about five minutes north of the town of Healdsburg. Take the Dry Creek Road exit and you will find the wineries less than a mile away.
If you want to stay the night, you have the option of staying in either Healdsburg or Santa Rosa. Most of the accommodations in Healdsburg are more expensive or require a three night stay. Santa Rosa is about twenty minutes south, but provides a wider range of hotels. Here are recommendations for both locations:
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Find more information on Sonoma County wineries and wine regions:
- Sonoma Valley Wineries and Wine Region: Located on the southern end of Sonoma County is the Sonoma Valley wine region. This region has over 40 wineries and is the home to California's first winery.
- Russian River Valley Winery Recommendations: Russian River is all about Pinot Noir wine. Located near the coast, this region is cooler and better suited for Pinot Noir than most of the other Sonoma County wine regions. Discover this region's Pinot Noir wine, its history and some of the top wineries.
- Alexander Valley Wineries: Big and bold describes the types of red wine from Alexander Valley. Another Sonoma County wine region, Alexander Valley is small but produces award winning Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Learn more about this region including its history, more on its full bodied reds and some great wineries to try.
