RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Home to La Crema Estate at Saralee Vineyard, the Russian River Valley AVA lies just 60 miles north of San Francisco. This idyllic region is characterized by fruit orchards, towering redwood and Douglas fir forests, historic bridges, and vineyards that climb from the valley floor to the benches and slopes of the Coast Range.
Heavily influenced by the Pacific Ocean, the Russian River Valley is prized for its world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and old-vine Zinfandel. Fun fact: The Russian River got its name from Russian explorers who settled just north of Jenner in the 1880s, using the river for fishing and hunting.
Chardonnay Characteristics
Cherished for its balance of richness and bright acidity, Russian River Chardonnay embodies elegance and complexity. La Crema’s rich, textured expression features flavors of apple, lemon curd, pineapple, and vanilla custard.
Pinot Noir Characteristics
Fans of Russian River Pinot Noir adore its vibrant red fruit, silky texture, and layered complexity. La Crema’s expression beautifully captures this with boysenberry and plum flavors, juicy acidity, and subtle earthy elements.
SHOP RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Pacific Ocean: Nature’s Air Conditioner
A mere 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the Russian River Valley is a cool-climate winegrowing region. In the mornings and evenings, cooling fog from the Pacific Ocean rolls into the vineyards, blanketing the vines in a refreshing chill. By afternoon, the fog retreats, and temperatures can rise dramatically—by as much as 40 degrees!
This natural air conditioning, paired with the region’s well-draining Goldridge soil, creates the perfect environment for grape growing. The berries develop rich, complex flavors during the warm days and cool down at night, preserving their bright acidity and balance.
Beyond Wine
In between or after wine tasting, explore the charming towns of Guerneville, Forestville, Healdsburg, and Santa Rosa, where you can shop and dine to your heart’s content. For a more adventurous experience, join the locals in tubing or kayaking on the Russian River, immersing yourself in the region’s natural beauty.
