FAMILY GROWN VINES.
ELEVATED WINES.
ABOUT
The Fountaingrove District is singularly one of the most unique AVAs in all of Sonoma County, with its colorful history filled with stories of a self-proclaimed immortal cult leader and a Japanese-born follower, turned winemaker, who became known as the Wine King of California aka Baron Nagasawa. The Fountaingrove District is centrally located along the foothills at the Western slope of the Mayacamas. With most vineyards sitting at elevations of 400 to 2,000 feet, it is home to a distinctive and influential typography. This notable typography, along with its well-drained volcanic soils, and moderate climate, contribute to the unique flavor profiles and exceptionally complex wines made from ultra-premium grapes grown in the Fountaingrove District. The Fountaingrove District, with roughly 600 acres under vine, is mostly made up of family-owned and farmed small vineyards growing predominantly Bordeaux varieties, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Syrah, and Chardonnay. These family growers are committed to sustainability and believe the decisions they make in the vineyard impact both the quality of the fruit and the health of the environment. These small family-owned vineyards are a labor of love and in almost all instances, are harvested by the owners themselves who put their blood, sweat, and tears into producing ultra-premium fruit for their current and prospective winery partners.
​
​
LOCATION
Tucked inland from the Pacific, along the Mayacamas Mountains on Sonoma County’s eastern edge, the Fountaingrove District is a landscape of winding passes and forested hillsides that open to breathtaking vineyards. This hidden gem produces harvests destined for age-worthy wines.
Recognized by the TTB in March 2015, the Fountaingrove District AVA honors the region’s distinct terroir while bridging the gap between Chalk Hill and Knights Valley to the north, Sonoma Valley to the south, the Russian River Valley to the west, and Napa’s Diamond Mountain and Spring Mountain to the east.
.png)
VARIETIES
The Fountaingrove District AVA spans 38,000 acres, with approximately 600 acres under vine. Vineyards are generally small—ranging from under one acre to 57 acres, with a median of 12—and are predominantly family-owned. Cabernet Sauvignon is the leading varietal, complemented by other Bordeaux grapes such as Cabernet Franc and Merlot, as well as Rhône varietals including Syrah, Viognier, and Petite Sirah. In select microclimates, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc also thrive.
TERROIR
The Fountaingrove District’s terroir is defined by its volcanic soils, unique climate, and varied elevation. Formed from ancient Mount St. Helena eruptions over 3 million years ago, the region’s well-drained Sonoma Volcanics provide ideal conditions for premium grapes. Though inland, maritime breezes funnel through Santa Rosa, yielding Cabernet and Syrah with lower alcohol and refined flavors. Hillside microclimates add diversity, with select north-facing slopes producing exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay despite the region’s generally warmer conditions.
.png)
.png)