Alexander Valley

Alexander Valley is located in the northeastern region of Sonoma County. Long and slender Alexander Valley follows the Russian River from the town of Cloverdale at the Sonoma/Mendocino border, south eastward through Geyserville, skirting Healdsburg (where the river then breaks west) then continuing to where the valley terminates at Chalk Hill.

Because the wine region is located further inland than the other Sonoma AVAs the summer heat leads to big, ripe and opulent wines.

Named after the colorful pioneer Cyrus Alexander, who came to the area from Philadelphia and first planted grapes, Alexander Valley was once known for its delicious prunes and walnuts. But now you'll find more vineyards than orchards; Cabernet is the leading grape variety of Alexander Valley. For those not so keen on winery tours or wine tasting, canoeing down the placid stretch of the Russian River is another favorite pastime in Alexander Valley.