Edged by the California Coastal Range to the west and the Mayacamas Mountains to the east, the Alexander Valley stretches twenty miles from the city of Healdsburg to the Mendocino County line. The valley, located roughly 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean, follows the course of the Russian River and ranges in width from two to seven miles. Situated in the northeastern section of Sonoma County, it has the advantage of both coastal and inland marine influences.

Alexander Valley average daytime temperatures reach the high 80s and low 90s during the summer. Before sunrise, the fog enters the valley and lingers until mid-morning. The fog delays warming and the fruit ripens slowly, developing optimal flavors. At night, the valley experiences some of the most rapid cooling in all of coastal California. The mix of warm afternoons and chilly nights allows the fruit to ripen fully without losing acidity. In general, the southern end of the valley tends to be cooler than the north thanks to its proximity to the ocean.

Through the years, Alexander Valley has been home to cattle farms and orchards. Yet it was the valley’s founder, Cyrus Alexander, who planted the area’s first vineyard, thus beginning a wine heritage of nearly 150 years.

On the bench lands, terraces and hillsides, the soils are gravelly clay loams becoming progressively thinner and rockier at higher elevations. Rocky soils, like those at Alexander Mountain Estate, check the vine’s growth, keeping it in balance. This promotes rich varietal character and terrific depth in the fruit flavors. The soils on the valley floor are generally deep, fertile and less well-draining. The varied geography of the area makes a grape grower’s job difficult. Decisions on what to plant where are made on a location by location basis.

Stonestreet Vineyards in the Alexander Valley proper include Legacy and Franz Creek.