Named for the early Russian fur trappers who settled on the California coast in the first part of the 19th century, the Russian River Valley is formed by the eponymous river which cuts through the rugged Coast Range Mountains. This creates a passageway for the cool afternoon sea breezes and evening fog, which flow inland before eventually spreading out onto the Santa Rosa Plain. It is also an ideal climate for growing Chardonnay as the cooling influence preserves the grapes’ natural acidity and crisp fruit flavors.
