The Russian River Valley
Our J winemaking team, led by Nicole Hitchcock, aims to capture the diverse character of the Russian River
Valley — from its cool, coastal locations to the bright, sun-drenched hillsides — to the bottle. Each vineyard
offers a distinct expression of its specific location within the vast Russian River Valley AVA, influenced by the
region’s unique natural elements.
FOG
One of the most influential elements in the
Russian River Valley, fog rolling in from the
Pacific helps to moderate temperatures and
extend the growing season. This climate
provides ideal conditions for growing cool-
climate varieties, allowing grapes to ripen
slowly and develop complex flavors.
COAST
The Pacific Coast greatly affects fruit
development due to its strong breezes and
marine layer. This is particularly impactful on
vineyards close to the coast and with high
elevation. Cold, foggy nights followed by warm,
sunny afternoons result in vines that hit a near-
perfect balance.
SOIL
A diverse range of soils imparts purity, nuance,
and delicacy to its wines. Sandy loam, clay, and
alluvial soil deposits make up the Zamora, Yolo,
and Cortina soil series that are ideal for
Chardonnay. Well-drained sandy loams, called
Arbuckle and Goldridge, contribute to the lush
mouthfeel of Pinot Noir.
Terroir
The varied terrain and clonal diversity of the
Russian River Valley translate into wines that
are distinct in flavor, retaining their signature
site and climate-driven qualities. Wines created
from Russian River Valley vineyards can all be
identified by their unique terroir.
VINEYARDS
ANNAPOLIS RIDGE VINEYARD
Annapolis Ridge Vineyard
Undulating hillsides and coastal breezes greet those who venture the winding roads along a remote stretch of northern Sonoma Coast to our Annapolis Ridge Vineyard. Nestled among the mountain ridges that border the Pacific Ocean, the vineyard produces Pinot Noirs that are a culmination of ideal soil, climate and coastal influences — wines that will transport you to a uniquely stunning region of California.
BOW TIE VINEYARD
Bow Tie Vineyard
Planted in 2009, this vineyard is called Bow Tie because of its shape when viewed aerially. This stunning vineyard with undulating hills is located on the western side of Russian River along Westside Road. Bow Tie features spectacular vistas of the entire Russian River from its highest point, majestic Mount Saint Helena to the east, and winds down to the Russian River itself. Pinot Noir from here typically exhibits a bright red fruit character with great depth of character.
CANFIELD VINEYARD
Canfield Vineyard
Planted in 2009, this cool-climate vineyard is planted entirely to Pinot Noir grapes. Located off Canfield Road, the cool air flowing through the Petaluma Gap from the Pacific Ocean greatly influences the quality of these grapes. A former chicken farm, Canfield is divided into five unique blocks. The J winemaking team chose specific Pinot Noir clones that thrive in each plot. Canfield is the closest of all of our vineyards to the Pacific Ocean, and also sees the coolest temperatures throughout the growing season, resulting in more elegant flavors with heightened acidity.
COOPER VINEYARD
Cooper Vineyard
Planted in 1989, Cooper Vineyard is located right outside of our J Visitor Center. Planted exclusively to Pinot Gris, this vineyard was named after a former winery employee who was an avid arborist responsible for the beautiful design of the gardens and trees on our estate. Cooper Vineyard produces vibrant Pinot Gris with bright tropical and citrus flavors.
EASTSIDE KNOLL VINEYARD
Eastside Knoll Vineyard
Eastside Knoll Vineyard is located on Eastside Road just south of the winery, up on an eastern bench high above the Russian River. This vineyard was the first vineyard acquired for J Vineyards & Winery. Eastside Knoll features three blocks of one Pinot Noir clone each – 2A, 113, and 115. Eastside Knoll holds a special place in history for us, as it was the first estate vineyard to provide grapes for our sparkling wines. Pinot Noir from this vineyard offers notes of ripe red currant and spice with a robust mouthfeel.
FOGGY BEND VINEYARD
Foggy Bend Vineyard
Foggy Bend Vineyard is located at the “elbow” of the Russian River on Westside Road, where it turns before it heads west to the Pacific Ocean. This vineyard is broken apart into multiple blocks of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay clones that are rooted in diverse alluvial gravel, clay and loam soils that are primarily identified as Zamora. During the growing season, a thick coastal fog hangs close to the ground, usually burning off by mid-day. This weather pattern provides a long fruit hang-time and grapes of extraordinary flavor. Pinot Noir from Foggy Bend typically showcases more elegant flavors with a crisp acidity.
