The best word to describe the wine region of Sonoma would be diversity.  There is diversity in the wines produced there, diversity in the climate and diversity in geography.  From Healdsburg in the north to Petaluma in the south, the Pacific Ocean to the west and the city of Sonoma to the east, the county of Sonoma offers a rich experience for visitors and residents.

Sonoma County boasts the oldest commercial premium winery in California, Buena Vista, founded in 1857 in the town of Sonoma. Due to the diversity of soil and climate, vineyards in Sonoma County grow chardonnay, gewürztraminer, sauvignon blanc, viognier, pinot gris, cabernet, merlot, syrah, sangiovese, and zinfandel grapes, to name just some of the varietals. Not only that, but the wine produced by a varietal grown in one region of Sonoma County can taste very different from the same varietal grown elsewhere in the county.

A good way to discover Sonoma County is to concentrate on one wine growing region at a time. Alexander Valley, Dry Creek, Chalk Hill and Russian River are some of the better known appellations at the north end of the county, while Sonoma Valley and Carneros hug the southern border with Napa County.