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🔍 Quick Summary
Petaluma Gap AVA—defined by wind, fog, and elevation—is a cool-climate corridor across Sonoma and Marin Counties. Its breezy days and long hang-times create elegant, expressive Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.
📜 History
Vineyards trace back to the 1880s, with the name "Petaluma Gap" gaining use in the 1990s.
2015: The Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance petitioned for AVA status.
2017: Officially recognized, effective January 8, 2018, as Sonoma’s newest dual-county AVA.
🧠 What to Know
Wind Corridor – A 15-mile wind gap funnels Pacific breezes, cooling vines and extending ripening.
Low Yields, High Quality – Wind reduces photosynthesis, concentrating flavors.
Cool-Mediterranean Climate – Foggy mornings, sunny days, breezy afternoons preserve acidity.
Tiny Planted Acreage – Just ~4,000 acres planted out of 202,000.
Varietal Focus – Pinot Noir (75%), Chardonnay (13%), Syrah (12%), plus small Viognier and Riesling.
📍 Where It’s Found
🇺🇸 Petaluma Gap AVA – Runs ~30 miles from Bodega Bay to San Pablo Bay, cutting across southern Sonoma and northern Marin.
⬆️ Elevation: Rolling hills up to several hundred feet, forming the wind corridor.
🌞 Climate: Cool, foggy, windy—unique among Sonoma AVAs.
🌡️ Temperature Summary: Summers rarely exceed 85–90 °F; extended hang time builds nuance.
🔺 Warming Trend: Climate change is shifting ripening patterns and increasing vineyard water stress.
🏛 Notable Producers
Keller Estate – Founding advocate for AVA status; elegant estate Pinot and Chard.
Cline Family Cellars – Early pioneer of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir here.
McEvoy Ranch, Azaya Ranch, Chileno Valley Vineyard – Known for cool-climate Pinot, Riesling, and experimental blends.
📦 Wines to Try
Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir – Bright red fruit, spice, elegant tannin.
Petaluma Gap Chardonnay – Mineral-driven, crisp, finely structured.
Gap Syrah – Savory, floral, peppery with restrained fruit.
🗺️ Sub-Regions to Explore
Western Ridges (Bodega Bay) – Strong maritime fog, highly aromatic wines.
Mid-Zone Hills (near Petaluma) – Balance of wind and sunshine; nuanced Pinot Noir.
Eastern Edge (San Pablo Bay) – Warmer pockets yielding riper but balanced wines.
👅 Flavor & Style
Sensory Summary: Crisp, wind-etched wines that balance freshness with subtle complexity.
Color: Ruby (Pinot) to pale straw (Chardonnay)
Aromas & Flavors:
Primary: Red cherry, cranberry, apple, citrus peel
Secondary: Herbal lift, saline minerality, spice
Structure:
Body: Light–medium
Acidity: Bright, mouth-watering
Alcohol: Moderate (rarely above 14%)
🛠 Winemaking Notes
High-density planting to reduce wind stress.
Water management crucial—drip irrigation and rain capture systems.
Light oak use to preserve freshness and terroir clarity.
🍽 Food Pairing Ideas
Savory: Herb-roast chicken, grilled salmon, duck breast with cherries
Cheese: Goat cheese, Comté, Humboldt Fog
Unexpected: Sushi with wasabi, fennel-orange salad, spiced lamb kebabs
📑 Regional Wine Laws
AVA Labeling: At least 85% of grapes must come from Petaluma Gap to carry its name.
Nested AVA: Lies within Sonoma Coast and North Coast AVAs.
Advocacy: Driven by the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance, founded in 2006.
🔗 Related Topics to Explore
Wind-Driven Terroir – Unique microclimates shaped by airflow
Cool Sonoma AVAs – Comparisons with Carneros & Russian River Valley
Syrah in Cool Climates – How wind and fog shape style
Dual-County AVAs – Rarity in California viticulture
🤓 Deep Dive Topics
📚 Read More
Petaluma Gap AVA – Wikipedia
Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance
Sonoma County – Petaluma Gap Region