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The Dry Creek Valley Appellation
Dry Creek Valley is located in the center of Sonoma County between the Pacific Ocean and Napa Valley. Recognized in the 1850’s as a prime area to plant vines and grow wine grapes, Dry Creek Valley became home to the zinfandel grape very early on – for which it became noted for in the 1970’s. Winegrowing thrived before Prohibition with more than 200 wineries and vineyards in operation producing 1.5 million gallons of wine. Prohibition was hard on the valley, reducing the number of operating wineries to four by the time of Repeal. The region regained much of its momentum throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s, due in part to the influence of Europe on American culture post-WWII. As interest in European varietals grew, zinfandel shared the spotlight with cabernet sauvignon, syrah, and sauvignon blanc, all of which now prosper in the valley’s climate.
The valley received formal recognition in 1983. The area defined by the Dry Creek Valley American Viticultural Area encompasses approximately 9,300 acres of grapevines in an area 16 miles long yet only 2 miles wide. The small wine country town of Healdsburg is at the confluence of three prime winegrowing valleys: Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, and Russian River Valley. With Healdsburg on the eastern end, the western end of Dry Creek Valley is enclosed by Lake Sonoma, which moderates the temperatures throughout the year and provides water for irrigation.
Stromberg Vineyards is in the southern hill range in its own valley that has ideal southwest exposure. The situation of the vineyard promotes the growing of truly exceptional cabernet sauvignon.
