Volcanic ash gives the ground a distinctive hue in the Chalk Hill appellation, located between Windsor and Santa Rosa. The area is distinguished by varied soils and a microclimate with a marine influence and most of the area's vineyards lie within a zone of thermal belts that provide protection from spring frosts. The vineyards are planted on lands which are gently rolling to steep and can be described as bench-lands, table-lands and hills, offering scenic backroads for touring.

Dry Creek Valley in northern Sonoma County is 16 miles long and only two miles wide, but has scores of microclimates and dozens of soils within its narrow boundaries. This warm inland valley's marine influences from the Russian River keep the nights pleasantly cool. Long known as the ideal spot for growing Zinfandel grapes, it's best explored by a pair of winding country roads that flank either side of Dry Creek. A renowned local attraction is the Dry Creek General Store, a splendid spot for picking up a picnic lunch (and the local gossip). At the northern end of the valley is Lake Sonoma.

Green Valley is a renowned viticultural area at the southeast corner of the Russian River Valley. Grapes share Green Valley's "terra" with apples of all variety, the principal one being the noble Gravenstein. The Gravenstein apple capital of the world, Sebastopol, Forestville and Graton all fall within the Green Valley border. Curving country roads lace through Green Valley's flower farms and market gardens on their way up hills that offer spectacular views of Mount St. Helena to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

Knights Valley offers some of Sonoma County's wildest terrain and its highest point, Mount St. Helena, rising at its eastern edge. Knights Valley remains much as its original inhabitants, the Wappo people, must have seen it. Today, communion with its redwood and fir trees, bobcats, deer and foxes is certain to center the wandering spirit.

Sonoma County's newest viticultural area is the Rockpile appellation, designated in early 2002. Wineries in the area, encompassing nearly 14,000 acres of hills and valleys spreading west of Lake Sonoma nearly to the Mendocino County border, are known for their intensely-flavored red grape varietals, including cabernet, petite sirah and zinfandel. Historic Rockpile Ranch is a local landmark.

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