Sonoma County’s 13th Appelation

Just South and East of the city of Santa Rosa is Bennett Valley, a small appellation with an impressive reputation for Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. A cleft in the surrounding mountains allows cool fog and wind to pour into the valley moderating summer temperatures and creating conditions ideal for the production of ultra premium cool climate varietals.We invite you to learn more about our appellation, its growers and the winemakers crafting exceptional wine from Bennett Valley fruit.

“The confluence of maritime influence, rocky soil and sub-strata, and innovative growers make Bennett Valley one of the most desirable grape growing regions throughout The North Coast. The warm days and cool nights allow for grapes to grow where sugar and physical ripeness are in parity. Because of this balance, spurred by dramatic diurnal temperature swings, we achieve ripeness at a lower sugar- all the while getting plenty of hangtime. For me, this is the mark of a great terroir.”

— David Milner

Winemaker, Donelan Family Wines