(Winemag) - The cool climate of the Russian River Valley makes it an ideal place to produce many exceptional wines. A number of new and revamped wineries will have you tasting them in style.

Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley appellation is a meandering, mysterious place set beautifully against California’s famous coastal fog, vine-planted hillsides and winding river that travels through the heart of its northern edge.

The Russian River Valley’s relatively cool climate is a haven for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with smaller plantings of old-vine Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc. 20th century pioneers include Joe Swan and Joe Rochioli Jr., known as the “Two Joes,” as well as Davis Bynum, the Bacigalupi family and Warren Dutton.

The region’s greatness can be traced to this second wave of wineries that took note of its climate and soils, which range from alluvial to Franciscan Assemblage and the valley’s geologic calling card, Goldridge, a fine sandy loam. The operations they headed up still farm much of the area’s grapes.