Lancaster Estate

Region / Appellation

Alexander Valley

Alexander Valley AVA in Sonoma County is approximately 20 miles long and 1 mile wide, with the Russian River coursing through its center. Native California sequoias, oaks and Douglas fir trees thrive on the valley floor, and scrub oaks creep up the crevices of its rugged hillsides.

Millions of years ago, a period of seismic upheaval and volcanic activity created the dramatic vistas of Alexander Valley. A low coastal range flanks the valley on the west, while its eastern border is defined by the majestic Mayacama Mountain Range. Over many years, rich, red, volcanic soil washed down the valley’s hillsides, combining with sand and gravel deposited by the Russian River.

Originally, the valley was inhabited by the Pomo Indian tribe. In 1841, the Mexican government granted the land to a sea captain, Henry Delano Fitch, who in turn hired pioneer Cyrus Alexander — the valley’s namesake — to manage his new property.

Fitch gave Alexander his own land in 1847, near present-day Healdsburg, and the pioneer is believed to have established Zinfandel vineyards in short order. This turned out to be a visionary undertaking, as the winegrowing conditions in Alexander Valley closely resemble the French regions of Bordeaux and the Rhône Valley.

In 1984, the 31,000-acre region was designated an American Viticultural Area (AVA).

The floor of Alexander Valley today is incredibly fertile, while it’s highly sought after hillside vineyards benefit from a wide variety of microclimates and the desirable low-nutrient soil. The climate is tempered by a subtle marine influence from the nearby Pacific Ocean. The combination of coastal and inland influences creates a magical contrast between warm days and cool nights, producing Cabernet Sauvignon with rich, dark berry flavors, supple tannins and complexity.