Located in the southern part of the Alexander Valley, Alexander Valley Vineyard's first wine was produced in 1975. Maggie and Hank Wetzel had purchased a large portion of the homestead of the valley's namesake, Cyrus Alexander, in 1962. The top of the line wine from AVV is a red wine called "Cyrus". Even though it is not a Zin, we heartily recommend it.
They produce three Zinfandels, perfect for a "Wicked Weekend". On Friday you can have Temptation Zinfandel, followed by Sin Zin on Saturday and finishing up with Redemption Zin on Sunday. Currently the Temptation is very hard to get, but Sin Zin is often available at some wine stores, and the Redemption slightly harder to find. Altogether they produce 100,000 cases, with nine varietal and proprietary blends.
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Founded by Dr. Elias Hanna in 1985, Hanna Winery has grown from a winery using all purchased fruit, to one using 100% estate grown fruit. Over 250 of its 600 acres are planted with vines. The eldest daughter, Christine Hanna, now runs the daily operation. With winemaker Jeff Hinchliffe, they produce 40,000 cases a year. Hanna Winery has one of their Hospitality Centers high on a hill in the Alexander Valley, with a smaller one in the Russian River AVA.
They offer two Zinfandels. The first is the Sonoma Valley Zinfandel, a mid priced blend. The second is Bismark Ranch Zinfandel, with the fruit from the estate vineyard situated high in the Mayacamas Mountains.
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The family history of the owner's of Sausal Winery is highly linked with the Alexander Valley. Manuel Demostene arrived in 1901, followed soon by Abele Ferrari. Their grandchildren are the current owners. Sausal Ranch was purchased in 1956, and the winery was started in 1973. The tasting room is in the southern part of the valley, just below the point where Alexander Valley Road becomes highway 128.
Sausal Winery produces four zinfandels. The entry level is "Cellar Cats Red", a tasty, light bodied Zinfandel. The "Sausal Family Zinfandel", which is sometimes called "Old Vine", is made from vines over 50 years old. The "Sausal Private Reserve Zinfandel", at a slightly higher price point, come from vines that are over 90 years old. The top of the line is "Sausal Century Vines Zinfandel", made from vines planted in 1877, which makes them 130 years old.
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The tasting room for Stryker Sonoma Winery is an impressive place to visit. With glass walls on three sides, it offers sweeping views of the Alexander Valley, including many of the Stryker vineyards. From the tasting room you can go down a flight of stairs to the barrel room. On Barrel Tasting Weekend, this is where they offer up some samples of what you can expect in the coming years.
Stryker Sonoma offers up six zinfandel bottlings. The "Estate Old Vine" Zinfandel comes from Alexander Valley vines which are 98 years old. "Oz" Zinfandel also comes from Alexander Valley. From the upper end of Dry Creek comes "Zinfandel", while the "Old Vine" Zinfandel comes from the Russian River area. The oldest vines are those in the "Speedy Creek Vineyard", located in Knight's Valley, at 110 years. The "Bisordi Vineyard" Zinfandel rounds out the list.
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In 1982 Roger and Carmen Stuhlmuller bought 150 acres that were part of the original 9,000 acre ranch owned by Cyrus Alexander. There were 90 acres of vines, which was expanded to 150 acres of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. In 2000 the winery was opened, with Fritz Stuhlmuller, Roger and Carmen's son, as the proprietor. In 2004 Leo Hansen, from Denmark, was promoted to the position of winemaker.
Zinfandel makes up only a very small part of the vineyard, less than 3 acres. While it is hard to get any of this small production, it is well worth the effort, both for the wine and the scenery. This winery is about 2 miles off of the main road, along the banks of the Russian River.
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In 1959 Leo and Evelyn Trentadue purchased the old "Heart's Desire" Ranch just south of Geyserville. There were 60 acres of Zinfandel, Petite Syrah and Carignane already planted. Planting of new vines began the next year. In 1969, with the help of Paul Draper, they bonded Trentadue Winery. They continue to sell fruit, including the grapes used for Ridge's Geyserville. It remains a 100% family owned winery. Winemaker Miroslav Tcholakov, from Bulgaria, has been in winemaking his entire life. He came to Trentadue Winery in 1999 after nine years at Dry Creek Vineyards.
"Old Patch Red" starts off the Zinfandel lineup, with 76% Zin, 18% Petite Syrah and 8% Carignane. The fruit comes from vines planted in 1897! The Trentadue Zinfandel comes from three vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley. It spends about 15 months in a mix of American and French Oak, with about 25% new barrels. The La Storia Zinfandel is the premium label. It is made with the Geyserville estate fruit, with 91% Zin and 9% Petite Syrah. The final entry is the Trentadue Zinfandel Port, which again is made with estate fruit.
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