AVA Wines of Sonoma County: Chalk Hill Wine Region

The founder of Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery only discovered his property by flying over it in a small plane, but that’s not too surprising: From the ground, the Chalk Hill area is easy to miss. Starting in Windsor, drive up Chalk Hill Road and you’re likely to see only the briefest of vineyard vistas through the trees before you’re already in Alexander Valley — even though Chalk Hill is one of most esteemed winegrowing areas in Sonoma County. 

Carved out of a curious northeast corner of the Russian River Valley AVA, the Chalk Hill AVA, awarded in 1983 and then revised in 1988, is defined by its warmer climate and white, quartzite-rich volcanic soils. There are more than 1,400 vineyard acres here, but just five wineries.

Top Grapes & Wine Varietals

Chalk Hill is known best for Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Semillon, Syrah, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel are also grown; even Pinot Noir, in the right exposures.

The Lay of the Land

From the town of Windsor along Highway 101, Chalk Hill extends east into a jumble of hills, opens to a pretty little valley planted in vineyards, and continues to 1,600-foot elevations tucked between Alexander Valley and Knight’s Valley AVAs.  

“Chalk Hill” is named for the chalky white ash— specifically, quartzite-rich volcanic tuff—that characterizes its soils. Though Chalk Hill AVA is a sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley AVA, it’s somewhat warmer, with less cool fog and more moderating breezes.

Notable Wineries

Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery

Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery, founded in the 1970s, defines the region’s wines and wine tourism with its hospitality center, equestrian center, and culinary program. With a passionate dedication to chardonnay, Chalk Hill offers warm hospitality, elegant estate wines, and stunning views of their 1,300-acre estate where you can explore, taste, and learn through sophisticated food and wine pairing experiences.

Notre Vue Estate Winery & Vineyards

Notre Vue Estate Winery & Vineyards features 350 acres of “Forever Wild” protected open space and 250 acres of beautiful rolling vineyards which include over 17 miles of hiking and biking trails with picnic tables scattered throughout. Notre Vu’s wines are made in the European style, focusing on finesse and purity, and made with low intervention. Additionally, you can purchase Balverne Wine on the property, a sister label to Notre Vue, that was even served in the White House.

Windsor Oaks Vineyards

Both Notre Vue and Balverne source their grapes from Windsor Oaks. The result is a long-standing tradition of growing grapes to the standards of winemakers for top-tier wineries that in turn produce highly rated and awarded wines. The 710-acre estate at Windsor Oaks Vineyards includes 210 acres of vineyards planted with 16 different varieties of grapes and acreage of ancient oak trees that create an inspirational and beautiful environment. 

Backroad Bodegas

Gonzague & Claire Lurton, fourth-generation winemakers from Bordeaux, planted roots in Sonoma County. Their property Trinité Estate, and its signature red blend Acaibo, showcase the breathtaking beauty and high-quality wines.

Albini Family Vineyards farms Merlot and Zinfandel just east of Windsor, while Calluna Vineyards, set adjacent to Trinité,  strives to produce the finest Bordeaux-style varieties.

Partly due to Windsor Oaks Vineyards’ extensive plantings of different varietals, which they sell to many wineries, you’ll find Chalk Hill designated wines throughout Sonoma County, from venerable producers like Rodney Strong to small-production projects like Arnot-Roberts.

Restaurants and Lodging near Chalk Hill

Just 10 minutes away from the Chalk Hill area, Healdsburg offers an extensive selection of restaurants. SingleThread Farm offers an 11-course tasting menu customized to your dietary preferences and restrictions. If you want small bites, head to Bravas where the chef serves up traditional Spanish and modern tapas-style dining. And if you want to experience a canvas for local farmers, winemakers, and artisans to showcase their craft, you can check out Valette.

Where to Stay

Nearby in Windsor, Hampton Inn & Suites is a good base to tour the hundreds of world-class and award-winning wineries in the area. 

The Holiday Inn Windsor Wine Country is situated near more than 100 wineries and within seven miles of Santa Rosa and Healdsburg. This Windsor hotel’s ideal location makes it the perfect wine country home.

Holiday Inn Express Windsor provides lodging in an idyllic California Wine Country escape. This hotel delivers stylish accommodations, impeccable service, and upscale amenities for business or vacation.

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Written by Sonoma Insider James Knight

Sonoma County Appellations (AVAs):

Alexander Valley
Bennett Valley
Carneros – Sonoma
Chalk Hill
Dry Creek Valley
Fort Ross – Seaview
Fountaingrove District
Green Valley of Russian River Valley
Knights Valley
Moon Mountain
Northern Sonoma
Petaluma Gap
Pine Mountain – Cloverdale Peak
Rockpile
Russian River Valley
Sonoma Coast
Sonoma Mountain
Sonoma Valley
West Sonoma Coast