Fogline Vineyards is both a winery and a concept. Launched in 2009, we make small lots of Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah and Chardonnay. Our home vineyard is located in the Sonoma Coast appellation, at the top of Sonoma Mountain. This area of the Sonoma Coast is known as the Petaluma Gap, noteworthy for the wind and fog that blows in through a gap in the costal hills. These conditions create the distinct environment needed to grow world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In addition, we source fruit from the top of Bradford Mountain in the Dry Creek Valley appellation. At 1200 feet of elevation, this organically grown vineyard produces Zinfandel and Syrah with distinct mountain-grown characteristics.
We choose our locations for growing and sourcing fruit based on a number of factors. Our name speaks to one that we consider essential - fog. We believe that mountain fruit grown above the fog line creates more balanced, focused wines. The additional exposure to sun throughout the growing season enables the vines to get an earlier start in the morning. Additionally, temperature inversion results in warmer nights and cooler days than vineyards at lower elevations. This allows the fruit to ripen both physiologically (getting the sugar to the right level) and phenologically (reaching the point where it tastes fantastic), while lessening the need to leave the fruit hanging for extended periods. Being above the fog also gives us an advantage in keeping fungus and mold at bay, lessening the need for spraying and allowing us to treat the environment respectfully.
