Alexander Valley

Alexander Valley is one of three AVA's (that means quality wine region) that spring out from Healdsburg. The main road about the Valley is HWY 128. Look for exceptional wineries and even excellent hardly known labels that due to there size never make it outside the region for others to celebrate. There are numerous quaint lanes like W. Sausal Lane & Red Winery Road to name a few that residents call home. This valley stretches from Knights Valley (the northern environs of Calistoga) up to the northern edge of Cloverdale incorporating the little hamlets of Geyserville and the famous town of Asti (only 55 acres in size) that was popularized by comedian turned self nominated presidential candidate, Pat Paulsen.

This valley is graced by thousands of acres of vineyards. A newly popularized stop is River Rock Casino (Dry Creek Rancheria Tribe owns this). This is also seen, too many, as a blight on the hillside with a prominent San Francisco style multi-story parking garage that towers over the actual casino facility that you see from HWY 101 and numerous points throughout the valley. For a more soulful visit try the Jim Town store on HWY 128, it is the market to the valley residents and for those enjoying time touring the valley. The Russian River is very easily accessed from a few points up and down the valley. The weather here can get quite hot in summer time (think 85-105*F), which is also why the grapes love it. Frances Ford Coppola has re-made/established a wine wonderland with this landmark facility with 2 full service bars, a separate wine bar, pool with pool side service, bocce courts and performers stage along with his personal museum (see the famous Tucker automobile and other movie related history). He also provides a first class indoor and outdoor dining environment at "Rustic", which is on-site and enhanced by it's Easterly views across the valley.

The area has seen multi-generational families farming the land for 150 years, some of which have gone on to becoming notable wine makers and even more so notable wineries. Life in Alexander Valley is warm & relaxing and you are only 10-15 minutes from the Healdsburg Plaza where you will find amazing food & entertaining options along with a summer jazz festival, numerous annual wine tasting events and a full gamet of lodging options like H2 hotel or simple Bed & Breakfast options on Tucker Street and many other downtown Healdsburg locations.