Sonoma Mountain Terrain (Back to overview)
When visiting the serene slopes of Sonoma Mountain, it is difficult to imagine the violent forces that formed the terrain. Plate tectonics and volcanic activity are responsible for the extremely diverse geology of the entire North Coast Region.
The Effect of Sonoma Mountain Soil on Grape Growing
The terrain of Sonoma Mountain is largely made of debris from the Sonoma Volcanics. Millions of years ago, several nearby volcanoes sprinkled the region with a layer of volcanic ash. This ash has decomposed and eroded to varying degrees and is currently responsible for the different soils on Sonoma Mountain.
Soils are thin, austere and contain little organic material. They drain very well and are not very water retentive. These conditions are well-suited for Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel.
There is a significant amount of basalt and other volcanic rocks in the ground. Many of these rocks are porous from gases released when they were molten. The lava flowed over the region very fast, creating shield rather than more conspicuous cone volcanoes. The result is lower hills with a broader base.
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