The California regions with the largest Pinot Noir acreage include Sonoma, Monterey and Santa Barbara counties. Pinot Noir can be complex, elusive and difficult to grow, yet many winemakers persist because the resulting wines can reap a reward equal to the challenge.

Within the larger Russian River Valley appellation there are two sub-appellations or sub AVAs: the Chalk Hill AVA and the Green Valley AVA. The Russian River Valley is best known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The most highly renowned Pinot Noir growing region in the US is the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast in California. Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is incredibly bold. It has a fuller body and stronger tannins than other Pinot Noirs.

As you can see, though its tannins are smooth and its body is light, Pinot Noir rests squarely in the dry red wine category.