Sonoma's beneficial fog

A view of our neighbors Kistler, on this late-May morning. The eastern slopes of Sonoma Mountain benefit uniquely from morning fog patterns that create ideal conditions for grape growing. While the western slopes receive direct fog exposure from the Petaluma Gap, the eastern slopes experience a more moderated fog effect. The fog helps cool the vineyards during the early hours, and as the fog burns off, it reveals the eastern-facing slopes to gentle morning sunlight rather than harsh afternoon heat. The result is grapes that develop complex flavors while retaining natural acidity and achieving phenolic ripeness gradually. This fog-moderated environment is particularly beneficial for Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, which require warm conditions to ripen fully but benefit from the cooling influence to maintain structure and elegance.