Cyrus Alexander, for whom the Alexander Valley is named, planted the region's first vineyard in 1846. Situated at the top of Sonoma County, with about 15,000 acres of highly-prized vineyards, today’s Alexander Valley encompasses a variety of microclimates, supporting a wide-range of grape varieties. While Cabernet Sauvignon reigns supreme on the gravelly terrain of the valley floor, the region also produces notable Chardonnays, Zinfandels, Merlots, and Sauvignon Blancs. Even some cooler-climate varieties, such as Gewürztraminer and Riesling, have found a niche here in the shadows of Mendocino.