Alexander Valley Vineyards: A Legacy of Family, Farming & Fine Wine
- jayh055
- Oct 15
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Nestled in the heart of Sonoma’s picturesque Alexander Valley, Alexander Valley Vineyards (AVV) has grown from a family dream into one of Northern California’s most respected estate wineries. What began in 1962 as Harry and Maggie Wetzel’s “place in the country” has blossomed into a thriving, multi-generational family enterprise producing elegant, age-worthy wines that celebrate their unique terroir.
A Family Legacy Rooted in the Land
The AVV story starts when Harry and Maggie Wetzel purchased the historic Cyrus Alexander homestead. Inspired by their travels through the world’s great wine regions, they saw the potential of Alexander Valley’s rich soils and ideal climate. What followed was decades of dedication: planting their first vines in 1963, pioneering trellising methods in the region, and bottling their first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1968 — all while raising their children on the estate.
In 1975, Hank and Linda Wetzel officially founded Alexander Valley Vineyards, marking the start of their winery’s first vintage. Over the years, the winery expanded — adding underground wine caves, modernizing production, and refining its vineyards. Today, AVV remains family-owned, with the third and fourth generations continuing the work their grandparents began.
Alexander Valley Vineyards Wines that Tell a Story
AVV is celebrated for producing wines that reflect the character of Sonoma’s Alexander Valley. Their core varietals include:
Cabernet Sauvignon – The backbone of their estate wines, including the iconic CYRUS Bordeaux-style blend, a four-time Grand Champion at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition.
Chardonnay – Crisp, balanced, and elegant, this was the wine that first put AVV on the map in the 1970s.
Zinfandel (Sin Zin) – A cult favorite since 1978, known for its bold, fruit-forward personality.
Merlot – Smooth, layered, and true to the region’s warm days and cool nights.
Their vineyards span more than 700 acres along both sides of the Russian River, benefiting from diverse microclimates and soil types. AVV carefully matches varietals to specific vineyard sites, ensuring each wine expresses the land from which it comes.
A Winemaking Philosophy of Balance and Control
Since joining AVV in 1998, Winemaker Kevin Hall has brought a global perspective and a mastery of blending techniques. His approach centers on letting the vineyards speak while guiding each wine to its fullest expression.
The Caves
One of the most distinctive features of AVV is its underground barrel cave system, now spanning one acre. The naturally cooled environment provides ideal aging conditions, reducing energy use and enhancing wine quality.
Oak Program & Blending
AVV uses a mix of French and American oak barrels, tailoring the aging process to each varietal. Blending is central to their philosophy — combining different clones, vineyard blocks, and oak influences to create layered, complex wines.
A Pioneer in Sustainability
The Wetzel family has always understood that exceptional wine begins with healthy land. Their sustainability practices include:
Cover crops that enhance soil fertility and attract beneficial insects.
Solar power supplying about half of the winery’s energy needs.
Organic farming of select vineyard blocks.
Sonoma Green Business Certification and national recognition for environmental stewardship.
Their commitment to sustainability ensures that the same land that inspired Harry and Maggie will thrive for generations to come.
Visit the Heart of Alexander Valley
Guests are invited to experience AVV firsthand at their historic estate in Healdsburg, California. Their tasting room and one-acre wine cave offer a range of experiences:
Estate & Reserve Tastings – Taste the core wines that define the AVV style.
Immersive Cave Tours – Explore Sonoma’s largest underground wine cave.
Cabernet Sauvignon Flight – Discover what makes Alexander Valley Cabs unique.
Cookie & Wine Pairings and Wine & Cheese Tastings – A fun twist on classic pairings.
Vineyard Hikes – Walk the vines, taste wines where they grow, and soak in the breathtaking landscape.
As AVV celebrates its 50th harvest in 2024, it remains a living tribute to the land, the people who farm it, and the wines they craft with care.
Address: 8644 Highway 128, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Phone: 707-433-7209 x116
Visit the AVV Website (for tasting reservations and more) at Home New - Alexander Valley Vineyards.
A Lasting Impression
Over 50 years after its founding, Alexander Valley Vineyards continues to blend tradition with innovation. Its wines are not just products of the land — they are stories in a bottle, told through generations of family dedication, respect for the environment, and a deep love for Sonoma Valley. Whether you’re sipping CYRUS, Sin Zin, or their elegant Chardonnay, each glass is a taste of California history.
Raise a glass to 50 years of AVV — and the legacy that’s still unfolding.
Artisan & Vine Market stocks wines from Alexander Valley Vineyards located in Houston at 12699 Memorial Drive and coming soon to The Woodlands at 2455 Research Forest Drive at Lakeside Boulevard.
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