Terroir, tariffs, tasting rooms and tannins

 How drinking local is best for your palate, pocketbook and local producers

CREDIT: Sonoma County Vintners

I’ve written before about the joys of drinking locally. It’s an approach to wine drinking that makes great sense to palates and pocketbooks. Drinking local is a meaningful, rewarding way to connect with our region, support local businesses, and make the most of our wine-drinking budgets.

When we pour California wines into our glasses, be they tumblers, goblets, flutes or coupes, we delve into the terroir – a French term meaning “sense of place.” It’s the soil, the weather, the hands that tend the vines, and the character of the land all captured in a bottle. In Sonoma County, one of the world’s premier wine regions, terroir is not just a marketing term – it’s the essence of every sip.

CREDIT: Sonoma County Vintners

Beyond the inherent joy of drinking wines produced in California, doing so supports our much beloved local wine industry. Given the current economic climate, the idea of drinking locally has never mattered more.  

Tariffs and their ripple effect

Recent tariffs on international goods are causing ripple effects across the wine industry, even here at home. From corks and barrels to glass bottles, many essential winemaking materials are imported. Tariffs on these goods are driving up costs for producers. Cristina Bisio of Highway 12 Winery (highway12winery.com) in Sonoma shares how her team responded:

“All tariffs will have an impact. Fortunately, our glass supplier stopped buying from China last year and now buys American-made bottles,” she explained. Adding, “we’ve also made changes to reduce packaging costs without sacrificing wine quality, so we likely won’t raise our prices.”

However, international tariffs have also curbed global demand for American wines, especially in export markets. While Highway 12 doesn’t export, Bisio notes that “other wineries will be looking for alternative markets to sell their oversupply,” which intensifies competition here at home.

Why local support matters

Organizations such as Sonoma County Vintners (SCV), representing more than 250 wineries, are advocating for local producers. SCV has communicated county concerns to trade partners, members of the U.S. Congress, and other federal officials related to tariff impacts. SCV Executive Director Michael Haney warns that the stakes are high.

“The issuance of tariffs could negatively impact not only wineries but also hospitality workers, farmers and communities that rely heavily on tourism and wine production.”

He adds, “Sonoma County Vintners, in solidarity with other wine industry and beverage partners, strongly supports all government officials in each impacted country to communicate and work together to resolve this issue as quickly as possible to mitigate potential negative impacts felt by consumers, members of the wine trade and the more than 54,000 employees who work in the Sonoma County wine industry.”

CREDIT: Sonoma County Vintners

Beyond the wines consumers enjoy at home, the tariffs are poised to have a major impact on smaller, boutique wineries who rely upon tasting room visitors. Indeed, according to Visit California, Canadian tourism alone, which contributes $3.7 billion annually to the state’s economy, has plummeted. With all international travel declining, it’s clear that planning a trip to your favorite or yet to be discovered winery this year is critical.

Getting to know Sonoma terroir

Terroir can seem like an intimidating concept – how can anyone taste a wine and pinpoint its origin? But once you’re familiar with a region’s landscape, climate, and signature varietals, recognizing its wine becomes second nature. It can be akin to recognizing a village you’ve visited just by seeing a photo of the surrounding hills.

Drinking local deepens your connection to food and place. As California’s seasonal bounty unfolds in spring and summer, pairing local produce with local wine elevates your meals to something memorable. Grilling a steak? Try it with a Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel. Serving a fresh salad with goat cheese? A Russian River Sauvignon Blanc will sing beside it.

Sonoma County wineries to try include:

• Iron Horse Vineyards – Known for its elegant sparkling wines and stunning views in Sebastopol. (ironhorsevineyards.com)
• Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs – A powerhouse in Zinfandel and field blends, nestled in Healdsburg. (ridgewine.com/visit/lytton-springs/)
• Marimar Torres Estate – The estate spans 81 acres, with 56 acres under vine, cultivating Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Albariño, Godello, Tempranillo, and Syrah. (marimarestate.com)
• Foppiano Vineyards – One of Sonoma’s oldest family-run wineries, specializing in Petite Sirah. (foppiano.com)

Wine is a kind of time capsule. It captures the conditions of a vintage, the character of the land and the creativity of its makers. Visiting a winery and possibly meeting the people behind the wine is an extraordinary way to take your wine appreciation to the next level. Tasting room visits leave a lasting impression. Drinking wine from where you live – or from where you’ve taken a weekend trip – can stir memories and emotions just like a familiar song.

Final pour

By choosing California wines, we’re supporting small businesses, weathering economic uncertainties together and strengthening the communities that make places like Sonoma County so special.

Next time you pick a bottle, consider one from our backyard. Your taste buds, your neighbors, and even your local economy will thank you.

CREDIT: Sonoma County Vintners