OCCIDENTAL VISITOR’S GUIDE
Welcome to Occidental, California, a charming town located in the heart of Sonoma County wine country. Situated just a short drive from Napa and San Francisco, Occidental is home to a variety of vineyards and wineries, making it a perfect destination for wine enthusiasts. The town itself is small and friendly, with a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. Visitors can enjoy exploring the many shops, restaurants, and galleries in town, or take a scenic drive through the nearby redwood forests. Occidental also offers easy access to the Sonoma Coast, where visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. With its stunning scenery, delicious wines, and friendly locals, Occidental is the perfect destination for those looking to relax, explore, and celebrate the culture and beauty of California wine country.
Occidental Hotels
There are two different hotels offering lodging accommodations in Occidental, and a third not far away at Halleck Vineyard in neighboring Sebastopol.
- Radford Inn: The Occidental Lodge is a 28-room 1970s motor lodge nestled in the redwood mountain vista of Occidental on the famous Bohemian Highway corridor. Just 15-minutes from Halleck Vineyard in the Russian River Valley, the motel is located on California Highway 1 on the Sonoma Coast, one of the most beautiful.
- Occidental Lodge: Called a “top 5 Wine Country Destination” by Wine Spectator Magazine,the Inn at Occidental is nestled amongst majestic redwoods in the charming village of Occidental, California. This Sonoma County inn is located nearby spectacular vineyards and orchards of Sonoma Wine Country, the stunning beaches and cliffs of the Sonoma Coast and the meandering Russian River. This B&B Inn is also close to the Redwoods Zipline (aka Sonoma Zipline Adventures), the famous Osmosis Day Spa, and the historic Bohemian Grove.
- Wine Lodge: Located on the grounds of the Halleck Vineyard family estate the Wine Lodge is a rustic a, private accommodation situated in a private vineyard estate. Guests receive a complimentary bottle of Halleck Vineyard wine during their stay. For those seeking a romantic getaway or a wine country escape with a private sauna, The Wine Lodge is an excellent choice.
Occidental American Viticultural Areas (AVAs)
Forestville is located in Sonoma County, which is home to several American Viticultural Areas (AVAs).
An American Viticultural Area (AVA) is a designated wine grape-growing region in the United States that has been recognized by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) for having unique geographic, climatic, and soil conditions that distinguish it from surrounding regions.
AVAs are used to identify and promote wine growing regions and to help consumers understand the unique characteristics of the wines produced in these areas. Wineries that use grapes grown within an AVA are allowed to list that AVA on their wine labels, provided that at least 85% of the grapes used were grown within the AVA.
Russian River Valley AVA
This AVA is located in the heart of Sonoma County and is known for producing some of the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the region. Loamy, mineral-rich Goldridge soils, cool foggy mornings and bright, sunlit afternoons help Pinot Noirs from this region achieve the peak of perfection; the terroir is perfect for the notoriously finicky Pinot Noir grapes.
Sonoma Coast AVA
This AVA encompasses the rugged coastline of Sonoma County and produces a wide range of wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Awards, the largest wine competition in the world, Halleck Vineyard 2019 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast Clone 828 was awarded Double Gold, and their 2019 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast Hillside Cuvee awarded Gold
Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA
The Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA is a sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley AVA, located in western Sonoma County, California. This AVA is characterized by its cool climate, with a unique combination of coastal fog and wind that creates ideal growing conditions for grapes. The area is also known for its well-drained soils, which are made up of a mix of sandstone, shale, and alluvial deposits.
Chalk Hill AVA
The Chalk Hill AVA is a wine appellation located in Sonoma County, California. The region is known for its unique soils, which are rich in volcanic ash and chalky white rock. These soils, combined with the area's warm climate and long growing season, produce exceptional grapes that result in high-quality wines. Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape variety in the Chalk Hill AVA, with many wineries also producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. The area is home to several notable wineries, and visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and beautiful views of the surrounding vineyards.
Alexander Valley AVA
The Alexander Valley AVA is a wine appellation located in Sonoma County, California. This region is known for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay wines. The area's climate is characterized by warm, sunny days and cool nights, which allows grapes to ripen slowly and develop complex flavors. The soils in the Alexander Valley AVA are also varied, with volcanic ash, alluvial deposits, and river rock contributing to the unique terroir.
Dry Creek Valley AVA
The Dry Creek Valley AVA is a wine appellation located in Sonoma County, California, known for its exceptional Zinfandel wines. The region's Mediterranean climate and well-draining soils make it ideal for grape growing. In addition to Zinfandel, the Dry Creek Valley AVA is also known for producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay wines. Many of the area's wineries offer tastings, tours, and stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.
These American Viticultural Areas offer a wide range of vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms to explore, making Forestville an ideal destination for wine enthusiasts.