Why Does Sonoma, Napa Cabernet Taste Different? Winemaker Talks Terroir At Event

SONOMA VALLEY, CA — Sometimes just 15 miles can magnify distance, creating differences and divides that show up in unexpected ways. Such is the case for wine country, whose great divide is shouldered by two counties, Napa and Sonoma, and two varietals — Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

A veteran winemaker known for building Cabernet programs in Napa Valley and Sonoma County be discussing what distinguishes the two regions — and why he calls Sonoma “a spectacular place to make Cabernet.”

On June 11, Chris Louton of St. Francis Winery will take a close look at Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux varietals, and the influence of regional terroir on wine character during a special event hosted by Sonoma Home Winemakers.

“The wines from Sonoma express themselves differently than the wines from Napa,” Louton said. “They have their own unique brightness and great intensity.”

Louton plans to dig into the reasons behind these differences, which manifest in the glass even when winemakers use the same grape varieties.

Before joining St. Francis in 2013, Louton spent years crafting luxury Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley, including work at Beringer and Schramsberg Vineyards, where he helped expand the winery’s Cabernet program after starting as a harvest intern.

His path into wine began unexpectedly at the University of California, Davis, where he initially studied biology with plans to become a veterinarian before a senior-year winemaking course redirected his career toward enology.

At St. Francis, Louton now oversees production of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and other Bordeaux varietals, with an emphasis on wines that reflect Sonoma County’s distinct growing regions, including Alexander Valley and Knights Valley.

The event, free and open to the public, includes tastings of wines brought by attendees.

Attendees must be 21 or older, have valid identification, and are encouraged to bring their own glass. Home winemakers may also bring a bottle to share during the tasting portion of the evening.

More information and registration are available at Sonoma Home Winemakers and Eventbrite. For more about the speaker and winery, visit stfranciswinery.com.

Info: Sonoma Community Center, Room 110, 276 E. Napa St.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., presentation begins at 7 p.m.