Sonoma County is a diverse growing region with a complex terrain of small valleys, benchlands and hillsides. A coastal appellation, it is favored with fog in the morning and sunny afternoons cooled by maritime breezes. From the cool Carneros area in the south to the more moderate Russian River and Alexander Valleys further north, a wide variety of grapes can enjoy the optimum climate to achieve rich varietal flavor. Chateau St. Jean is a pioneer in vineyard designation within Sonoma County — making wine from, and naming it for, an outstanding single vineyard. Since fine wines and individual vineyards have been closely associated for centuries in Europe, the Chateau’s founders reasoned vineyard designation was equally valid in Sonoma County. Soon after its inception, the winery began producing individually labeled Chardonnays from the Robert Young and Belle Terre Vineyards. Chateau St. Jean has been producing exceptional single vineyard wines since the release of the 1975 Belle Terre Vineyard Chardonnay.