Fort Ross was established in 1812 by the Russian-American Company. In 1817 the first grapes in Northern California were brought from Peru and planted on a hillside near Fort Ross. This predates any plantings in Sonoma and Napa counties.

It took until the end of the 20th century, after a long history of logging and ranching, before grapes were introduced to the area. Most grape growers were very skeptical about ripening grapes so close to the Pacific Ocean,  but now these steep coastal ridges are regarded as the most desirable area in the USA to grow Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.