The Rockpile Appellation, contiguous to Dry Creek Valley, is defined by ridgetops with elevations ranging from 800 to 2,100 feet above sea level. The appellation’s size is limited by its rugged terrain. Specializing in hearty red varietals, Rockpile is a perfect site to showcase Sonoma County as the world’s premier location for Zinfandel. Steep, well-drained hillsides with shallow, rocky topsoil provide for less vigorous vines, smaller berries and intensely flavored Zinfandel. The soils are generally comprised of loam to clay loam with a red brown color due to the higher oxidation. It is only 12 to 24 inches deep in the best of the viticultural locations.