The Alexander Valley Association
Since 1972

Alexander Valley is a vineyard and winery community in Sonoma County, 75 miles north of San Francisco. Wine grapes have been grown for 150 years here where the Russian River has carved out this beautiful valley.

Farmers, residents and local businesses formed the Alexander Valley Association in 1972 to protect this fertile agricultural area. With more than 250 families and businesses, the AVA is committed to preserving the natural beauty and the farming character of Alexander Valley.

It helps maintain the long tradition of a strong community spirit. You see the spirit in the valley's highly regarded grammer school started in 1868…A lovely 109-year-old church and active congregation…the handsome 1920s Community Hall…it's popular annual AVA picnic.

Old-timers and newcomers, winegrowers and homemakers serve on the board of directors. They meet monthly on zoning and other valley concerns, then gather the members for a lively annual meeting. We invite you to learn more about the Alexander Valley Association here on our website.

FROM THE BOARD

Since 1972 the Alexander Valley Association has represented families, farmers, and businesses in this Sonoma County valley we call home. AVA was created to preserve the natural beauty the endows the valley to strengthen the spirit of community among us.

From the Russian River's fertile soils to the rugged ridges of the Maacama Mountains, we work together to protect the beauty of our valley. The AVA recognizes that change is inevitable and we strive to keep a balance between the growth and the valley's agricultural heritage.

Many families have lived here for generations while other families are just setting their roots. Both new and old come together in the AVA to support our preservation of community.

That is what the AVA is all about: Neighbors working together on behalf of all of us. That requires a strong membership. The more members we have, the more clearly our concerns are heard at the county seat in Santa Rosa and by other agencies that affect our lives.

We invite the valley's residents, land owners and businesses to join our neighbors in the Alexander Valley Association. Help make our community strong…and have fun doing it! AVA dues are certainly modest: Just $35.00 each year. Call me or any other AVA board member if you want more information. We look forward to seeing you at the AVA Picnic in August.

And to our many longtime AVA members, our thanks for pitching in on our projects and our events, and for keeping us informed about the challenges to our valley.

Candy Cadd- President, Pete Dayton- Vice-President, Ed Beddow - Treasurer, Ralph Sceales, Karen Passalacqua, Katie Murphy, Seaver Page, Rickie Pina, and Karin Warnelius

THE ASSOCIATION IN ACTION

Members gather every February for the AVA's Annual Meeting starting with coffee and donuts in the Community Hall. County officials attend to answer questions on issues facing our valley. Then three members are elected to 3-years on the AVA's board of nine directors. Often there is the sale of daffordils to brighten the valley.

The board runs the month-to-month business of preserving and improving our valley. It meets monthly at the Community Hall and visitors are welcome to meet the directors.

The directors also put on the popular AVA Picnic every August. Held on a park-like hill overlooking the valley, it is a great time to be with neighbors and enjoy the barbeque with homemade salads and desserts from the valley households. That is in addition to directors bringing coffee and donuts for the Annual Meeting. The board keeps busy!

The feeling of the Alexander Valley and of its association is like that of a small community, which we are…The little grammer school is the joy of the valley with its young scholars, dedicated teachers, vigorous trustees and strong parents club…the Community Hall has been handsomely refurbished, where many meetings, dinners, dances and weddings are held…The valley church is over 100 years old adds grace to the scene and two valley stores serve the community well.