Hopland Valley

Hopland-Sanel Valley

Region:

Hopland-Sanel Valley borders the Russian River just downstream of Ukiah Valley. Fernando Feliz was the first white settler in the Sanel Valley, and gave his name to the largest tributary creek in this area. The town of Hopland was founded in 1874, named for the primary crop in the valley—hops. Similar to Ukiah Valley in topography, mountain ranges flank Sanel Valley and are drained by numerous creeks including: McNab, Crawford, Feliz, McDowell/Dooley, Duncan, and Pieta Creeks. Hops are no longer grown in Sanel Valley; today, premium winegrapes and pears are the main crops, with livestock operations in the mountains.

Hops
Hopland in the early 1900’s,
A Hop kiln used to dry and process the hops
The triangular Duncan Peak lies on the western edge of Hopland.
Duncan Springs was a resort starting in the 1880s.
Squaw Rock from the air

Downstream of Sanel Valley the Russian River flows through several miles of a rockbound gorge. The rock outcropping known as Squaw Rock distinguishes this section of the river and derives its name from a local legend. According to the story, a young Sanel Indian woman, Sotuka, was betrayed by her fiancé Chief Cachow when he wedded a different woman. In a fit of jealousy and revenge, Sotuka held onto a large stone and jumped off the rock to land on the sleeping couple, killing all three.
Squaw Rock from the river

Downstream of Sanel Valley the Russian River flows through several miles of a rockbound gorge. The rock outcropping known as Squaw Rock distinguishes this section of the river and derives its name from a local legend. According to the story, a young Sanel Indian woman, Sotuka, was betrayed by her fiancé Chief Cachow when he wedded a different woman. In a fit of jealousy and revenge, Sotuka held onto a large stone and jumped off the rock to land on the sleeping couple, killing all three.
Hop pickers used gloves to avoid injury from the rough leaves and stems.

Hopland Valley

Certified Farms

Bells Echo Vineyard

Bliss Ranch

Blue Heron Vineyard and Dooley Creek

Contento Ranch Cellars

Cooperage Creek and Los Cerros

Duncan Peak Vineyard

Fairbairn Ranch

Feliz Creek Vineyards

Feliz Creek Vineyards-Beckstoffer

Gibson Vineyards

Hooper Ranch

Hopland Vineyard

Largo Ranch

McDowell Valley Vineyards

McNab Creek

Milovena Blocks/Hopland Ranch

Milovina Vineyards - Home Ranch

Nelson Family Vineyards

Rancho Feliz Vineyard

Sanel Valley Vineyards.

Shadowbrook Farms

Sundial Vineyard / Anthony's Hill Vineyard

Valley Oaks Ranch