Named after an enterprising pioneer by the name of Cyrus Alexander, the Alexander Valley was considered a better place to grow wheat and raise cattle before it gained fame for its grapes. In the 1880s, immigrants formed the Italian Swiss Colony agricultural cooperative at Asti. In the 1950s, the winery was California’s second-most visited tourism destination, after Disneyland. The 1960s and 1970s established Alexander Valley as a place where top-notch Cabernet Sauvignon could be grown. Today, the valley retains its sleepy, agricultural character, while comprising 15,000 vineyard acres and 42 wineries. The AVA was established in 1984 and today houses noted wineries including Silver Oak and Jordan Estate.