Mendocino County Wine Travel Guide (California, United States)

Mendocino County: California’s Rugged Wine Paradise

Mendocino County, located along California’s North Coast, offers a blend of world-class wines and stunning natural beauty. Known for its eco-friendly practices and organic vineyards, this region is a must-visit for wine lovers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Towns and Villages

Mendocino County boasts charming towns and villages that serve as perfect bases for wine exploration:

  • Ukiah: The county seat, offering a mix of wineries and cultural attractions
  • Hopland: A small town with a high concentration of tasting rooms
  • Boonville: Home to Anderson Valley’s renowned Pinot Noir producers
  • Philo: A tiny hamlet surrounded by vineyards and redwood forests
  • Mendocino Village: A picturesque coastal town with nearby wineries

Wine Producers

Mendocino County hosts a diverse array of wineries, from small family-owned estates to larger, well-known producers:

  • Roederer Estate: Renowned for their sparkling wines
  • Navarro Vineyards: Offering a wide range of varietals, including Gewürztraminer
  • Husch Vineyards: One of Anderson Valley’s oldest wineries
  • Bonterra Organic Vineyards: Pioneers in organic and biodynamic winemaking
  • Goldeneye Winery: Specializing in Pinot Noir

Accommodations

From cozy B&Bs to luxury resorts, Mendocino County offers diverse lodging options:

  • The Madrones: A Mediterranean-style compound with on-site tasting rooms
  • Brewery Gulch Inn: An eco-friendly lodge overlooking the Pacific
  • Boonville Hotel: A modern roadhouse with a renowned restaurant
  • Little River Inn: A historic property with ocean views and a golf course
  • The Inn at Newport Ranch: A luxury coastal retreat with private wine tours

Dining

Mendocino County’s culinary scene emphasizes local, seasonal ingredients and pairs perfectly with the region’s wines:

  • Boonville Hotel Restaurant: Farm-to-table cuisine with a daily changing menu
  • Patrona: Upscale dining in Ukiah featuring local wines and produce
  • The Bewildered Pig: Innovative dishes in a rustic-chic setting
  • Wild Fish: Sustainable seafood and an extensive local wine list
  • Trillium Cafe: Garden-to-table dining with ocean views in Mendocino Village

Wine Shops & Bars

Mendocino County offers unique wine-tasting experiences beyond traditional wineries:

  • Sip! Mendocino: A tasting room in Hopland featuring local wines and craft beers
  • Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association Tasting Room: Sample wines from multiple local producers
  • The Madrones: A complex housing multiple tasting rooms in one location
  • Patrona Wine Bar: Extensive local wine list in downtown Ukiah
  • Patterson’s Pub: Cozy Irish pub in Mendocino Village with a selection of local wines

Other Shops

Explore local crafts and products alongside your wine adventures:

  • Mendocino Farmers’ Market: Fresh produce and artisanal goods in various towns
  • Mendocino Country Store: Gourmet foods and local specialties in Mendocino Village
  • Philo Apple Farm: Organic apples and homemade products
  • Corners of the Mouth: Natural foods co-op in Mendocino Village
  • Gallery Bookshop: Independent bookstore with a great selection of local interest books

Attractions

Complement your wine tour with these must-see attractions:

  • Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve: Ancient redwood groves and hiking trails
  • Glass Beach: Unique beach covered in sea glass near Fort Bragg
  • Point Arena Lighthouse: Historic lighthouse with panoramic coastal views
  • Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens: 47 acres of gardens overlooking the Pacific
  • Skunk Train: Scenic railway through redwood forests

Events

Time your visit with these wine-focused and cultural events:

  • Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival (May): Celebrate the region’s signature varietal
  • Mendocino County Fair & Apple Show (September): Local produce, wines, and entertainment
  • Hopland Passport (Spring & Fall): Wine tasting event featuring Hopland area wineries
  • Mendocino Music Festival (July): Two weeks of diverse musical performances
  • Winesong (September): Charity auction and wine tasting on the Mendocino coast

Appellations

Understand the diverse wine-growing regions of Mendocino County:

  • Anderson Valley AVA: Known for Pinot Noir and sparkling wines
  • Mendocino AVA: Diverse varietals including Zinfandel and Petite Sirah
  • Redwood Valley AVA: Home to old-vine Zinfandel and Italian varietals
  • Potter Valley AVA: Cooler climate suitable for Riesling and Gewürztraminer
  • Yorkville Highlands AVA: High-elevation vineyards producing robust reds

Grape Varieties

Mendocino County is known for its diverse grape varieties. The region’s cool climate and varied terroir support both red and white wine production.

Key red grape varieties include:

  • Pinot Noir
  • Zinfandel
  • Syrah
  • Cabernet Sauvignon

Popular white grape varieties are:

  • Chardonnay
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Gewürztraminer
  • Riesling

Main Wine Styles

Mendocino County produces a range of wine styles, reflecting its diverse microclimates and winemaking traditions.

Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley is particularly notable, offering elegant, cool-climate expressions.

Zinfandel from warmer inland areas like Redwood Valley showcases rich, fruit-forward profiles.

Sparkling wines from Anderson Valley rival those of Champagne, utilizing traditional methods.

Food Specialties

Mendocino County’s culinary scene complements its wine offerings, emphasizing local, organic produce.

Fresh seafood, particularly Dungeness crab and wild-caught salmon, pairs beautifully with local white wines.

Grass-fed beef and artisanal cheeses from local farms are perfect companions to robust red wines.

Mushroom foraging is popular, with chanterelles and porcini featured in seasonal dishes.

Drives & Walks

Explore Mendocino County’s scenic beauty and wine country through these routes:

Drives

  • Highway 128: Wind through Anderson Valley’s vineyards and redwoods
  • Orr Springs Road: Scenic route connecting Ukiah to the coast

Walks

  • Hendy Woods State Park: Hike among old-growth redwoods
  • Mendocino Headlands State Park: Coastal trails with stunning ocean views

Itineraries

Plan your Mendocino wine country experience with these curated itineraries:

Weekend Getaway (3 days)

  • Day 1: Explore Anderson Valley wineries
  • Day 2: Visit Mendocino village and coastal vineyards
  • Day 3: Inland wine tasting in Hopland and Ukiah

Wine and Wilderness (5 days)

  • Days 1-2: Anderson Valley wine tasting
  • Day 3: Hiking in Hendy Woods State Park
  • Day 4: Coastal exploration and seafood in Fort Bragg
  • Day 5: Redwood Valley and Ukiah wineries

Getting There & Around

Mendocino County is accessible by car, about 2 hours north of San Francisco.

  • By car: Take Highway 101 north from San Francisco
  • By air: Fly into Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa

Public transportation is limited. Renting a car is recommended for exploring wineries.

Best Time to Visit

Mendocino County offers year-round appeal, with each season providing unique experiences.

  • Spring (March-May): Wildflowers bloom, perfect for scenic drives
  • Summer (June-August): Warm days, ideal for outdoor activities and festivals
  • Fall (September-November): Harvest season, vibrant foliage, and wine events
  • Winter (December-February): Cozy tasting rooms and whale watching opportunities

Sustainability Efforts

Mendocino County is at the forefront of sustainable winemaking practices.

  • Organic vineyards: Many wineries use organic or biodynamic farming methods
  • Water conservation: Drip irrigation and drought-resistant rootstocks are common
  • Solar power: Several wineries have installed solar panels to reduce energy consumption

Language Tips

English is the primary language in Mendocino County. However, knowing some wine-related terms can enhance your experience.

  • Terroir: The environmental factors influencing grape characteristics
  • AVA: American Viticultural Area, a designated wine grape-growing region
  • Crush: The harvest season, typically in fall

Further Resources

Enhance your Mendocino wine country experience with these additional resources: