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 stu

ing 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: Chardo

ay 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 co

ecting Ukiah to the coast Walks Hendy Woods State Park: Hike among old-growth redwoods Mendocino Headlands State Park: Coastal trails with stu

ing 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: Visit Mendocino County: Official tourism website Mendocino Winegrowers: Information on local wineries and events Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association: Focused on the Anderson Valley AVA