Anderson Valley, Mendocino County

Mendocino County, Sonoma's neighbor to the north, is quite the wine growing region in its own right. Many, though, may know it more as the ancestral home of the marijuana business in California. There are a dozen named wine growing areas (appellations) in Mendocino with Anderson Valley probably the most well-known.

It definitely ain't Napa!
image from jsfashionista.com

Anderson Valley cuts through the coast range of hills and mountains and ends only a few miles from the cool waters of the Pacific. It's what's called a region one climate meaning it's in the coolest area where wine grapes are grown. It can get hot during summer days, but things really cool off at night. This is great weather for cool climate grapes.

Anderson Valley has become a hotbed for Pinot Noir. But before Pinot got so popular there has always been Gewurztraminer, Riesling, and Chardonnay. There aren't many places you find Gewurz and Riesling in California. A few of my long time favorite wineries are Handley, Husch, Greenwood Ridge, and Navarro. Also, with the cool climate you find first-rate sparkling wines from Roederer Estate and Scharffenberger. There are quite a few other wineries that I'm not so familiar with.

Anderson Valley is about a two hour drive north of the Golden Gate Bridge and worth the trip. There's not a lot of lodging available in the small towns dotting the valley, but you can stay on the coast just a short drive away. There is also camping available. And don't forget Anderson Valley Brewing for a change of pace.

There are a number of wine events during the year in Anderson Valley plus a music festival (June) and a beer festival (April).