Mendocino

Mendocino

Barra Of Medocino

grape clusters - photo Randy Caparoso

As you take a walk through the vineyard with Charlie Barra, you’ll find yourself surrounded by 60 year old, craggily, grapevines that resemble the sunbaked hands of Charlie that has nurtured them. These hearty, twisted vines, located on the bench lands at the headwaters of the Russian River in Redwood Valley, CA, are the source of the superior organic fruit that goes into each bottle of wine.

Black Kite Cellars

grape cluster - pixabay

Black Kite Cellars is dedicated to reaching the pinnacle of what Pinot Noir can be-a marvelously aromatic and flavorful wine. Jeff Gaffner, Black Kite Cellars winemaker is committed to quality and this is reflected in the limited number of cases released. The winery is named for the beautiful but endangered Black Shouldered Kite that is native to the Anderson Valley. These incredible hawks can frequently be seen circling the skies over Black Kite Cellars.

Milano Family Winery

glass of red wine - Pixabay

Milano Family Winery specializes in some of the more unknown varietals such as Carignane, Charbono and Valdiguie as well as the more known Zinfandel, Cabernet, and Merlot. Housed in an former hop kiln this quaint tasting room is just off highway 101 just south of Hopland. I was quite impressed with the tasting room staff and the genuine feeling that you get when you first enter the room. The wine itself isn't earth shattering, but it's decent quality enough to keep most visitors interested.

Forsight Wines

glass of wine - Pixabay

Foursight Wines is located on a beautiful piece of land and it is one of those wineries that just transform you to another place. Plus the staff is incredible there. Family run and friendly dogs. Fine Pinot, yummy DRY gewurz and a wide range of wines to sample. The pours are generous, repeated and free. Hard to find at retail level, this is a must stop in the Anderson Valley.

Greenwood Ridge Vineyards

cluster of grapes - Pixabay

The Greenwood winery tasting room is definitely a head turner. This is one of those drink wineries that are beautifully crafted building designed by the owner/winemakers' father. The setting is so gorgeous, you'll wish they had lodging accommodations, Wow! and you haven't even stepped a foot inside. The tasting here is free though small. We tried about 5 wines (2 desserts) and ended up buying two bottles: a sauvignon blanc and merlot (double gold winner). Their bottles are beautifully designed with dragons as well as their wine glasses.


 

Navarro Vineyards & Winery

glass of red wine being poured - Pixabay

We arrived on a sunny May day and it was easily over 90 degrees. We stopped by Navarro and I have to say - the grounds were gorgeous! There was a bench with a picnic table for those who wanted to lunch and wine. It overlooked gorgeous green lushy grass on a hill. The tasting room was very cozy and small but definitely very welcoming. Our pourer was friendly and gave us a great restaurant recommendation.

Weibel Family Vineyards

grape cluster

Winery purchased by Rack & Riddle -

Famous over the years for Weibel Green Hungarian, now known as GH, and their line of California champagnes and naturally flavored sparkling wines, Weibel Family Wines also include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah from their Estate Vineyard in Mendocino County, California.

Brutocao Cellars & Vineyard

Swirling wine in the glass - Pixabay - Saman Teher

Family Vineyard Heritage is a tale of two families who combined their passion and expertise to establish one of Mendocino County’s most notable wineries. In 1910, the Brutocao family brought with them a love for wine when they emigrated from Treviso, Italy (a small town near Venice). Len Brutocao met Martha Bliss while attending the University of California, Berkeley. Martha’s father, Irv, had been farming in Mendocino since 1943. After Len and Martha married, the families joined forces and continued to sell their grapes to well-known Sonoma and Napa wineries for many years before starting to make their own wine in 1980. They selected the Lion of St. Mark as their symbol of family tradition and quality. The heart of that quality is in their land: over 400 acres of vineyards in Hopland and 12.5 acres of Pinot Noir in  Anderson Valley.

Tasting: 10am – 5pm
Open: Wednesday-Sunday
Reservations appreciated but not necessary.

Jeriko Estate

wine barrel and glass of wine - Pixabay

The grounds are gorgeous, as is the tasting room. Very elegant and spacious. Our wine Diva was Linda, who was one of the most informative and fun wine pros we had met. She schooled us in such a fun and creative way we almost didn't want to leave!

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