Mendocino

Mendocino

Edmeads Winery

The first row of vines were barely in the ground when the neighbors began lining up to lean on their shovels and scoff.

Grapes in Anderson Valley? Nobody could make it work, they insisted. The naysayers grew so vocal that Dr. Donald Edmeades dragged some old redwood planks out from behind the barn, found some red paint, and christened his vineyard with a sign out on Highway 128: "Edmeades' Folly." "When we first planted up there, people said we were nuts," said Deron Edmeades, son of the Pasadena cardiologist who founded the winery and vineyards. Nearly four decades later, nobody is laughing at Anderson Valley wines.

Husch Vineyards

Husch Vineyards is a small, family owned and operated winery. It is the oldest winery in the Anderson Valley appellation, located in Mendocino County (Northern California) just 2 1/2 hours north of San Francisco. The tasting room is in a hobbit cottage straight out of the Shire. Worth stopping just to see it.

People were friendly. The wines were very earthy and herby, almost gamey. Definitely distinctive.

The tasting is free, which is rare even in Anderson Valley, so you have nothing to lose but a little bit of time and room in your stomach for something else.

Londer Vineyards

Larry and Shirlee are the owners and founders of Londer Vineyards. They began their quest for vineyard property in 1997, settling in Anderson Valley in 2000 on a 53-acre rural estate about five miles north of Philo. They were embraced by the wine business farming culture in the small isolated valley and quickly became involved in all aspects of the winegrowing community.

Weibel Family Vineyards

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.

McDowell Valley Vineyards & Cellars

Nestled in the Mayacamas Mountains of southeastern Mendocino County, McDowell Valley Vineyards was established in 1970. This vineyard has one of the longest records of continuous wine grape production in California. Syrah and Grenache have been planted on this soil for almost a century, when the Buckman Family made a perfect match in planting Syrah and Grenache vines in the McDowell Valley. It is because of this rich history and distinct growing conditions that in 1982 McDowell Valley obtained one of the earliest BATF viticultural appellations. Today, of the 330 acres of grapes planted in the 500 acre valley, nearly a third are dedicated to Rhône varietals such as Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier.

Roederer Estate

Nestled into Mendocino's rolling hills and surrounded by vineyards, Roederer Estate is barely visible from the roadway. The rustic exterior may not be what one expects from the venerable House that created Cristal. Although the company could easily have built an elaborate showplace, Roederer opted instead to emphasize the natural beauty and relaxed charm of the Anderson Valley.

Inside the tasting room, visitors can sample the Roederer Estate sparkling wine, including the Magnum - there IS a difference!

Navarro Vineyards & Winery

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.

Patianna Organic Vineyards

Patianna Organic Vineyards includes 126 acres tucked alongside the Russian River in the Sanel Valley, Mendocino County. Patti Fetzer became the landowner in 1998. Patianna’s well-drained, gravelly soil is ideal for growing Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The primary characteristics of the fruit are purity and varietal character. Patianna Organic Vineyards preserves the clean, crisp flavors and produce wines with depth and solid structure.

Maple Creek Winery

Maple Creek Winery, Ranch and Vineyards is the dream of Vintner's Tom Rodrigues and Linda Stutz. Tom and Linda work to combine their passions of Art and Wine. Maple Creek Ranch boasts 180 acres, 7 springs, natural gardens and fruit orchards. We have edible mushrooms and wild boar and wildlife and an abundance of fresh food and water on this land. Creek Winery is "off the beaten path" situated 1/2 mile up a paved road. It is a beautiful drive past the vineyards and into the hills of Southern Mendocino. The tasting room is open daily from 10:30-5, although during the winter, the hours may be shortened. It is possible that if you arrive in the winter months, you may see a "honk for wine" sign. If that's the case, Tom or Linda will arrive shortly to open for your private tasting.

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