Drew Wines
Drew remains committed to small lot Pinot Noir and Syrah on California's northern far coastal edge. Including Mendocino Ridge, Anderson Valley and the Yorkville Highlands. OPEN Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat , Sun and Monday from 11 to 5pm.
Wineries
Wineries
Ducan Peak Vineyards
Since 1982, Duncan Peak Vineyards has specialized in growing Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah grapes and producing excellent Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah wines in this estate grown and produced wine property known as Duncan Ranch, at the base of Duncan Peak on the edge of the Sanel Valley near Hopland, California. The grapes are grown with as many sustainable and organic farming techniques as possible.
Eagle Point Ranch Winery
Eagle Point's website seemed to be under construction at the time of this entry. We will update as soon as possible.
This small family owned winery is run by a husband and wife: Molly and Jason. It's so personal, in fact, when we arrived at their tasting room it was Molly herself that hosted us. She was very nice, but I wish she had voluntarily shared more information about the wine. It's always interesting to hear how people differentiate their wine; perhaps, she was shy. She was very attentive, however, and answered any questions we had including those involving the bizarre titles on their wine list. For example, their Pinot Noir was a " fog eater" while their Syrah came from a "Broken Leg Vineyard".
Back in the late '70s and early '80s, Eaglepoint included blocks of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, but the vineyard is now home exclusively to red-grape varieties. Continued grafting and more recent plantings have concentrated on the Rhone varieties, including Syrah and Grenache, as well as their Rhone cousin Petite Sirah. Other varieties planted on the ranch include Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.
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.
Elizabeth Vineyards
Tastings may be appointment only [not sure if they even do that] and it may only be possible to taste during one of the Redwood Valley events so call them before trying to go by. If you are going to be in the area you might want to see if you can do a tasting and/or try their wines if you see them at a tasting
Enotria
THE GRAZIANO FAMILY OF WINES HOPLAND TASTING ROOM. The tasting room is much smaller and more intimate than most found in the more commercial areas of California’s wine country, but in it are served as many as thirty premium wines under four distinct labels: Saint Gregory for Pinots, Monte Volpe for central and southern Italy and the Friuli region in the northeast, Enotria, specializing in the heritage of the Piedmont region of northwest Italy, and Graziano, which produces the heritage grapes of Mendocino, many of which are from head-pruned, Old Vine vineyards. All wines here are always open for sampling and there is never a tasting fee. In addition to an amazing array of hand-crafted artisan white, rose and red wines
Esterlina Vineyards & Winery
Esterlina Vineyards is a family-owned, California boutique winery located near the Mendocino coast, nestled in the highlands above Philo. Esterlina is totally off the beaten path, and we must of driven up and down HWY 128 at least 3 times before we found the right street to turn off. But when we made the windy drive up the hill, it was all worth it. What a spectacular view of the valley from up there! This winery was a sweet recommendation from a friend. I suggest making reservations before you come, especially since it is off the main highway and a bit hidden to find. This place is dog friendly, with outdoor seating and a beautiful view of the valley. It's casual, welcoming, and the best part, not stuffy!
Fetzer Vineyards
Fetzer Vineyards was founded in 1968 in beautiful Mendocino County by Barney and Kathleen Fetzer. One of the first California wineries to branch out into serious Chardonnay production, Fetzer remains committed to sustainability and environmentally conscious wine production. Dennis Martin oversees all wine-making at Fetzer and is assisted by Charlie Gilmore and Michael Chupp, who are in charge of white wine making and red wine making respectively.
Forsight Wines
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.
Fort Ross Vineyard & Winery
Fort Ross Vineyard & Winery is one of the closest, if not the closest winery to the ocean in all of California. From the vineyard you can see the breaking surf and the misty silhouettes of Bodega Head and Pt. Reyes far below. The vineyard’s high elevation above the coastal fog and its proximity to the ocean provide a gentle, sunny and temperate climate that has proved to be very favorable for the slow and even ripening of Burgundian varietals.