Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and head north. You remain in Mendocino County, America’s Greenest Red wine Region, 90 minutes later on.
A trip of Mendocino County’s green and organic wineries and vineyards is an unplug, loosen up trip. The laid-back area runs on Mendo Time– a slower speed. Its natural charm is world-renowned. Environments range from Mediterranean coasts to hot interior valleys. Towns are little, individuals are inviting, businesses are locally owned. There are more pickups than Porsches. Denims, fleece, and flannel never ever head out of design.
Green Everywhere You Go
Thirteen AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) have been acknowledged within Mendocino County. Occupying valleys, hillsides, and ridges, some are protected by redwoods; others overlook the Pacific. Over 4,000 vineyard acres are CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers). Mendocino County is the world leader in organically grown grapes.
The county is house to Frey, the very first U.S. natural and biodynamic vineyards and winery; Bonterra, one of the largest U.S. organic wine producers; and Parducci, the very first US Carbon Neutral Winery. The list of organic vineyards and wineries, big and little, is long and reputable in Mendocino County.
Trip Through The Vineyards
Follow my curated journey through Mendocino red wine nation and stop at some of America’s greenest wineries and vineyards. The trip is a loop that begins on Hwy 101, simply north of Hopland. From there, we’ll head north to Redwood Valley and cross the Coastal Mountains through conifer forests to the Mendocino Coast to check out one of California’s many beautiful shorelines. From there, we’ll reverse east through a redwood forest that opens into Anderson Valley, where natural is the only appropriate method to grow. The trip ends at HWY 101 near your start.
1. Hopland
One mile north of Hopland, within sight of Hwy 101, go through stone and iron gates to Jeriko Estates. You’ll quickly imagine yourself in Italy. Jeriko’s first Mediterranean-style estate-house was built in 1898 by a San Francisco judge. Surrounding the estate are gardens landscaped to highlight vineyards and mountain vistas.
Today the estate house is bounded by 200 acres of biodynamically farmed vineyards and forests. Jeriko Estate is accredited biodynamic by Demeter and is CCOF Licensed Organic.
A study of the vineyards includes pinot noir, chardonnay, and Sangiovese. The show-stopping white wine bar and tasting space hours vary seasonally. Examine the website for present times. In addition, Jeriko participates in local red wine and food events and hosts its own food and wine lovers’ happenings.
Nelson Family Vineyard in fall (Photo Credit: Mary Charlebois)
2. Ukiah– South
Six miles north of Jeriko Estate, turn west into strawberry fields. Soon, you’re surrounded by vineyards and the Nelson Family Ranch.
The Nelsons have actually owned and worked the land for over 60 years. Today natural and Fish Friendly Farming practices are used for sustainable vineyards, Bartlett pears, olives, and live Christmas tree farming.
Nelson Family Vineyards grow and produce cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, orange muscat, pinot grigio, pinot noir, riesling, viognier, and zinfandel.
Taste Nelson Family white wines daily from 10 till 5. Call ahead to establish a trip of the winery and vineyards.
3. Ukiah– North
Found north of Ukiah, Parducci belongs to Mendocino Red wine Business, the manufacturer of Parducci and six other distinctive, sustainable brands. The tasting room provides outdoor seating among olive trees. If you choose, fireside seating is offered indoors. Stop by or make an appointment. Tasting hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 to 5.
Frey Winery (Photo Credit: Mary Charlebois)
4. Redwood Valley
“Our first grapes were organic by overlook,” admits Katrina Frey (noticable fry), Executive Director of Frey Winery. Twenty-two miles north of Nelson in Redwood Valley, Frey is a family-owned and ran farm, vineyard, and winery.
3 generations of the Frey family are stewards of the land, utilizing biodynamic concepts that cultivate eco-friendly self-sufficiency. The vegetable, fruit, and bee gardens play a part in each glass. They raise cows, goats, sheep, and chickens that contribute to every drop. The farm isn’t divided into separate systems. Still, it is a constant circle of all plant and animal life in balance and respect with soil, water, and air.
Frey Vineyards Winery produces Merlot, pinot noir, sangiovese, pinot grigio, petite syrah, cabernet sauvignon, white zinfandel, charbono, syrah, and zinfandel. All Frey wines are CCOF licensed organic, Demeter licensed biodynamic, vegan, and gluten-free. Examine the site for seasonal hours of operation and unique occasions.
5. Mendocino Coast
Invest a day or two on the coast before continuing on with your tour. A bit remote and a whole lot lovely, the Mendocino Coast is where folks pertain to unplug, unwind, and immerse in nature. You’ll discover a lot of opportunities to appreciate Mendocino County’s organic wines, fruit, veg, and meat. Hook-to-mouth seafood is served everywhere and sold in Noyo Harbor markets and restaurants.
The Skunk Train (Image Credit: Mary Charlebois)
Play On The Coast
Nature strolls and walkings are among the very best ways to unplug and relax. Tracks and trails on the Mendocino Coast will take you to the coast where you’ll discover windswept cliffs, caves, and secret beaches. Walk through a fern canyon and forest bathe amongst the redwoods. Walk along Big River or 10-Mile River. Now protected and brought back, both rivers were when magnificent logging highways.
Whale enjoying deck at Brewery Gulch Inn (Picture Credit: Kevin Scanlon)
Mendocino Coast Lodging And White Wine
The Brewery Gulch Inn is an outstanding choice for red wine enthusiasts. The multi-award-winning facility offers regional wine tasting each night for guests. In addition, you can acquire your favorite to drink at sunset. The inn serves breakfast and a light supper made from components sourced in the county. In addition, BGI has actually set up unique tastings and discount rates for visitors at Anderson Valley wineries.
Are you a camper? Camping on the Mendocino Coast comes in all sizes and shapes. You can camp on the beach or in a redwood forest. If you aren’t into tents, some campgrounds have cabins. There’s even a glamping spot with forest and ocean views.
Mendocino Coast Food And Red Wine
Little River Inn has indoor and outdoor dining. The wine list will present you to local white wine, beer, and difficult cider. The menu is a cornucopia of local fish, meat, and produce.
Noyo River Grill in Noyo Harbor has a deck ignoring the river and the Pacific. They serve regional white wine and beer you can pair with fresh seafood. Do not miss the housemade fettucini; it is divine.
Harvest Market (Fort Bragg and Mendocino) is the best location to stock up on local wine, beer, and picnic supplies. They provide a wide selection of food and adult beverages in a locally owned market.
Ranch home, water tower, and vineyards at Handley Cellars (Image Credit: Mary Charlebois)
6. Philo– North
Head South on CA HWY 1 up until you sign up with HWY 128. North of Philo, 59 acres of Anderson Valley is home to Handley Cellars vineyards, winery, and tasting room. A brought back cattle ranch house, barn, and water tower from the old Holmes Ranch are a historical background to the vineyards.
Producing 12,000 cases each year, Handley was bonded in 1982. They grow pinot noir, chardonnay, and gewürztraminer in among California’s chilliest grape-growing regions.
CCOF certified in 2005, Handley works day-to-day to decrease its environmental effect. Providing a safe and healthy office for workers and the neighborhood is a top priority. The winery and tasting room harvest 75 percent of their electricity from solar.
Vine-covered yard and sculpture gardens are used for a picnic or glass of white wine. A complimentary EV charging station is offered. The art-filled tasting room is open daily from 10 till 5. Winery trips can be arranged in advance of your see.
Domaine Anderson Winery and Tasting Space (Image Credit: Mary Charlebois)
7. Philo– South
At Domaine Anderson, organic and biodynamic chardonnay and pinot noir grapes are matched by vegetable and bee gardens. Fifty acres are family-owned and managed.
All grapes are picked and sorted by hand in little lots. Fermenting and aging happen in the winery at the vineyards.
The winery and tasting room are magnificently created to fit the landscape. Lots of recovered materials have actually developed a casual elegance and comfort so true to easy-going Anderson Valley.
Relax and picnic in the sun or under the shady pergola. The tasting space is open Thursday to Monday from 11 till 5.
8. Philo Ridge
Philo Ridge Vineyards are found off the grid. Over 5 miles up a dirt road, Philo Ridge is powered 100 percent by wind and solar. But don’t fret, the tasting space remains in Boonville on the primary street.
Bonded in 2001, Philo’s first vintage was 2004. All Philo Ridge white wines are 100 percent vegan. They produce 2,500 cases per year. The vineyards consist of cabernet sauvignon, red wine, pinot noir, and pinot gris. The Boonville tasting room is open from Thursday to Monday, 11 to 5.
More On Mendocino White wine: What Is Organic Wine?
Organic foods (including wine and white wine grapes) are produced using requirements set by the USDA National Organic Program. No damaging or harmful pesticides, sewage sludge, petroleum-based synthetic fertilizers, genetically customized organisms (GMOs), bioengineering, or ionizing radiation are utilized on these products at any time.
What Is Biodynamic Wine?
Biodynamic farming is a holistic, eco-friendly, and ethical technique to farming, gardening, food, and nutrition. Biodynamic farming creates a balanced and diversified farm community with 3 sustainability techniques: environmental, social, and financial. Demeter Association is a leader in biodynamic farming education and certification. Its mission is “to enable individuals to farm successfully, in accordance with Biodynamic practices and principles.”
More On Your Mendocino Coast Holiday: When You Go
A lorry and GPS are best for this trip. The closest worldwide airports are San Francisco (SFO), Oakland (OAK), and Sacramento (SMF). Consider the Santa Rosa local, Charles M. Shultz, Sonoma County Airport (STS). It’s closer to Mendocino County. It is little and simple to steer however has connections to many significant cities on several major airlines.
Pro Idea: Dress in layers when you make the Mendocino County white wine country trip. It can be 90+ inland in summertime and in the 60s on the coast.
Going to all the green vineyards and wineries in Mendocino County is a wonderful however prolonged mission. A vacation of exploring will get you started. Some green wineries and vineyards are remote and need 4-wheel drive and a visit, but many are just off a primary road. The locations I’m recommending are easy to discover and can be accessed by the typical guest automobile.
Explore Mendocino County, America’s Greenest Wine Region. Folks here are welcoming and grateful to share their story and their white wine. Learn more at Go To Mendocino County.
Source: https://www.travelawaits.com/2734416/mendocino-county-california-wine-region/