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Explore Chardonnay in Mendocino County |
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The Mendocino County AVA starts some 100 miles north of San Francisco. This is perfect CaliforniaWineOnline.com territory since it is largely unexplored by many wine lovers. Mendocino is an absolutely spectacular region with the Pacific Ocean crashing against high bluffs in the west, redwood forests, vineyards adorning mountain ridges and fog shrouded valleys. Mendocino County AVA has the privilege to have some of the most unique sub-AVAs in all of North America from the "Islands in the Sky" of the Mendocino Ridge AVA to the smallest of all AVAs, the six acre Dos Rios AVA. Mendocino County is highly diverse with coastal influences, mountaintops, river valleys, and inland regions that have either Mediterranean like climates or like Northern Europe. Mendocino has the distinction of being the leader of certified organically grown grapes world wide.
There are various routes north from San Francisco, most notably Highways 1 and 101. Highway 1 is the famous coastal highway which winds along spectacular ocean bluffs. This is not the quick route but it is the WOW! route. Pack your motion sickness pills. Highway 101, beautiful in its own right, becomes zippy once passed Santa Rosa. This is the road to take if you have time constraints.
A few keystrokes is another way to explore Mendocino County - from the comfort of your chair. Look through this site for all it has to offer.
How Great Chardonnay is Created - Terroir
Much of the Mendocino County AVA is mountainous with several distinctive valleys. This is a fascinating region for terroir because of its great diversity. Check out the County's sub AVAs:
Chardonnay is not produced in the Mendocino Ridge AVA.
The Mendocino AVA is generally too warm for Chardonnay.
The Navarro River flows through the Anderson Valley AVA is a direct connection to the ocean and it brings cool air to this AVA. It brings cool air to this AVA, perfect for cool climate loving Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The region is noted for its sparkling wines made from those grapes.
The Redwood Valley AVA has alluvial soils and the climate tends to be perfectly moderate. Chardonnay is not grown in Redwood Valley.
The Potter Valley AVA is east of and right next door to Redwood Valley. It enjoys a climate typical to northern Europe with moderate summer days and cool nights. The growers there favor Riesling.
The McDowell Valley AVA is located in the very southern portion of Mendocino County. It has a mix of alluvial soils and the summers are dry and warm. Rhone Varietals are the primary grapes grown in the region.
The Yorkville Highlands AVA has a moderate climate which accommodates the success of many varietals. The soil is well drained gravel which is distinctive from most of the alluvial soils in the region.
One quarter square mile Cole Ranch AVA specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon.
Chardonnay and Food Pairings
Foods that are enhanced by Chardonnay are: fish, grilled salmon, roasted chicken with rosemary, pork tenderloin, curried sauces, foods with white sauces and salads.
Create Your Own Tour
Explore one region or sample the highlights of several. Find links in the navigation bar to the left to move back and forth between the different Mendocino County AVA regions where Chardonnay is grown or visit different varietals. Stay tuned as, over time, we will provide more information for you to fine tune your exploration.
Click on the Mendocino County sub-AVA links in the navigation bar on the left to go down the page to explore the AVAs listed in the table below. The Navigation bar provides links to vineyard and winery associations and Chambers of Commerce. These will direct you to information about area restaurants, lodging and local highlights.
California American Viticultural Areas (AVAs)
American Viticultural Areas are unique, legally designated grape growing areas that are defined by the ATF. These regions are most often defined by their topography, soil types, climate and sometimes are defined by their historical relevance. Below are the AVAs for Mendocino County.
| Mendocino Ridge | Mendocino |
| Anderson Valley | Redwood Valley |
| Potter Valley | Cole Ranch |
| McDowell Valley | Yorkville Highlands |
| Dos Rios |
Source vs Out Source
Traditionally, most of Mendocino County's grapes were sent to other regions throughout the state, called out sourcing. In recent years, more and more vineyards in the County are using their grapes to produce wines for their own labels. In some of the tables below we have listed the wineries from other California AVA's that produce wines from 100% of the grapes originating from Mendocino single vineyard sources.
Interpreting the Codes
In the AVA winery tables below you will find codes at the end of many of the winery listings. These will provide information about the source of the grapes used in their wines. The interpretation of these codes are as follows:
Wineries that offer wines from which the majority of their grapes come from a specific AVA outside of that region will list that AVA name on the wine bottle label. We indicate this by: OS=Out Sourced. We will often include a code for the specific AVA: MR=Mendocino Ridge, etc. Single Vineyard wines are sometimes but not always the same thing as estate wines. Often wineries will make wines from 100% of the grapes from another vineyard and this is indicated by SV=Single Vineyard. Technically, the ES designation means the wine is produced at that winery from 100% of their own grapes. RE=Reserve Wine and this indicates a special edition produced by the winery. The letters above can be combined in different ways, for example SV+OS=Single Vineyard+Out Sourced from another region. OV=Old Vine.
| ES=Estate | SV=Single Vineyard | OS=Out Sourced | SV+OS=Single Vineyard+Out Sourced | OV=Old Vine | RE=Reserve |
| MR = Mendocino Ridge | M = Mendocino | AV = Anderson Valley | RV = Redwood Valley | PV = Potter Valley |
| CR = Cole Ranch | McDV = McDowell Valley | YH = Yorkville Highlands | DR = Dos Rios | MC = Mendocino County |
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The lists below show only those wineries that produce or offer Chardonnay. Click on the Cabernet Sauvignon logo to go to the Mendocino County AVA Cabernet Sauvignon page to see the complete list of wineries in the region.
***A functioning website is the criteria for winery/vineyard inclusion in the lists below.***
Mendocino Ridge AVA is unique among viticultural areas. This AVA is contained within the Mendocino County and it overlaps some with Anderson Valley. Only those vineyards at an elevation of 1,200 feet in this mountainous region qualify for the AVA designation. This region has relative closeness to the cool Pacific Ocean and the fog that rolls through the valleys at night. The 1,200 foot elevation puts Mendocino Ridge vineyards well above the valley fog line. Two hundred fifty thousand acres surround these privileged vineyards but only seventy five of those are at or above 1,200 feet. This creates a unique, noncontiguous region that is popularly known as Islands in the Sky.
No Chardonnay is produced in Mendocino Ridge.
The Mendocino AVA is located far inland, roughly two hours north of San Francisco (via Highway 101) at elevations between 500 to 3000 feet. This is a mountainous region bisected by the Russian River which creates distinctive microclimates. The soils of the higher elevations are composed of sandstone lifted from the ocean floor and igneous rock created by tectonic activity. The valleys are composed of alluvial soils laid down by the Russian River and its tributaries as well as soil washed down from higher elevations.
Mendocino AVA is a relatively warm region. However, Chardonnay has proven to be a versatile grape and it has a fairly good showing there. Green apple, pear and citrus are the predominant Chardonnay characteristics.
| Bonterra Vineyards | 2231 McNab Ranch Road, Ukiah CA 95482; Phone: 800.846.8637 x 457; email: fetzertasting room @b-f.com; website: www.bonterra.com, OS, ORG, |
| Brutocao Cellars | P.O. Box 780, Hopland CA 95449; Phone:: 707.744.1066; Fax: 707.744.1046; email: info@brutocaocellars.com, website: www.brutocaocellars.com. See website for tasting rooms, times and phone #'s. ES , OS |
| Fetzer Vineyards | P.O. Box 611, Hopland CA 95449; Phone: 707.744.7600; Fax: 707.744.7605; website: www.fetzer.com. |
| Jepson Vineyards | 10400 S Hwy 101, Ukiah CA 95482-9613; Phone: 707.468.8936; Fax: 707.468.0362; email: mboeckx@jepsonwine.com; website: www.jepsonwine.com. ES |
| McNab Ridge Winery | 2350 McNab Ranch Road, Ukiah CA 95482; Phone: 707.462.2423; Fax: 707.462.6200; website: www.mcnabridge.com. OS |
| Pacific Star Winery | 33000 N Highway 1, Fort Bragg CA 95437; Phone: 707.964.1155; Fax: 707.964.1105; email: diane@pacificstarwinery.com; website: www.pacificstarwinery.com. Open daily 11-5. OS |
Anderson Valley is formed by the Navarro River as it cuts its way through the coastal ranges to the ocean - a major influence on the climate of the region. The days are warm and sunny offset by nighttime and morning fog that rolls up the river. Pinot Noir is king in Anderson Valley followed by Chardonnay and several German varietals. This is one of California's premium sparkling wine regions.
Anderson Valley Chardonnay has distinctive ripe pear and baked apple characteristics.
| Breggo Cellars | 11001 Highway 128 (PO Box 601), Philo CA 95466; Phone: 707.895.9589; email: doug@breggo.com; website: www.breggo.com. Open daily 10-6. SV + OS |
| Elke Vineyards | 2210 Third Avenue (PO Box 6237); Napa CA 94558; Phone: 707.246.7045; Fax: 707.254.8751; email: info@elkevineyards.com; website: www.elkevineyards.com. OS |
| Handley Cellars | 3151 Highway 128, Philo CA 95466; Phone: 707.895.3876, 800.733.3151; email: info@handleycellars.com; website: www.handleycellars.com. Open daily, May-Oct 10-6, Nov-April 10-5, tours by appointment. ES, ES+OS |
| Husch Vineyards | 4400 Highway 128, Philo CA 95466; Phone: 800.55.HUSCH; website: http://huschvineyards.com. Open daily 10-5 winter, 10-6 summer. SV+OS |
| Londer Vineyards & Winery | 4830 Monte Bloyd Road (PO Box 14), Philo CA 95466; Phone: 707.895.9016; email: info@londervineyards.com; website: www.londervineyards.com. OS |
| Navarro Vineyards | 5601 Highway 128, Philo CA 95466; Phone: 800.537.9463; 707.895.3686; Fax: 707.895.3647; website: www.navarrowine.com. SV |
| Philo Ridge Vineyards | 27700 Nash Mill Road (PO Box 585), Philo CA 95466; Phone: 707.489.2303; Fax: 866.800.5122; email: hamckelvey@philoridge.com; website: www.philoridge.com. OS |
Redwood Valley is located north of Lake Mendocino and follows the Russian River for 12 miles at an elevation of 750 to 1,500 feet above sea level. This contributes to a slightly cooler climate overall. It shares a border with Potter Valley AVA. Despite the relative coolness of the region, microclimates allow for a wide selection of varietals to thrive. Among those are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Merlot, Pinot Noir, a number of Italian varietals and more. The predominantly red, iron rich soils of the Redwood Valley yield rich, full bodied wines.
The Redwood Valley AVA Chardonnay has flavors and aromas of pineapple, pear and citrus.
| Frey Vineyards | 14000 Tomki Road, Redwood Valley, CA 95470; Phone: 707.485.5177; 800.760.3739; Fax: 707.485.7875; email: info@freywine.com; website: www.freywine.com. Tastings by appointment only. OS |
| Girasole Vineyards | PO Box 196; Redwood Valley CA 95470; Phone: 707.485.8771; Fax: 707.485.0147; email: info@GirasoleVineyards.com; website: www.girasolevineyards.com. ES+ORG |
| Lolonis Winery | 1905 Road D, Redwood Valley CA 95470; Phone: 707.485.7544, 925.938.8066; Fax: 925.938.8069; website: www.lolonis.com. OS |
| Silversmith Vineyards | 3700 A Road J, Redwood Valley CA 95470; Phone: 707.485.1196; Fax: 707.462.4942; email: info@silversmithvineyards.com; website: www.silversmithvineyards.com. Open Sat&Sun 11-5 or by appointment. Tours by appointment. OS |
The Potter Valley AVA is the next door neighbor, east of Redwood Valley AVA. There are around 1,000 acres of vines in the region but those grapes are out sourced to wineries throughout California. We have decided that we will track down and list wineries that offer 100% Potter Valley Wine so this will be an ever expanding table. Stay tuned. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel are among the grape varietals grown in Potter Valley.
No Chardonnay is offered in the region.
Cole Ranch is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Riesling. The AVA's soils are predominantly clay, loam and silt. Cole Ranch's Chardonnay grapes are out sourced to the following wineries:
| Esterlina Vineyards | 1200 Holmes Ranch Road( PO Box 2), Philo CA 95466; Phone: 707.895.2920; email: info@EsterlinaVineyards.com; website: www.esterlinavineyards.com. Open by appointment. |
| Handley Cellars | 3151 Highway 128 (PO Box 66), Philo CA 95466; Phone: 707.895.3876, 800.733.3151; Fax: 707.895.2603; email: info@handleycellars.com; website: www.handleycellars.com. Open daily, May-Oct 10-6, Nov-April 10-5. |
| Kalin Cellars | 61 Galli Drive, Suites F & G, Novato CA 94949; Phone: 415.883.3543; Fax: 925.283.2909; website: www.kalincellars.com |
| Sunset Cellars | 123 4th Avenue, San Francisco CA 94122; Phone: 415.566.2910, 510.521.9490; Fax: 415.566.8782; email: sales@sunsetcellars.com; website: www.sunsetcellars.com |
McDowell Valley is about three and a half miles long and about one mile wide. It sits at 1000 feet in the Mayacamas Mountains and McDowell Creek drains into the Russian River in the west. This is a 330 acre single vineyard AVA. The soils are a mix of alluvium, gravel and clay. Summers, here in the southeastern portion of Mendocino County, are dry and warm with plenty of sun making this a prime region for Zinfandel and Rhone Varietals. Chardonnay is not produced in McDowell Valley.
Yorkville Highlands, in the south central portion of Mendocino County is favored with moderate temperatures and a long growing season. The elevation is above 800 feet to about 1,950 feet. Highway 128 divides the area that is marked by benches and troughs. Thin gravelly well drained soils are typical to the region.
| Le Vin Vineyards and Winery | 33151 Highway 128, Yorkville CA 95494; Phone: 707.894.2304; Fax: 707.894.1080; email: hrh@sonic.net; website: www.levinvineyards.com. OS |
| Maple Creek Winery | 20799 Highway 128, Yorkville CA 95494; Phone: 707.895.3001; Fax: 707.89.3437; email: linda@maplecreekwine.com; website: www.maplecreekwine.com. Open daily 10:30-5. RE, SV |
Dos Rios, another tiny (all of six acres!), single vineyard AVA in in northern Mendocino County overlooks the middle fork of the Eel River. This is a brand new viticultural region and was approved in November of 2005.
| Vin de Tevis | 51161 Covelo Road, Dos Rios, CA 95429; Phone: 707.983.8433; Fax: 707.983.8489; email: wine@vindetevis.com; website: www.vindetevis.com. Wine tasting and tours by appointment only. |
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Explore Chardonnay in The Mendocino County AVA. Click on the links below to learn more about
Chardonnay in those AVAs. |