|
|---|
Explore Pinot Noir in Mendocino County |
|
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 Pinot Noir 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:
The Mendocino Ridge AVA has a long, sunny growing season which contributes to wines of intriguing intensity. Zinfandel is the primary grape of the region however, there is some Pinot Noir is grown and it has complex, exotic spices and black cherry flavors.
The Russian River flows through the Mendocino AVA and contributes to the rich alluvial soils found there. The climate is warm and Pinot Noir is not grown in the region.
The Navarro River flowing through the Anderson Valley AVA to the ocean brings ocean air creating a microclimate region perfect for cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The region is noted for its sparkling wines made from those grapes. The Pinot Noir has complex fruit flavors and plenty of spice.
The Redwood Valley AVA has iron red alluvial soils and the climate tends to be perfectly moderate. A wide range of grape types are grown successfully in the Redwood Valley including Pinot Noir which has spicy black fruit characteristics.
The Potter Valley AVA, right next door to and east of Redwood Valley, enjoys a climate typical to northern Europe. The summer days are moderate and the nights are cool which favor Riesling. No Pinot Noir is grown in Potter Valley.
The one quarter square mile Cole Ranch AVA does not produce Pinot Noir.
The McDowell Valley AVA, in the very southern portion of Mendocino County has a mix of alluvial soils. It is dry and warm in the summer. No Pinot Noir is grown.
The Yorkville Highlands AVA has unique, gravelly, well drained soils and a long growing season. The Pinot Noir has black cherry and anise flavors with raspberry and violets aromas.
The tiny little 6 acre Dos Rios AVA is the newest viticultural area in Mendocino County.
Pinot Noir and Food Pairings
Hearty stews and grilled meats are complimented by Cabernet Sauvignon.
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 Pinot Noir 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 TTF (Trade, Tobacco and Firearms). These regions are most often defined by their topography, soil types, climate and sometimes historical relevance. Below are the AVAs for Mendocino County.
| Mendocino | Mendocino Ridge |
| 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 the 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 |
|
The lists below show only those wineries that produce or offer Pinot Noir. Click on the Cabernet Sauvignon logo above to go to the Mendocino County 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 but 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."
The Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir has complex spices of cardamom, cloves, ginger and black cherry fruit flavors. .
| Drew Wines | PO Box 313, Elk CA 95432; Phone: 707.877.1771; Fax: 707.877.1772; email: info@DrewWines.com; website: www.drewines.com. OS |
| Greenwood Ridge Vineyards | 5501 Highway 128, Philo CA 95466; Phone: 707.895.2002; Fax: 707.l895.2001; email: everybody@greenwoodridge.com; website: www.greenwoodridge.com. ES |
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 higher elevations are composed of sandstone lifted from the ocean floor and igneous rock. 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.
Pinot Noir is not grown in the Mendocino AVA.
| 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 |
| Parducci Wine Cellars | (Ukiah Winery) 501 Parducci Road, Ukiah CA 95482; Phone: 707.463.5350, 888.362.9463 (WINE); Fax: 707.462.7260; email: tastingroom@parducci.com; website: www.mendocinowineco.com. Mendocino Tasting Room: 45070 Main Street, Mendocino CA 95460; Phone: 800.860.3347; Fax: 707.937.6193; email: tastingroom@mendocinowineco.com. 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 Pinot Noir is balanced with black cherry, red fruit and plenty of spice character.
| Black Kite Cellars | 2767 Clay Street, San Francisco CA 94115; Phone: 415.923.0277; Fax: 415.923.0346; email: info@blackkitecellars.com; website: www.blackkitecellars.com |
| 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, OS |
| Brutocao Cellars | 7000 Highway 128, Philo CA 95466; Phone: 707.895.2152; 800.433.3689; email: info@brutocaocellars.com; website: www.brutocaocellars.com. Anderson Valley Tasting Room, 7000 Highway 128 Philo CA 95466; 800.661.2103. |
| Claudia Springs Winery | 2160 Guntly Road, Philo CA 95466; Phone: 707.895.3926, toll free in CA only: 800.734.2160; email: info@claudiasprings.com; website: www.claudiasprings.com. Tasting room 1810 Hwy 128, Navarro CA; 707.895.3993. Open daily 11-5 summer, 12-5 winter. ES |
| 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. ES |
| Esterlina Vineyards | 1200 Holmes Ranch Road (PO Box 2) Philo CA 95466; Phone: 707.895.2920; email: info@EsterlinaVineyards.com; website: www.esterlinavineyards.com. SV, OS |
| Goldeneye Winery | 9200 Highway 128; Philo CA 95466; Phone: 707.895.3202; email: hospitality@goldeneyewinery.com; website: www.goldeneyewinery.com. Open daily 11-4. SV |
| Greenwood Ridge Vineyards | 5501 Highway 128, Philo CA 95466; Phone: 707.895.2002; Fax: 707.895.2001; email: everybody@greenwoodridge.com; website: www.greenwoodridge.com. Open daily 10-5. |
| 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, OS |
| Harmonique | PO Box 160, Albion CA 95410; Phone: 800.937.1889; Fax: 415.520.6161; email: moira@att.net; website: www.harmoniquewine.com. 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. ES |
| MacPhail Family Wines | 851 Magnolia Drive, Healdsburg CA 95448; Phone: 707.433.4780; Fax: 707.433.4781; email: pinot@grapewagon.com; website: www.macphailwines.com. No visitors. OS |
| Navarro Vineyards | 5601 Highway 128, Philo CA 95466; Phone: 800.537.9463; 707.895.3686; Fax: 707.895.3647; website: www.navarrowine.com. OS |
| 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 |
| Raye's Hill Vineyard & Winery | 3400 Chardonnay Lane, Philo CA 95466; Phone: 707.895.3439; email: raye@rayeshill.com; website: www.rayeshill.com.ES, SV+OS, OS |
| Roederer Estate | 4501 Highway 128, Philo CA 95466; Phone: 707.895.2288; email: info@roedererestate.net; website: www.roedererestate.net. Open daily 11-5. $3 tasting fee. |
| Skewis Wines | PO Box 1895, Healdsburg CA 95448; Phone/Fax: 707.431.2160; email: Pinot Noir@skewiswines.com. website: www.skewis.com. SV, SV+OS |
| Toulouse Vineyards & Winery | 8001 Highway 128 (PO Box 152), Philo CA 95466; Phone: 707.895.2828; Fax: 707.895.2829; email: vern@toulousevineyards.com; website: http://toulousevineyards.com. Tastings by appointment only. ES |
| Woodenhead Vintners | PO Box 1448, Forestville CA 95436; Phone: 707.887.2703; email: zina@woodenheadwine.com; website: www.woodenheadwine.com. SV, 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 cooler Redwood Valley creates Pinot Noir that has spicy plum and black cherry aromas and flavors.
| Barra of Mendocino | 7051 North State Street (PO Box 196), Redwood Valley CA 95470; Phone: 707.485.5771; Fax: 707.485.6784; email: rvv@pacific.net; website: www.barraofmendocino.com. Open daily 9:30-5:30. Vineyard and winery tours by appointment only. SV+ORG |
| Domaine Saint Gregory | 1170 Bel Arbres Road, Redwood Valley CA 95470; Phone: 707.744.8466; Fax: 707.744.8470; email: info@grazianofamilyofwines.com; website: www.grazianofamilyofwines.com. Tasting Room: 13251 S Highway 101, Suite 3, Hopland CA 95449. Open daily 10-5. OS |
| 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, ORG |
| 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 |
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. Riesling is the primary grape grown in Potter Valley. Others are Zinfandel, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc. No Pinot Noir is currently grown in the region.
Cole Ranch is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Riesling. The AVA's soils are predominantly clay, loam and silt. No Pinot Noir is grown.
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. Pinot Noir 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 1,950feet. Highway 128 divides the area that is marked by terrace like structures. Thin gravelly well drained soils.
The Pinot Noir grown here has aromas of raspberries and violets and flavors of black cherry and anise.
| Bink Wines | 545 West I Street, Benicia CA 94510; Phone: 707.246.4468; Fax: 707.746.6483; website: www.binkwines.com. SV |
| 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. OS |
| Route 128 Winery | 22130 Mountain House Road ; Hopland CA 95449; Phone: 707.696.0004; email: info@route128winery.com; website: www.route128winery.com. OS |
Dos Rios, another tiny (all of six acres!), single vineyard AVA in northern Mendocino County and overlooks the middle fork of the Eel River. This is a brand new viticultural region that 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. |
© 2007 CaliforniaWineOnline.com
Click on the leaves to return to the top. Click on the logo to return to CaliforniaWineOnline.com.
|
Explore Pinot Noir in the Mendocino County AVA. Click on the links below to learn more about Pinot Noir in those AVAs.