Mendocino Wine Tasting
Some of the fun of exploring Mendocino is Wine Tasting along the way. The Wine Tasting Tour is best traveled in a loop, if you have the time.
About two hours north of San Francisco, you'll enter Mendocino County's Wine Country. Concentrated along two separate roads, the HWY 101 tour is recommended for you if you're headed to Fort Bragg (via HWY 20 West) or continuing further North.
World famous for its redwood forests and spectacular coastlines, today Mendocino County is becoming a world leader in certified organically-grown grapes and organic wines.
Wine Tasting along Hwy 101 - MAP
The winery tasting rooms along Hwy 101, are your best option when headed to the North Coast via Hwy 20.
Many small vineyards dot the hills of this rugged region, with legacy vineyards from Mendocino's early settler's that planted Mediterranean red varieties, including Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Charbono, Grenache, and Zinfandel. Each region has its own unique day-to-night temperature variations. Under such conditions, varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir flourish, developing their strong and refined characteristics.
Wine Tasting along Hwy 128 - MAP
This is the preferred route for wine lovers headed to the Mendocino Coast. As you meander along Highway 128, you'll find picturesque vineyards with laid-back wineries and tasting rooms. Ocean breezes cool the Anderson Valley's Yorkville, Boonville and Philo to produce superb Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. The Southeast end and sunny ridges above Anderson Valley produce excellent Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot.
Anderson Valley in California's Mendocino County now ranks with the top Pinot Noir regions in North America. While production is not huge, quality is soaring, as rising-star winemakers join home grown stalwarts in producing sleek, powerful Pinots.
Cutting laterally through the coastal range, the west end of Anderson Valley is only a few miles from the cool Pacific Ocean. Such unique geography results in a wide range between the day and night temperatures, enabling growers to produce exquisite Pinot Noir grapes throughout these warm Indian summers. It also makes for superb White wines like Gewurztraminer and Riesling, giving rise to the valley's annual Alsatian festival. The warmth of the eastern ridge-top vineyard ripen Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. You may be surprised to find that there's sparkling wine too. With several methode champenoise sparkling houses, Anderson Valley is a bubbly haven.
Whether you are an experienced wine aficionado, or are just discovering the pleasure of drinking good wine, Mendocino's Wine Country beckons your exploration.
Wine Tasting Festivals in Mendocino
MENDOCINO CRAB and WINE FESTIVALS
JANUARY, Mendocino County
Special events held throughout January in Mendocino County. Meet our Crab Fishermen, Take a Cruise, Local Chefs Do Their Thing, Meet Our Winemakers, Outstanding Crab Cake & Wine Competition, Crab Feeds and other Special Mendocino Wine Tasting Events.
International Alsace Varietals Festival
FEBRUARY, Anderson Valley
Wineries from Mendocino Wine Country and around the world will participate in this annual wine tasting festival celebrating Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and other noble Alsace varietals.
MENDOCINO WHALE FESTIVALS
First Weekend in MARCH ~ Mendocino Village
Second Weekend in MARCH ~ Little River
Third Weekend in MARCH ~ Fort Bragg, CA
HOPLAND PASSPORT
MAY ~ Hopland
2 full days of fun! Receive a Passport logo glass, entry to all wine tastings, food pairings and entertainment at the ten wineries. Enter to win the Passport Prize Giveaway!
A Taste of Redwood Valley
Redwood Valley
You are invited to attend the annual "A Taste of Redwood Valley" wine festival where a rich experience awaits you as you tour the wineries and taste the wines and foods of participating wineries.
PURE MENDOCINO
A weekend of organic food, wine tasting and fun! Organic Dinner Celebration on Saturday, and an Organic Tasting & Farm Tour on Sunday. Benefits the Cancer Resource Centers of Mendocino County!
WINE and MUSHROOM FESTIVAL
Spread throughout Mendocino County's popular Inns and Restaurants, Dozens of Fabulous Edible Events, Meet the Chefs, Gather and Walk the Woods, Learn From The Culinary Experts, Meet Mendocino's Winemakers, Wine Tasting and More!
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