Introduction

By Lisa Rowlands

One of the original counties of the state, Mendocino lies around two-hundred-and-fifty kilometres north of San Francisco - far from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, but not so far that the distance deters day trippers and tourists from hopping into their hire car and heading north to experience a unique area which retains so much of its rural charm. A dramatic rugged coastline, unspoilt natural landscapes and enchanting forests of redwoods that cover such a large proportion of the county’s ten-thousand square kilometres, along with some of the state’s most acclaimed wine producers make Mendocino an intriguing stop on any tour of the west coast.

Winemaking has been a part of the landscape here since the gold rush and nowadays there are six-thousand hectares under vine with the southern half of the county seeing a much higher concentration of vineyards, largely on account of its climate. There is however considerable diversity in microclimate between each of Mendocino’s eleven sub-appellations with inland AVAs experiencing a much wider diurnal temperature range and coastal vineyards being more exposed to the moderating effects of the ocean breeze and its cooling fog. Anderson Valley AVA - to the east of Mendocino - ranks amongst the coolest Californian regions and has attracted attention not only from consumers and critics enamoured with the area’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals, but also from the French Champagne house Louis Roederer, who have now established vineyards here.

Non-surprisingly, conditions in Mendocino enable a wide range of red and white varieties to thrive. Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are amongst the dark skinned grapes grown across the county’s AVAs, whilst Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer are whites which have also proven to flourish in this part of Northern California.

AVAs of Mendocino County

Potter Valley AVA

Established in 1983, the Potter Valley AVA in the north eastern corner of Mendocino County produces crisp, aromatic white wines from traditional cooler climate varieties such as Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

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Redwood Valley AVA

Taking its name from the towering trees that bestride the surrounding landscape, Redwood Valley is an American Viticultural Area in Mendocino County, California. Established in 1997, the appellation is best known for its full-bodied red wines from varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel.

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Anderson Valley AVA

Anderson Valley AVA is home to some top quality white wines produced with the typical varieties of Alsace. Pinot Noir also grows well and there are many examples that vie with the best of California.

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Cole Ranch AVA

Located between the Anderson Valley and the Russian River Valley, Cole Ranch is the smallest appellation in the United States.

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