Alsace grapes have deep roots in Anderson Valley, both in the region’s fertile soil and the heart of its winemaking identity. The area’s cool climate and unique terroir mimic those of France’s Alsace region, creating an ideal environment for cultivating Alsatian grapes – and producing Alsatian wines.
This climatic harmony allows vibrant, aromatic varietals like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Alsatian sparkling wine to thrive while preserving their delicate flavors and characteristics.
Early origins of Alsatian grapes in Anderson Valley
Prospective vintners saw the potential for Alsace grape growing in Anderson Valley early on. Settlers planted the region’s first vineyards in 1894, and the area’s first winery, legend has it, began production in 1911. Commercial winegrowing kicked off in 1946 and grew steadily throughout the 1960s and ‘70s, with winegrowers finding the area especially well-suited for producing Gewürztraminer, Riseling and similar Alsace grape varieties.
Navarro Vineyards and Winery, Lazy Creek Vineyards and Greenwood Ridge Vineyards were among the first to plant Riesling grapes in Anderson Valley, cementing themselves as enduring contributors to the region’s winemaking legacy. Navarro Vineyards also took a gamble on Gewürztraminer grapes, planting 19 acres in 1975 and selling its first Gewürztraminer bottles by 1979.
Theresia Kobler, featured in these photos, founded the historic Lazy Creek Vineyards. In 1973, she joined her husband Hans to launch the third winery in the Valley, making dry Gewürztraminer & Pinot Noir. Some Pinot Noir rootstocks came via suitcase from Switzerland, and they converted the former Pinoli homestead barn into a tasting room.
Her son Norman Kobler and his wife Colleen Kobler, also featured, have 2 acres planted to Riesling on their family vineyard called Vonarburg. The original property sold out of the family and is now the iconic property operated by Twomey Cellars.
Vonarburg Vineyard Riesling line-up from 2023 with Cobb Wines, Arista and Reeve Wine.
Modern Anderson Valley masters of Alsatian wine
These days, Husch Vineyards, Handley Cellars, Navarro Vineyards, and Toulouse Vineyards, are among Anderson Valley’s key Alsatian wine producers, showcasing deep understandings of the region’s terroir and climate. Lula Cellars, Goldeneye Winery, Lichen Estate Winery, Long Meadow Ranch and Witching Stick Wines have also established themselves as players in Anderson Valley’s Alsatian wine-producing scene, offering a diverse range of varietals that cement the region as a can’t-miss destination for fans of Alsatian-style wines.
Beyond the Valley’s confines, in out-of-appellation Northern California wine regions, Cobb Wines, Reeve Wines and Arista Winery are among those focusing their efforts on Riesling. The fruity, high-acid wine variety features Riesling grapes, a hardy variety that thrives in cooler climates.
Anderson Valley International Alsace Festival-turned White Wine Weekend
The Anderson Valley International Alsace Festival, now known as the Anderson Valley White Wine Weekend, showcases the best of the area’s Alsatian wines (think Alsatian Pinot Gris, Riesling and Gewürztraminer, to name just a few) and has a lengthy history in the region thanks to the pioneer families who first cultivated Alsace grapes on Anderson Valley soil. Thesee initial collaborative efforts of Navarro, Husch, Lazy Creek, Greenwood Ridge and Elk Vineyards helped pave the way for this beloved annual event, with the 18th annual installment of the winter White Wine event set for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 17 and 18, 2024 in Anderson Valley.
Over time, viticultural changes prompted a shift in the festival’s focus, expanding its offerings beyond Alsatian wines. For starters, there was an increase in non-Alsatian grape plantings in the area, leading to an uptick in the production of varietals like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and sparkling wines. A desire to showcase the region’s growing diversity coincided with a decline in Alsatian grape plantings. The festival adapted, transforming from a single-day festival with an exclusively Alsace focus to a full weekend of white wine tastings, food pairings and other fanfare at wineries and vineyards up and down Anderson Valley’s Highway 128.
While Anderson Valley’s Alsatian roots run deep, the region also appeals to those looking to sip and sample an even broader spectrum of wine varieties, making it a must-visit destination for oenophiles and history buffs alike.
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