Anderson Valley In The News
* indicates AVWA involvement
“Something is going on in Anderson Valley, and it’s pretty damn exciting.”
~Alder Yarrow, Vinography
Mendocino, Wine Region of the Year 2024*
California’s Greenest AVA? Mendocino, American Wine Region of the Year
In very few places can you find both the level of quality coupled with accessibility that you’ll discover here. In even fewer can you sip wine against the backdrop of a redwood forest whilst simultaneously breathing in fresh ocean air. Add in the level of commitment to preserving this singular place for future generations and there is no place quite like Mendocino, the wine region reputed as California’s greenest AVA.
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir: A look at the 2021 vintage*
North American Editor Clive Pursehouse pays a visit to Anderson Valley in northern California for a comprehensive tasting of Pinot Noirs from the 2021 vintage. He offers his verdict and a look at the region.
Decanter’s Top 50 US Wines: Part two – 30-11
Decanter’s North American Editor Clive Pursehouse continues his countdown of the top 50 US wines of 2024, with part two covering wines 30-11. Congrats to our member wineries Cobb Wines (ranking #11) and Littorai (ranking #17).
Decanter’s Top 50 US Wines: Part one – 50-31*
In a Decanter first, North American Editor Clive Pursehouse curates a list of top 50 US wines from the more than 3,000 wines tasted and reviewed. Congratulations to Drew Family Wines (ranking #43) and Read Holland (ranking #39).
11 Small Town Stays to Inspire Your Next California Road Trip
Hit the open road, escape city life and settle into a scenic small town, where it’s easy to unwind and fall in love with California’s laid-back charm.
A famous California winery unveiled a stunning remodel. Is it a turning point for the region?
The famous Anderson Valley winery is the star of a groundswell of development in the under-the-radar wine region.
California Here We Come
THERE AREN’T many places with 275 residents that have a Michelin two-starred restaurant and are next door to a renowned wine region. But Elk, a tiny speck on a bluff along the Pacific Coast Highway in California’s Mendocino County, is quietly making a name for itself as a destination.
A popular white wine festival said ‘no Chardonnay.’ This local winemaker said ‘no way’
When Phil Baxter learned Chardonnay was not allowed at the Anderson Valley White Wine Festival, he decided to take a stand.
Anderson Valley Pinots soar*
I’m not entirely clear whether I’m doing readers a service, or risking great confusion by writing about Mendocino’s Anderson Valley Pinot Noir the month after I wrote about
Anderson Valley’s Poised Pinot Noirs: Weekly Tasting Report*
For a small vineyard region that counts just 2,500 acres of grapes, Anderson Valley punches far above its weight. Elegant, cool-climate wines are its calling cards, primarily the Burgundian varieties
Unboxed Week of 10/6/24 Featuring Anderson Valley*
Alder Yarrow reviews Smith Story, Bravium, Minus Tide, & Lussier from his recent visit to AV.
Anderson Valley: No longer the best kept secret
I’ve been on a soap box (wine crate) about Anderson Valley since my first visit fifteen years ago, and now, EVERYONE is talking about Anderson Valley.
Minus Tide Wines is a love letter to Mendocino County*
Growing up in the small, wind-swept town of Mendocino, Brad Jonas spent much of his childhood diving off the coast for abalone, a delicacy of the sea.
America’s Best Small Food and Wine Town Has a Michelin-Starred Restaurant, Nearly 90 Neighboring Vineyards, and Just 275 Residents*
Elk, California, may be small, but it’s mighty, with some of the state’s best wineries and an abundance of fresh food.
‘Anderson Valley: A Coastal Love Affair with Wine’ documentary premieres at Mendocino Film Festival*
Capturing the original winemakers and families that found their way to Anderson Valley in Mendocino County in the 1970s, this made-on-a-shoestring documentary has captured the hearts of Mendocino residents
Road tripping to the Mariposa and Anderson Valleys*
It’s easy to stay put in San Francisco. The city is rich in recreational activities, from some of the best maintained and most varied public parks in the country, to beaches, urban hiking trails, and a wealth of arts and culture.
The 6 Best Wineries in California’s Anderson Valley
Most wineries in Napa and Sonoma require reservations and tastings are a luxury, with base tasting fees in Napa averaging $81 per person. Fortunately, there are options for visitors seeking a casual, accessible way to experience California wine.
Discover the Magic of Anderson Valley at Navarro Vineyards*
In 1973, a fresh-faced English lit grad student named Deborah Cahn and a former tech entrepreneur with a taste for Kermit Lynch wines..
A Passion for Life, Art and Wine: Thomas T. Thomas is Living His Dream*
At age 18, Thomas T. Thomas was a self-taught guitarist from a small Ohio town.
World’s Largest Canned Wine Collection Lives in Frank Lloyd Wright-Inspired Home
Did you know that people have been putting wine in cans since the 1930s?
Why Low Non-Alcoholic Wine May Be Increasing & Here to Stay*
The growing interest in low and non-alcoholic (NA) beverage alternatives represents a significant shift in consumer preferences..
A Labor of Love: New documentary captures the stories of Anderson Valley’s founding winemakers*
In mid-2020, when Anderson Valley wine pioneer Milla Handley died from complications of COVID-19, Courtney DeGraff realized that stories of the valley’s founding winemakers needed to be documented before it was too late.
In California’s Greenest AVA, Regenerative Farming Is a Family Business*
Whether driving up 101 through inland Mendocino or veering west on 128 through Anderson Valley…
ANDERSON VALLEY’S PINOT NOIR FESTIVAL RECAP*
Stunning beauty, exceptional cool-climate wines
Anderson Valley, an extraordinary wine region, is one of California’s hidden gems.
California’s Wildest Appellation*
On a chilly afternoon in February, as clouds gathered over mountains thick with redwoods and Douglas firs, grower and winemaker Steve Alden stood at 1,700 feet and looked out over a block of Pinot Noir
Anderson Valley’s Famous Pinot Noir Festival Celebrates Its 25th Year*
The Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival is one of my favorite wine events in the U.S. Now in its 25th year, “Pinot Fest” is a gathering of more than 50 producers
Anderson Valley Dispatch*
Don’t let the quiet and lack of glamor fool you. California’s Anderson Valley is one of the world’s top regions—and its future will only get brighter.
2024 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge
Anderson Valley takes Best of Show Sparkling Wine & Best of Show White Wine in 2024!
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival May 17-19*
Immerse yourself in the Anderson Valley wine scene during the annual Pinot Noir Festival
I’ve Lived in California All My Life — and These Are the Most Underrated Destinations in the Golden State
There’s something for nature lovers, wine drinkers, adventure seekers, and everyone in between.
Boontling*
What exactly is a language, and what exactly are words? How do we separate between concepts like language, dialect, lingo, and jargon?
The Somm Journal – Dec 2023
A sparkling superbloom with a refreshed label, Sharffenberger…
Anderson Valley Adventures From White Wine Weekend to Pinot Noir Festival *
After a crazy but late harvest in Fall 2023, winemakers recovered over the holidays and reflected on what is universally believed to have been a very good growing year.
Getting Sideways in Anderson Valley With a Passion for Pinot
t all started on a one-hour plane ride from Burbank to Santa Rosa, when the girl next to me from the Northern California…
What You Need To Know About West Coast Sparkling Wine
Your guide to bubbles from California, Oregon and Washington, at every price point and style.
Anderson Valley’s Breggo Cellars reacquired by original owner*
“I’d been wanting the Breggo brand back for 10 years,” Douglas Stewart said, who named the winery after the word “sheep” in Boontling — an Anderson Valley folk language.
A Vino Vacation Guide to Three California Wine Regions*
From the redwood forests of beautiful Anderson Valley to the sun-splashed hills of Paso Robles, in California’s North Coast and Central Coast AVAs (American Viticultural Areas)
Visiting Mendocino’s Lesser-Known Wineries
With 108 wineries spread across 12 approved American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), Mendocino County is not easy to capture.
Interest Growing in White Pinot Noir in Sonoma, Mendocino Counties
With a long, illustrious career as a key varietal in Champagne, pinot noir is no stranger to being stripped of its purple skin, the…
*Fish Friendly Farming – Reducing Erosion & Sediment in Our Rivers
Fish Friendly Farming (FFF) has a nice ring to it. It sounds like good sense—guidelines for how farmers, vintners, and everyone…
*2023 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival “Best of the Fest”
The Anderson Valley started out as an area known for aromatic white wines, but ever since winemakers…
Six Great Reasons to Be in Anderson Valley for White Wine Weekend in February
Tickets are now on sale for Anderson Valley’s 17th annual Winter White Wine Weekend February 17-18, 2024, a celebration of white wine, sparkling, rosé and more throughout the valley.
How to Buy Tickets for the 2024 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival*
Tickets for the 2024 Pinot Noir Festival go on sale in early September 2023 and sell out quickly—particularly…
Recap: Pinot Noir Festival 2023*
There are many festivals and wine events targeted at pinot noir lovers, but none are quite like Anderson Valley’s Pinot Noir Festival, which…
Unlocking the Secrets of Anderson Valley Wines*
Situated in the heart of scenic Mendocino County, this bucolic valley boasts a rich winemaking history that dates to the 19th century. Known for…
A Simple Vineyard Strategy Cuts Water Usage by One-Third*
It’s been called a “no-brainer”…but very few vineyards are doing it. Kathleen Willcox reports on a move which improves water use and also quality.
Upload Wine Business: How no-till farming could provide the key to combatting extreme weather*
Most wine producers believe that tilling is necessary to aerate the ground, but taking a hands-off approach can improve soil health, strengthen root systems and fight climate change.
Gowan’s Cider: Discover its Rich Heritage and Unique Flavors*
Welcome to a world of rich heritage and unique flavors at Gowan’s Cider, where tradition meets innovation in every sip.
Best Anderson Valley Wineries, Hotels & Restaurants to Visit in 2023*
Sip, Savor, and Indulge – A Guide to Wine Tasting in Anderson Valley
Article #5 Title: Jamie Good Reviews Baxter- Anderson Valley
Jason Drew is based just outside the Anderson Valley, on the Mendocino Ridge, about a mile west from the valley. It’s a beautiful spot, and on a chilly but sunny March day it was a good place to be.
Destination Mendocino County: Wine, Food, and Surf*
About two hours north of San Francisco is an unspoiled area beckoning to be explored and discovered. Decompress, and enjoy nature’s beauty all the while experiencing world-class wines, lodging, and cuisine, plus the incomparable beauty of nature.
8 Best Summer Wines to Catch That Perfect Vibe*
Weaving along the picturesque Highway 128 in Mendocino County, is the Anderson Valley, whose wines rival that of Napa and Sonoma – California’s most famous wine growing regions.
Savoring the Legacy: Husch Vineyards and the Authentic Charm of Anderson Valley*
Northern California’s Mendocino Coast might be known for its wine, but there’s so much more to discover in this stunning region.
Anderson Valley, California (5) Roederer Estate
In 1982, Jean-Claude Rouzeau – the CEO of Champagne Roederer – was sent to look at the wild west of California, and he ended up in the Anderson Valley.
Article #4 Title: Jamie Goode Reviews Maggy Hawk- Anderson Valley
In 1982, Jean-Claude Rouzeau – the CEO of Champagne Roederer – was sent to look at the wild west of California, and he ended up in the Anderson Valley.
Article #3 Title: Jamie Goode Reviews Littorai- Anderson Valley
The most celebrated Pinots from the Anderson Valley are probably Ted Lemon’s Littorai bottlings. The Anderson Valley makes around half of Littorai’s production, with the rest coming from various sites in Sonoma.
Article #2 Title: Jamie Goode’s a big tasting with lots of producers*
A boutique winery started by Wells Guthrie, I first came across them as part of the In Pursuit of Balance movement.
Article #1 Title:- Jamie Good Reviews Drew- Anderson Valley
Jason Drew is based just outside the Anderson Valley, on the Mendocino Ridge, about a mile west from the valley. It’s a beautiful spot, and on a chilly but sunny March day it was a good place to be.
Anderson Valley Is the Secret Wine Country Destination You Need to Visit This Summer*
Spend three perfect days tasting wine, eating great food and taking in the beautiful landscape of this rural region.
The Best Wineries to Visit in Anderson Valley*
I consider myself lucky to have discovered California’s Anderson Valley early in my wine journey. To me, the region is less a hidden gem and more a hard-to-find gem, neatly tucked away in the folds and crevices of the Pacific coastal landscape.
Find adventure beyond the vines and wineries of California’s Mendocino Coast*
Northern California’s Mendocino Coast might be known for its wine, but there’s so much more to discover in this stunning region.
How foot treading on grapes has hopped across the Pond*
In most regions of the world, industrialisation has dethroned the once-mighty foot in wine production.
10 American Wine Regions That Deserve More Recognition*
When you go to pick up an American Pinot Noir, chances are you’re looking for a region known for high-quality bottles…Well, Anderson Valley deserves to be ranked among the rest of this category’s major players.
Motor on Mendocino*
If you’re like me, taking a road trip always involves a tangent- in this case, into Anderson Valley. Driving through the AVA- a twisty, turny, hilly operation- there are loads of stops for Pinot Noir.
Explore Some of My Favorite Wineries in Anderson Valley*
Tucked away in the coastal region of Mendocino County, just 110 miles northwest of San Francisco, lies Anderson Valley…
An Idyllic Getaway on the Mendocino Coast*
Mendocino is always enchanting no matter how much you have traveled. Mendocino is also blessed by its proximity to the Anderson Valley, just inland…
An Anderson Valley Adventure*
…This divine wine region, just inland from the Mendocino coast, has long been a gem. Its wines, both mostly small production and some…
Pinot Noir Fest online wine auction and tasting to benefit skatepark project and local fire department*
…Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Fest online wine auction and tasting to benefit skatepark project and local fire department
Michael J. Martin Managed Missions to Mars. Now, He’s Pouring Wine In Mendocino
Michael J. Martin…one of only two people on planet Earth to manage three missions to Mars for NASA…started pouring wines at Husch.
Hit the North*
Premium California winegrowers are planting grapes further north, pushed on by global warming and the search for affordable…
Dan Berger On Wine: Beaune in the USA*
Several invisible contradictions are at the heart of the long-emerging wine region of Anderson Valley, where recently the greatness of…
Anderson Valley: Spring with a northern neighbor*
There’s so much to love about the Anderson Valley year-round, but spring is an especially delightful time of year…
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival: May 19-21, Philo, CA*
Normally I’d begin this kind of posting with a reminder about the slightly obscure, off-the-radar nature of Anderson Valley, but at…
If You Love Pinot Noir, Buy Tickets to the Anderson Valley Pinot Fest*
The secret is out: Some of California’s very best Pinot Noir grows in the lush, cool-climate Anderson Valley…
Top Anderson Valley Wineries- The best tasting rooms to visit*
Like the early days of Napa Valley’s wine boom, tasting rooms are casual and unassuming. There are no crowds, no tour buses and…
The secret force behind an acclaimed California vineyard? An all-female crew*
On a chilly, stormy day at Wendling Vineyard, Romelia Fernandez ladles hot posole from an enormous cauldron into colorful…
Gorgeous white wines were this region’s claim to fame. What happened?*
Deborah Cahn and Ted Bennett moved to Anderson Valley in 1973 with a mission. They were going to make Gewurztraminer.
Locals want to keep it secret — but at what cost?*
Johnny Schmitt, owner of the historic Boonville Hotel, has spent the past 38 years expecting Anderson Valley to go mainstream.
It’s one of California’s best wine shops. It’s also in the middle of nowhere*
There are two main reasons that people pull over at Disco Ranch on their way through the rural, quarter-mile stretch of downtown Boonville
Exploring California’s Anderson Valley Wine Region*
Price and quality are highly correlated… One of the best examples of an American wine region that consistently delivers world-class wines…
Anderson Valley remains a haven for remarkable white wines*
Pinot noir now dominates the area, but some wineries still make the varieties that put the region on the map.
Get Your Tickets For The 16th Annual Anderson Valley White Wine Weekend Now*
It’s one of the best, yet still under-the-radar wine events in California…I love the structure and setup of this festival, which doesn’t have guests waiting in line at tents to taste.
Misconception That Riesling Doesn’t Sell*
In a Northern California wine region known mostly for its Pinot Noir and sparkling wines, another variety–Riesling–took the spotlight during a seminar and wine tasting on Feb. 22.
Frattey & Frattey Shams of Anderson Valley*
On a leisurely drive from Napa Valley to the hills of Anderson Valley along scenic highway 128, views of old oak trees, vineyards, and…
A Sparkling Wine Tasting Tour of Mendocino County
Among the earliest varieties picked were the grapes destined for sparkling wines. In Mendocino County…
The World’s Most Underrated Wine Regions
Jason Wilson set out to try the world’s nearly 1,400 types of wine grapes you haven’t heard of—a quest that took him to these regions…
Raise a toast to Anderson Valley’s inaugural Harvest Festival in Mendocino*
.This October 21st to 23rd, Anderson Valley extends their welcome to one and all at the Harvest Tidrick.
Anderson Valley Harvest Tidrick*
Courtney DeGraff and Joslyn Thoresen from the Anderson Valley Harvest Tidrick Celebration are our guests on California Wine Country today.
40 Years of Roederer Estate
The California sparkling wine producer remains one of the best and most consistent on the West Coast
Discover All That California’s Sparkling Wine Has to Offer On This New Tour
California’s best bubbles are crisp, dry, delicious, and highly underrated.
Top Wine Travel: Outstanding Value and Pinot Noir in California’s Anderson Valley
IF YOU WANT to travel back to a time when it was easy and cheap to taste good California wine, I have some advice: Go to Anderson Valley.
Where to Find Exceptional California Pinot Noir
The answer: at the end of a hair-raising drive in a remote region called Anderson Valley, where the conditions are ideal for producing world-class Pinot.
Where to Find Champagne-Quality Sparkling Wine in California
When Champagne Louis Roederer set up shop in California’s Anderson Valley four decades ago, it was a bold move. It’s paid off with delicious wines and a bit of a sparkling boomlet in the valley.
Introducing Anderson Valley, California’s Hidden Hillside Beauty of Pinot Noir*
Tucked between the rugged ridges and redwood trees of Mendocino County, Anderson Valley has a well-deserved reputation for wine quality thanks to pioneering wineries like…
New Tasting Rooms, an Inn Amid Redwoods: Where to Sip and Stay in Anderson Valley
Jennifer Waits and Brian Mast attended their first Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival more than 20 years ago…
Poised for Greatness: Tasting The Evolution of Anderson Valley*
Mendocino’s Anderson Valley might have eked out a bit more mindshare in the brains of wine lovers…
Make a Wine Weekend of it during Anderson Valley’s Pinot Month*
Full of wine, redwoods, and fresh coastal air, Anderson Valley’s Pinot Noir Festival is historically one of the best weekends…
Misconception That Riesling Doesn’t Sell: Advocates at Anderson Valley Festival Say Riesling Wins Young Drinkers*
Riesling took the spotlight during a seminar and wine tasting on Feb. 22…
Slow Down and Stay A While*
The Anderson Valley, has, over the past decade become a destination in and of itself…
Anderson Valley – Not To Be Overlooked
How could one resist a wine district with its own dialect..
40 Under 40 Tastemaker 2019 Sarah Cahn Bennett, 39
Sarah Cahn Bennet, owner of Pennyroyal Farm & General Manager of Navarro Vineyards…
California Pinot Noir’s Top Terroirs
A guide to the regions producing the state’s top bottlings of this in-demand red…
Bear Eating Pinot Noir Grapes at Navarro Vineyards Caught on Video
A Mendocino County vineyard has gotten the help of an unusual taste-tester…
The Next Best Weekend Wine Tour: Mendocino
Anderson Valley is producing some of California’s cutting-edge Pinot Noirs…
14 of the Anderson Valley’s Most Delicious Wines
Whether you’re sampling in the tasting rooms along the Anderson Valley’s Highway 128, or finding bottles online…
This Laid-Back Wine Region Is All About Pinot, Redwoods, and Apples
Rich reds, bright whites, and delicious plates: a hidden wine enclave…
Top Five Pinot Noir Vineyards in California’s Anderson Valley
The 15-mile-long valley sits just 10 miles from the cool, blustery Pacific Coast…
5 Reasons to Visit the Anderson Valley Now
In recent years the Anderson Valley has become a full-fledged destination in its own right…
The Anderson Valley Winter White Wine Festival Full of Delights*
I was here for the ultimate palate refresher in the form of the Anderson Valley Winter White Wine Festival…
Coastal Conquest
California Pinot Noir is exploding in popularity and quality, with diverse sites and winemaking approaches…
The Ultimate Anderson Valley Winery Bucket List
Anderson Valley wineries are the destinations themselves, offering world-class wines and awe-inspiring vistas…
Anderson Valley’s Top Tasting Rooms for Aromatic White Wines*
A stealth revolution has been taking place in Anderson Valley on the aromatic white-wine side…
Uncorking the Perfect Long Weekend in California’s Anderson Valley
The wineries, restaurants and unspoiled landscapes of the pocket-size valley are a sip away from San Francisco…
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