Six Great Reasons to be in Anderson Valley for White Wine Weekend in February

Philo, CA – November 2, 2023. 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.

Anderson Valley may be known as a Pinot Noir powerhouse but our roots are in Alsatian white wines like Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris. Recently, cool climate Chardonnay, Burgundian-style, is making a statement in this charming wine valley. And, just around the corner Sauvignon Blanc is sneaking up and several wineries in the eastern part of this region have this Bordeaux varietal, and some are planting more. It’s a great time to like white wine in Anderson Valley!

Tickets for the full weekend VIP Passport are $145 (early bird $125) and include food and wine tasting experiences at up to eight different wineries. A one day pass and four wine and food stops is $95. The valley will be festive and vibrant and this is the perfect way to spend a weekend in February.

While we can count dozens of reasons to be here in Mendocino County, we have tried to narrow it down to six very good reasons to explore white wine in AV February 17-18. 2024.

Anderson Valley is Producing THE best Gewürtztraminer in the New World

• Husch Vineyards was the first to plant Gewürztraminer in the Valley and still has their original vines producing spectacular examples of the variety. Enjoy all of their white wines paired with a bento box of paired bites.
• Lula Cellars is the closest winery to the Pacific and their cool climate Gewürztraminer will taste even better with the paella they prepare for all guests. They can’t make enough of this dazzling juice and it sells out every year. 
• Navarro Vineyards is a significant player in the U.S. Gewürz market. Begin with the non-alcoholic grape juice they do and try it next to the dry version and an off dry with just has a touch of sweetness (about 1.5%) Edelzwicker.

Rare Library Wines Will Be Flowing

• Handley Cellars is known to pull out some rare aged Gewürztraminer for this event, paired with appropriate nibbles. Enjoy touring their gardens and art galleries, too.
• Breggo is back! It’s an exciting time in Anderson Valley when longtime favorite Doug Stewart of Lichen Estate is thrilled to announce he has reacquired his original winery, Breggo. Launched in 2005 and heavily awarded over the winery’s first three vintages, Stewart sold Breggo to Cliff Lede in Napa and they renamed it FEL. Come visit the new tasting room (in the former Phillips Hill Winery) and taste through the Breggo library, some of the best wines ever made in the Valley.

Alsatian Wines and Food Pair up for Surprising Delights!

• Goldeneye Winery – pulling specialty flatbreads from their brick oven that will pair perfectly with their flight which features a Gewürtraminer. Goldeneye never disappoints with food, music and the best views in the Valley!
• Brashley Vineyard is out new kid on the block and winemaker Ashley Holland pays tribute to owners Bram and Ashley (another one!) home in the Finger Lakes by making a Riesling there. Chef Sean will have a plethora of nibbles including everyone’s favorite, a French fry bar with all the fixings!

We have Winemakers with Napa Roots but they love Anderson Valley 

• Meyer Cellars’ Matt Meyers hails from Silver Oak royalty and loves making white wines in Anderson Valley. He invites visitors to indulge in bites from his estate chef, a round of disc golf or a tour around the fermenting cellar
• Twomey Cellars find their beloved Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc the perfect complement to their portfolio of Burgundian Pinots and Chardonnays, along with tasty chef made bites to pair.

Walk Through the Vineyards, Inhale the View and Taste the Wines

• Walk the vineyards and visit the geese at Toulouse Vineyards. The views will impress as well as the Alsatian whites they will pair with something yummy like a bratwurst from the Alsace region.
• At SEAWOLF Wines, the view to the ocean does not disappoint and neither will the Hog Island oysters winemakers Jesse and Emma serve with their mountain grown 2023 Fennel and Stone Sauvignon Blanc and other white wine releases.

Sauvignon Blanc Lovers Rejoice at the Array of Sauvignon Blanc Produced in AV

• In addition to the SEAWOLF SB mentioned above, try the Philo Ridge version paired with local music and bites. Also, try their Chardonnay and Viognier in downtown Boonville. 
• Just down the street, Foursight Wines is known for their yummy Sauvignon Blanc and chef-prepared cuisine prepared by beloved Chef Kim Badenhop, plus library Semillon pours.
• Navarro Vineyards and Pennyroyal Farms Sauvignon Blanc will pair beautifully with Pennyroyal’s cheeses and local charcuterie.

“As a region with historic roots in white wine production, we love setting aside a weekend to celebrate the grapes, the wine styles, and some featured food pairings perfect for higher acidic wines from our region,” says Courtney DeGraff, executive director for Anderson Valley. “The seated VIP experience at the wineries is really a classy way for guests to enjoy themselves and discover our wines without the crowds”. Learn more about Winter White Wine Weekend, February 17-18, 2024 at www.avwines.com.

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About the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association

The Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association (AVWA) was founded in 1983 – the same year as the appellation. Made up of 25 vineyard, 66 winery and 63 associate members, the nonprofit organization operates with the goal of supporting the region’s premier grape growers and wineries, as well as promoting the region’s distinguished wines. In addition to acting as a resource for its members, the association aims to better its community by donating funds yearly to local nonprofit organizations.