10/25/2024
We are so excited to be able to announce that Wine Enthusiast has named us the American Wine Region of the Year! This prestigious honor highlights Mendocino County’s rich history, diverse terroir, and growing influence within the wine industry, nationally and abroad!
Of our vast 2.5 million acres, just 15,000 acres are planted to grapes, with about 100 wineries operating at any given time. Mendocino County’s unique geography, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Mayacamas mountain range, provides the ideal climate for grape growing, resulting in a kaleidoscope of flavors for winemakers to use. The county’s 12 distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) encompass many landscapes: cool, coastal vineyards with strong fog influence; warm inland valleys with rolling, sun-baked hills; and mountains covered with forest and chaparral, where grapevines cling to the slopes at 2,000+ feet. Among this array of microclimates are areas ideal for growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel, as well as other notable varietals like Gewürztraminer. Mendocino County’s most famous region, the Anderson Valley, is particularly known for its Pinot Noir and white wine festivals.
We’ll be accepting the reward on January 27th at the Wine Star Award Gala in San Francisco! Thank you to all of our incredible winemakers and grape growers who make our region so unique and magical!