Mendocino County

📍 Location

Mendocino County is located in the larger North Coast AVA and is the northernmost wine region of California.

mendocino

In a nutshell

  • California’s northernmost wine region of California
  • 7000 hectares along the Californian coast
  • Most important AVA: Anderson Valley
  • Chardonnay, zinfandel, cab sauv and merlot

☁️ Climate

The climate is greatly depending on the location. AVAs located closer to the Pacific like Anderson Valley are considerably cooler than those more inland such as Redwood Valley. Potter Valley, east of Redwood Valley, is surprisingly enough cooler, as the vineyards are located at higher altitude giving higher diurnal ranges.

🍇 Grapes & style

The high altitude vineyards of Potter Valley are planted with riesling and suavignon blanc, whilst the warmer vineyards in Redwood Valley are perfect to ripen zinfandel, petite sirah, syrah and cabernet sauvignon. The coastal AVAs like Anderson Valley are better suited for chardonnay and pinot noir.

💡 Something you didn’t know

The Champagne brand ‘Louis Roederer’ has a subsidiary in Anderson Valley – the cool climate AVA – and is producing some fine fizz here.

Your turn now 

I always put a new region on instagram first. If you have any additions or comments on a region, please do share. You can drop a comment on instagram or on the website – see below. Your help is much appreciated!

Sources

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