2024 grape harvest in Mendocino County echoes industry struggles
The 2024 California harvest season was marked by a historically light crop, dropping to 2.8 million tons—a 23% decrease from 2023. Despite the smaller harvest, approximately 100,000 tons of grapes were left unharvested, underscoring ongoing struggles in the industry. This follows the 2023 harvest, which saw an oversupply of 3.7 million tons, exacerbated by economic pressures and changing consumer preferences.… Read the rest
Mendocino County Fair Wine Competition
Mendocino County wineries – it’s time to enter the 46th Annual Mendocino County Fair Wine Competition!
Two competitions for the price of one!
This year we’re having our cake and eating it, too – the People’s Choice competition is back by popular demand for its second year, and we also have professional judges who will award their own set of… Read the rest
Taste Mendocino 2025
A celebration of wine, food, spirits & good vibes
Join us for a swirl through Mendocino County’s best wines, farm-fresh bites, small-batch spirits, magical destinations, and unforgettable experiences.
Explore epic Pinot Noirs, bold reds, crisp whites, and sparkling bubbles
Sample delicious small bites from local restaurants, food makers, and farmers
Sip on craft spirits from Mendocino’s finest distilleries (yep, we’ve… Read the rest
Sparkling Wine & Oyster Celebration
Please join us at the Sparkling Wine & Oyster Celebration on January 25th, 2025 in the caves at Saracina Vineyards from 1 pm – 4 pm.
This 3rd annual Sparkling Wine Celebration is one of the “Anchor Events” of Seafood & Sips in Mendocino County. The event will include oysters and wines from 20 wine producers, plus a few special… Read the rest
Husch Vineyards, Roederer Estate, Barra of Mendocino, and Pleiades win top honors at the 2024 Mendocino wine competition
On Saturday, Aug. 17, nearly 100 wine enthusiasts gathered for the first-ever People’s Choice Mendocino County wine competition. The afternoon began with a welcome rain shower as members of the public arrived to take on the role of wine judge. Thirty-one wineries submitted 100 wines for consideration, resulting in five best in show winners, 11 double gold medals, 27 gold… Read the rest
2024 Wine Competition results
Husch Vineyards, Roederer Estate, Barra of Mendocino, and Pleiades win top honors at the 2024 Mendocino wine competition
On Saturday, Aug. 17, nearly 100 wine enthusiasts gathered for the first-ever People’s Choice Mendocino County wine competition. The afternoon began with a welcome rain shower as members of the public arrived to take on the role of wine judge. Thirty-one wineries… Read the rest
Life on Mendocino Ridge: Steve Alden’s journey from photographer to winegrower
By Roger Coryell. 8/9/24.
Bears, mud, and midnight tractor rides
Bears. Fast, agile, hungry, smart bears. Mud. Snow. Hornets. Mountain lions and wild boars. Mildew. Driving a tractor between steep sloping muddy rows in the dark. Mendocino Ridge is not an easy place to farm. Steve Alden, co-owner of Perli Vineyard in the Mendocino Ridge AVA and the creator of… Read the rest
New bills would help growers get smoke damage insurance
Senator Alex Padilla has introduced legislation aimed at protecting U.S. winegrape growing regions from wildfire smoke damage. The bill proposes funding for research into smoke taint mitigation, development of more precise crop insurance policies, and support for affected growers. Padilla emphasizes the importance of safeguarding winegrape economies amidst increasing wildfire risks exacerbated by climate change. Read more…
Farm bill implications for Mendocino County wine industry
Mendocino County winegrowers and winemakers face a pivotal moment as the 2024 farm bill takes shape.
Campovida Bloom & Grow Farm Retreat
Join us at Campovida for a nourishing weekend of spaciousness and nature with Ayurveda and yoga by Onward Yoga.
Summer Wednesdays Lunch & Lounge at Campovida
Enjoy a lunch and lounge afternoon poolside at Campovida Family Winery!
Climate change prompting earlier growing seasons for Mendocino winegrowers
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A new study reveals that climate change is expected to shift the growing season and harvest times earlier for wine grapes in Mendocino County. This significant change in the timing of biological events means that local winegrowers will need to adapt their practices to maintain sustainable production.
Published in… Read the rest
Bonterra Organic Estates welcomes new winemaking team and updates label design
Bonterra Organic Estates has announced changes to its winemaking team after seeing a 16 percent sales increase in the first quarter of 2024. Margaret Leonardi-Pruett will take over as senior winemaker for the Bonterra Collection, starting with the 2024 vintage.
Leadership transitions
Leonardi-Pruett steps into the role after Jeff Cichocki’s retirement. She will work with Sebastian Donoso, who will now… Read the rest
Wine Enthusiast spotlights regenerative farming in Mendocino County
Regenerative farming is gaining traction in Mendocino County, where family-owned vineyards are leading the way with sustainable agricultural practices. At Pennyroyal Farm, the Bennett family integrates organic and biodynamic methods with holistic grazing techniques to enhance soil health and biodiversity. Similarly, the Dooling family at Mariah Vineyards focuses on building a resilient ecosystem by employing practices that improve soil structure… Read the rest
Study reveals shifts in alcohol consumption since COVID-19
Mendocino County’s wine industry is experiencing shifts in consumer drinking habits influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic. A recent study highlights significant changes, driven by health and wellness concerns. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are favoring non-alcoholic options, while older consumers maintain a preference for wine, valuing its sophistication and quality.
For Mendocino winegrowers, adapting to these trends is… Read the rest
Interview with Hope Nastri of Twomey Cellars
Hope Nastri, associate winemaker at Twomey Cellars’ Anderson Valley estate in Philo, shares her journey from math teacher to winemaker, her minimalist winemaking philosophy, and the sustainable practices that define Twomey’s commitment to producing distinctive pinot noirs.
Hope Nastri
Roger Coryell: Hope, can you start by telling us about your role at Twomey Cellars and within the company?
Hope Nastri:… Read the rest
The 45th Annual Mendocino County Wine Competition is People’s Choice!
The 45th Annual Mendocino County Wine Competition is set to be a dynamic People's Choice event this year at Brutocao Cellars.
Taste Mendocino 2024
Join us June 29 for a swirl through our region’s diverse showcase of fine wines, artisanal foods, enchanting destinations, and unique experiences.
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Take a deep dive into our epic pinot noirs, robust reds, crisp whites, and sparkling bubbles. Sip fantastic wines from all regions of Mendocino County, sample delicious food from local restaurants and farmers, and enjoy… Read the rest
Bonnie Butcher named executive director of Mendocino Winegrowers Inc.
Mendocino Winegrowers Inc. (MWI) announces the appointment of Bonnie Butcher as its new executive director. Butcher brings a wealth of experience in event management, sales, and strategic planning to her new role.
Diverse experience to lead MWI
With a diverse background in hospitality and event planning, Butcher is poised to drive MWI’s mission of promoting and advancing the Mendocino County… Read the rest
