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
Frey Vineyards: blending tradition with innovation
A harmonious blend of old and new
Wandering through the newly reconstructed Frey Vineyards winery in Mendocino County’s Redwood Valley, one can’t help but marvel at the synergy between state-of-the-art technology and age-old winemaking traditions. Jonathan and Katrina Frey, pioneers in organic and biodynamic wine, have cultivated more than just grapes; they’ve nurtured a philosophy. “Our customers are looking for… Read the rest
Cole Ranch: A California Vineyard with a Jura Heartbeat
In Mendocino County near Ukiah, Cole Ranch might be the nation's smallest American Viticultural Area (AVA), but its impact is pronounced, driven by its soil, history, terrain, and the hands that tend to it.
From Forgotten Gardens to Organic Wines: The Campovida Story
In the oak-covered foothills of Hopland, in eastern Mendocino County, you'll find a unique property called Campovida. This farm and winery isn't just a place; it's a testament to vision, resilience, and community.
Guinness McFadden: Pioneer of organic winegrowing and farming in Mendocino County
Guinness McFadden. McFadden Farm photo.
Guinness McFadden, founder and owner of Blue Quail Wines and McFadden Farm in Mendocino County’s Potter Valley, is a pioneer in organic wine growing and farming.
McFadden began farming 50 years ago when he purchased an old farm in Potter Valley. “I didn’t know a thing about farming. I was trying to find a place… Read the rest
Pennyroyal Farm
Nestled in the hills of Boonville in Mendocino County's Anderson Valley, Pennyroyal Farm is a farmstead dairy and winery specializing in sustainability and organic farming practices.
The Theopolis Vineyards Diversity Fund: A step towards a more inclusive wine industry
California trial lawyer Theodora R. Lee, also known as Theo-patra: Queen of the Vineyards, first envisioned having her own vineyard in the 1980s while enjoying fine wine at the homes of her law firm partners.
Chase Vineyards, Redwood Valley
In a slice of grape-growing heaven called Redwood Valley, just north of Ukiah, you will find Chase Vineyards nestled between oak groves and other multi-generational farms.
McNab Ridge Winery
McNab Ridge Winery’s tasting room on Highway 101 in Hopland is a comfortable, elegant space in an updated historic building. The newly redecorated tasting room includes a dog-friendly back patio and fire pit. Here, you can sample various Mendocino County-grown and produced wines, from the McNab Ridge Family Reserve to “Fun Bunch” favorites like Zinzilla. If you’re lucky, you’ll meet… Read the rest
Nelson Family Vineyards
Happy Holidays from your friends at Mendocino Winegrowers! We wish you and your family a wonderful season, with good times and good wine.
We are farmers, winemakers, and artists — free thinkers who value our land, our people, and our independent lifestyle. Welcome to Mendocino County!
Tasting Room Manager Sharon Loupy. Lark Coryell photo.
550 Nelson Ranch Rd, Ukiah, CA… Read the rest
Featured member: Rivino Estate Vineyards and Winery, Ukiah
body section.banner div.banner-caption div {
color: white;
text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px #000000;
}
The onetime Schrader Ranch, purchased in 1993, was originally planted in pears. Grapes that follow pear trees have to work a lot harder. Instead of focusing on vibrant leaves and shoots, they push their roots deep into the ground in search of more nutrients and water. The… Read the rest
Featured Member: Brashley Vineyards
Brashley Vineyards is a family-owned winery and tasting room located in the heart of Anderson Valley in Philo, CA. Brashley sources a majority of their grapes from their own 10 acres of Pinot Noir from their Hacienda Sequoia and Bevel Vineyards.
They recently opened their newly remodeled tasting room on Highway 128, formerly operated y by Brutocao, and acquired the… Read the rest
Featured Member: Alta Orsa Wines
Hopland’s Alta Orsa is the story of the land, the vision and labor of their small team – led by winemaker Martin Bernal-Hafner. The story is centered on a holistic approach to farming. They practice no-till farming, minimal organic sprays, cover cropping, no tractors between the rows, and no herbicides under the vine. This philosophy preserves the unique sense of… Read the rest
This month’s featured member: Foursight Wines
Check out Foursight Wines at the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival, May 20-22! They’ll be pouring Foursight Pinot Noir and sparkling wine. Events are throughout the valley and include a BBQ with music, grand tasting, open houses, and more!
Foursight Wines is a family-owned and operated winery in the cool, coastal region of Anderson Valley. Founded in 2006 by… Read the rest
