Mendocino County Rocks
Mendocino County wines owe their character to the land. The region’s soils—ranging from rocky sandstone to volcanic ash—shape grapes and define flavors. These soils challenge vines to produce fruit as distinctive as the terrain itself.
Gravelly Loam: Bright, Focused Wines
Gravelly loam, found in Anderson Valley, is well-draining and low in nutrients. Vines must work hard here, yielding small, concentrated… Read the rest
Mendocino County named Wine Enthusiast’s American Wine Region of the Year
Shining a light on lesser-known California wine region
Mendocino County, renowned for its vast, rugged landscapes and commitment to organic and regenerative viticulture, has been named America’s Wine Region of the Year for 2024 by Wine Enthusiast magazine. This prestigious honor highlights Mendocino County’s rich history, diverse terroir, and growing influence within the wine industry, nationally and abroad.
Mendocino County… Read the rest
Terra Savia Winery: A commitment to organic wine and sustainable farming
Terra Savia Winery, in Hopland’s Sanel Valley, stands out in Mendocino County for its organic wines and commitment to sustainable farming. Sofia Rivier, originally from Argentina, is the winemaker and farm manager.
Winemaker Sofia Rivier at Terra Savia Winery, getting her hands purple with the 2024 Cabernet crush.
“Of course, I love Malbec,” she says. “I’m required to love Malbec!”… Read the rest
Come Over October
Join our “Come Over October” social media contest! Snap a creative photo enjoying a bottle of Mendocino wine, post it on Instagram or Facebook, and tag @mendowine and @comeoveroctober for a chance to win. Show off your love for Mendocino wine, and you could win two tickets to the Mendocino Winegrowers Annual Meeting and Harvest Party. Get creative, share your… 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
Want to reduce your carbon footprint? This new study has some suggestions
A recent study by the Sonoma Sustainable Tourism Observatory highlights ways to reduce the carbon footprint in viticulture, focusing on wineries in Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino counties.
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.
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
Edward Graziano, Mendocino County winegrower
Edward Augustino Graziano, a prominent Mendocino County winegrower and cherished friend of many in our community, passed away at his home.
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
Wine and cheese can combat dementia, new study says
Eating cheese and drinking red wine might help combat dementia symptoms, according to Iowa State University research. The study, involving nearly 1,800 Brits aged 46 to 77, found that daily red wine and cheese, along with weekly lamb, reduced dementia risk. Cheese emerged as the most protective food, and red wine also showed benefits. Conversely, high salt intake was linked… Read the rest
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
3rd Annual Under the Radar California Wine Competition Open for Entries
The Peninsula Underground is now accepting entries for its 3rd Annual Under the Radar California Wine Competition. This event is dedicated to showcasing small-scale wineries from California that produce up to 10,000 cases annually. The competition offers a platform for these wineries to gain exposure and recognition within the industry.
Competition Details:
Submission Deadline: Entries must be received by Thursday,… Read the rest
Financial Management and Strategy Course
Join the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University for a series of transformative courses designed for professionals looking to enhance their skills in the dynamic field of wine business.
Financial Management and Strategy CourseInstructor: Jared Dalton, a highly accomplished finance and operations leader.Dates: June 26 – August 21, 2024Time: Wednesdays, 6-7 PM PST (9 weekly online classes)Fee: $1250 (includes… Read the rest
