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
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
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
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
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
The Wine Industry’s Dirty Little Secret
Lodi Growers posted a “must read” for winegrowers, shedding light on a little-discussed issue in the California wine industry: the large-scale importation of foreign bulk wine. In 2022 alone, California wineries imported nearly 68 million gallons of foreign wine, even as local grapes remained unharvested due to claims of excess inventory. This growing trend, fueled by global wine oversupply and… Read the rest
Anderson Valley Wine Events
As the Mendocino wine community blossoms into 2024, we’re thrilled to announce a series of events that highlight the distinct flavors and spirited camaraderie of our region. Our picturesque Anderson Valley, renowned for its unique terroir and exquisite wines, is set to host two signature events that encapsulate the essence of our wine culture.
White Wine Weekend: A Sparkling… Read the rest
Sonoma State University Launches Online Wine Entrepreneurship Program
Sonoma State University’s School of Business and Economics, in collaboration with the School of Extended Education, is introducing a specialized Wine Entrepreneurship Certificate Program. Aimed at individuals interested in the wine industry, the program offers comprehensive coverage of key business and entrepreneurial aspects in this sector.
Scheduled from Feb. 7 to March 27, 2024, the eight-week online course will delve… Read the rest
2023 Mendo Wine Competition Results
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The 44th annual wine competition held at the Mendocino County Fair has awarded five different wineries with the prestigious “Best of Show” winners title. The fair, which took place in Hopland, saw 195 wines from 36 wineries submitting entries to the competition.
Among these, Boonville’s Pennyroyal Farm stood out, winning two of the Best of… 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.
