Favorites in Anderson Valley

Anderson Valley, as seen from Esterlina Vineyards and Winery

Anderson Valley may be the best known wine-growing region in Mendocino County. Located near the Pacific Coast, this 15 mile long valley has a wide diurnal range, in that the daily high and low temperatures can be up to 40 or 50 degrees apart. The appellation also ranges in elevation from sea level up to 2500 feet.

The climate and geography here create an excellent growing region for Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, and the Anderson Valley is well known for those varietals as both still wines and sparkling wines. Riesling and Gewurztraminer also grow well here.

Favorite Tasting Rooms in Anderson Valley

Baxter Winery – Winemakers by trade, Phil Baxter (Senior) and Phil Baxter (Junior) produce handcrafted single vineyard wines focusing on the Anderson Valley and surrounding Mendocino appellations. This is one of the few wineries in Anderson Valley without a tasting room on or just off of Highway 128. We really like the Henneberg, Oppenlander, Run Dog, and Toulouse Pinot Noirs, as well as the Eagle Point Syrah. 28000 Greenwood Road, Elk 707-877-3727 [reservation required]

Bink Wines – A rarity, in that the winemaker and vineyard manager here are both women. They like Syrah here, and the name “Bink” is a derivation of “black ink”, a description of Syrah. Come here for a wide range of well made, hand-crafted artisan wines. Although the vineyards are in the Yorkville Highlands, the tasting salon is at the Madrones in Philo. We are impressed by their Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Rosé (of Merlot), Weir Pinot Noir, and a Melange comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. 9000 Highway 128, Philo 707-895-2940

Breggo Cellars – Breggo means “sheep” in Boontling, a local folk language. Breggo Cellars was established in 2005, and then purchased by Cliff Lede in 2009. The friendly and casual tasting room also has a nice porch and picnic tables. Our favorites here are the Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, and a Rosé made from Syrah. 11001 Highway 128, Philo 707-895-9589

Drew Family Wines – In 2004, Jason and Molly Drew purchased their property on a ridgetop overlooking Anderson Valley to the east and the Pacific Ocean 3 miles to the west. You can taste their excellent Pinot Noirs and Syrahs at The Madrones in Philo (where you can also find wines from Lula, Berridge, and Bink). Our favorites here are the Fog Eater, Gatekeeper’s Blend, McDougall Ranch, Valenti, and Monument Tree Pinot Noirs. 9000 Highway 128, Philo 707-877-1771

Esterlina Vineyards – First, you need to make a reservation and then, you need to drive 2.2 miles up a road to get here but Esterlina is so worth the effort. In addition to an excellent tasting experience you will also find incredible views of Anderson Valley. Esterlina owns Everett Ridge in Dry Creek Valley, and they also own the only vineyard in the Cole Ranch AVA which is their source for five different wines. Be sure to try the Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Reserve Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Port. 1200 Holmes Ranch Road, Philo 707-895-2920 [reservation required]

Goldeneye – Dan and Margaret Duckhorn created Goldeneye Winery in order to make a Pinot Noir of equal stature as their Merlot from their Duckhorn Vineyards in Napa Valley. The name “Goldeneye” is named after the Goldeneye duck who migrates across the region. The winery grounds provide a lovely and serene setting for wine tasting. Our favorites here are the Anderson Valley, Confluence, and Gowan Creek Pinot Noirs. We also highly recommend the Migration Chardonnay. 9200 Highway 128, Philo 800-208-0438

Londer Vineyards – Since their first vintage in 2001, Larry and Shirlee Londer have been making wines from their estate. Currently, Joe Webb oversees the vineyard management and winemaking, and he is also the winemaker for Foursight (which we haven’t been to yet). We tend to prefer the Pinot Noirs here, particularly the Londer Vineyards Estate, Ferrington Vineyards, and Paraboll. 14051 Highway 128, Boonville 707-895-9001

Lula Cellars – In 2008, Jeff Hansen released his first vintage of Pinot Noir at Lula, named after his grandmother. Come to this tasting salon at The Madrones to find handcrafted, limited production wines which are only sold directly to customers. Our favorites here are the Gewurtztraminer, Rosato, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel. 9000 Highway 128, Philo 707-895-3737

Navarro Vineyards – Navarro has been growing grapes and making wines since 1974, and is one of the best-known and most popular wineries in Anderson Valley. The majority of their wines are sold directly from the winery, and they do not charge for tastings. We usually prefer the white wines here such as the Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Edelzwicker (a “noble mixture” of white Alsatian varietals). 5601 Highway 128, Philo 800-537-9463

Philo Ridge Vineyards – Fred Buonanno and Heather McKelvey make small handcrafted lots of eleven wines but with a total production of only 2500 cases per year. The vineyards may be 5 miles up a dirt road, but you can find their tasting room in downtown Boonville right on Highway 128. We like the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon here the most. Philo Ridge is also part of the Coro Mendocino group, where winemakers create a signature blend individually crafted from Mendocino County grapes in accordance with strict bylaws. 14125 Highway 128, Boonville 707-895-3036

Roederer Estate – Champagne Louis Roederer is a family-owned company with over 200 years of history of fine winemaking. In 1988, Roederer Estate’s Anderson Valley Brut debuted, and the first vintage cuvee (L’Ermitage) debuted in 1993. Given the lineage, the tasting room is a little more rustic than you may expect but this is our favorite source of sparkling wines in Anderson Valley. We absolutely love the L’Ermitage. 4501 Highway 128, Philo 707-895-2288

Favorite Food Stops in Anderson Valley

Boonville General Store – Friendly cafe in the heart of Boonville where close attention is paid to the quality of ingredients that go into their breakfast and lunch offerings. Eat here, or take it to go, but be sure to check out the daily specials on the chalkboard before ordering. 17810 Farrer Lane, Boonville 707-895-9477

The Buckhorn Boonville - A “fine grub pub” in Boonville where you can find steaks, burgers, pizza, and pasta. For drinks, you have your choice between over 40 local wines or 14 beers on tap. This is also a good choice if you are looking for brunch on the weekend. The Buckhorn has a comfortable, warm atmosphere filled with both locals and tourists. 14081 Highway 128, Boonville 707-895-3224

Philo Apple Farm – There’s a farmstand here with delicious products made from certified organically grown apples and pears, including jams, chutneys, vinegars, and apple cider syrup. Our favorites here are the fresh apple juice and apple balsamic vinegar. Adding to the quaintness is the cashbox honor system to make your purchases (so bring cash). 18501 Greenwood Road, Philo 707-895-2333