Wine Adventure In The Anderson Valley

Located northwest of Napa and Sonoma in Mendocino County, the Anderson Valley is a hidden gem for wine lovers. Known for pinot noir and varietals like gewürztraminer and riesling, the Anderson Valley is the perfect place for a wine-filled weekend getaway.

The Anderson Valley offers high-quality wines combined with an intimate tasting experience. We at the Daily Sip recently visited a variety of wineries, and at each we were able to sit down and talk directly with the winemaker, winery owner, and sometimes both. Highlights included talking to winemakers at Handley Cellars and Claudia Springs. Similarly, the friendly owners of Balo Vineyards and Bink Wines were happy to show and tell us their processes for making great wines. This kind of personal attention is rare in higher-profile wine regions.

For scenery, Anderson Valley cannot be beat. If you get the chance, travel to Baxter Winery in the gorgeous hills west of the valley, or to Esterlina Vineyards for a breathtaking view of the valley from the east.

It's easy to make a weekend out of your trip; the Boonville Hotel, which also runs a restaurant with local wine, beer, and great food, is near the wineries and vineyards. For a more secluded setting, the Long Valley Ranch operated by Sheep Dung Estates is located up in the mountains a short drive from Boonville. A great way to see Anderson Valley and the surrounding wine areas is by booking an excursion through Tour Mendocino wines — they specialize in personalized wine tours, customized to your wine preferences. A great way to start planning your visit to Mendocino County is by checking out Visit Mendocino for maps, event calendars, and more inforformation. 

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(Photo Modified: Flickr/EthanPrater)