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A Rich Tradition
If you like wine, you’re in for a treat when traveling though Mendocino County. With 10 separate wine regions and a huge selection of varietals, this area has a lot to offer any wine aficionado. Though small, Mendocino County is known for producing world-class wines, a tradition that started more than 125 years ago. European settlers began planting vines on hills and in valleys that were reminiscent of their homelands. Many settlers were attracted to California by the promise of Gold Rush riches. When such promises proved exaggerated, some turned to winemaking.
Mendocino County’s first winery was established in 1879 by Louis Finne, near where Hopland is today. Since the fruit did not usually survive transport before the railroad’s arrival in the county, many grape growers built their own wineries and produced “jug” or bulk wines. County records show that winemaking was well established by 1900. The big wine boom explosion happened in the 1960s. Today, more than 60 wineries are found in the area. The region produces an abundance of award-winning vintages, and the business is the largest non-manufacturing industry in the county.
Explore Wineries By Area
Anderson Valley
On Highway 128 going through Yorkville, Boonville, Philo and Navarro.
Inland
On Highway 101 from Hopland flowing up through Ukiah, The Redwood Valley and Willits.
Coastal
On Highway 1 from Gualala through Point Arena, Mendocino, Fort Bragg and Westport.
