Anderson Valley
Tucked among the redwoods of northern California’s Mendocino County, just 110 miles northwest of San Francisco, lies the untouched Anderson Valley wine region. As California’s coolest wine-growing area, Anderson Valley is a hidden gem for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Alsatian varietals. Fun fact: Boontling—a folk language created by farmers in the late 1800s—is still spoken here by roughly 100 people. As the Boontling saying goes, get ready for some “bahl hornin” or “good drinking” when you visit Anderson Valley!
This long, narrow valley—15 miles long and just one mile wide—follows the Navarro River from Boonville in the south to Navarro in the north, where the river meets the Pacific Ocean. Ocean fog rolls in from the Mendocino Coast, cooling the valley and creating dramatic temperature swings of up to 50 degrees. These conditions ensure the grapes develop complex flavors by day while preserving their natural acidity at night. The iconic “Deep End,” just 15 miles from the coast, produces some of Anderson Valley’s best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Chardonnay Characteristics
Anderson Valley Chardonnay is celebrated for its vivacity, layered complexity, and balance of fruit and minerality. La Crema’s expression exemplifies this with fruity finesse, notes of lemon, stone fruit, and a hint of spice.
Pinot Noir Characteristics
Known for its vibrant acidity, complex aromatics, and delicate balance of red fruit and earthy undertones, Anderson Valley Pinot Noir is a standout. La Crema’s bright, finessed expression highlights notes of red fruit, forest floor, tea, and exotic spice.
SHOP ANDERSON VALLEY
Whispers of Forests and Flowers
With its cooling maritime influence, dramatic contours, and rocky, mineral-rich soils, Anderson Valley is ideal for growing grapes. These soils lend complexity and a refined austerity to the wines. Coastal redwoods, Douglas firs, and wild flora—like the mint-scented pennyroyal flower—impart earthy, fragrant aromatics.
Beyond Wine
The sun-dappled drive through the redwoods is reason enough to visit Anderson Valley—there’s no wine region quite like it! Beyond wine tasting, explore apple farms, wander the pygmy forests, or hike along the breathtaking Mendocino Coast and stay in one of the many romantic B&Bs.
