Anderson Valley is a small hidden gem of a wine region located in Mendocino County. If you’re a fan of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay you have to make a trip here! Since it’s a smaller wine tasting region, it makes for a perfect last minute wine tasting getaway, as you can usually find reservations on a short notice and/or walk in to most wineries.
The majority of the wineries are located in what’s known as the small town of Philo. From Napa it’s about a 2 hour drive, and from San Francisco it’s 2 and a half. So not bad at all! Anderson Valley is a beautiful wine region, as it’s surrounded by forest and just a few miles from the Pacific coast. It’s a prime growing region for sparkling, white varieties and Pinot Noir due to the cool, foggy, coastal climate. There are over 30 wineries/tasting rooms now in Anderson Valley! Below are some of my personal favorites but you can find a conclusive list here.
Must Visit Wineries in Anderson Valley
Roederer Estate
Start your day here! Gorgeous view and delicious bubbly. They’re owned by Louis Roederer, the famous Champagne house that produces Cristal, so I’d say they know a thing or two about how to make good sparkling wine. They produce everything in the methode champenoise, and have a beautiful lineup of wines to taste. I suggest stocking up on bubbles while you’re here!
Navarro
If you’re a fan of Riesling or Gewurztraminer, you have to stop here. Navarro is an Anderson Valley classic. It’s a small little tasting room, but has a beautiful outdoor patio where you can picnic. The tastings are free (score!) and wine prices are very reasonable.
Toulouse
One of my favorite Anderson Valley wineries to stop at for Pinot Noir. The folks running this cute and rustic tasting spot are always super welcoming and hospitable. I always have a great time here! Bring me back a bottle of the Weir Vineyards Pinot Noir, please!
Goldeneye Winery
Goldeneye is a sister winery to Napa Valley’s Duckhorn. They make several different expressions of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, and the tasting experience is great – more “Napa Valley esque” in their approach (and price) though, so a bit more commercial than the others on this list. Gorgeous views!
Baxter
If you’re a real Pinot Noir critic and are looking for some wines to add to your collection, Baxter should be on your list. These wines are pricier than some of their neighbors but the quality of the wines matches, as they are small production and often single vineyard specific.
Domaine Anderson
I absolutely loved the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at Domaine Anderson. It’s a small, charming little spot that highlights different vineyard specific varietals. All of the wines throughout the entire tasting were consistently good!
Weatherborne
Weatherborne is a fairly new stop in Anderson Valley. It’s a super small boutique wine label that’s made and run solely by owner and winemaker Cris Carter. He started with a love of making Pinot down in the California Central Coast and then made the trek up to relocate to Anderson Valley. I love his minimalist approach to winemaking and focusing on sustainability in the vineyards.
Scharffenberger
Another great sparkling spot in Anderson Valley. Scharffenberger is owned by Roederer Estate, but these bubbles are made in a much more “California” way. Think a little more fruit forward in style. I suggest stopping by if you’re looking to stock up on some affordable bubbly!
Anderson Valley Wineries on My Bucket List to Visit
- Smith Story – they were closed for a holiday break in January when I went.
- Handley Cellars – they were also closed for tastings, only offering bottle pickup.
- Bee Hunter Wines
- Maggy Hawk
- Long Meadow Ranch
Where to Eat When Wine Tasting in Anderson Valley
Given the town of Philo is pretty small, there aren’t a ton of options for food next to all of the wineries. However, many of the wineries offer cheese platters or deli lunch options. I recommend calling ahead to be sure if that’s your plan. If you’d like more options you’ll have to go into Boonville or visit the costal towns and Mendocino. Otherwise, I recommend the below:
- Pennyroyal Farm – alllll the cheese, please
- The Boonville Hotel & Restaurant
- Wickson
Where to Stay When Wine Tasting in Anderson Valley
If you want to be really close to Anderson Valley, stay in Boonville or Philo. However, Mendocino and Little River are only about 45 minutes away if you want to wake up next to the ocean. I’ve included all those options below – these are the recommendations I’ve received from friends and personal favorite stays.
- Boonville Hotel
- Heritage House
- Little River Inn
- Blue Door Inn
- Indian Creek Inn
- Harbor House Inn
- Brewery Gulch Inn
I personally made the 45 minute trek to Mendocino and stayed at Brewery Gulch Inn. I’m so glad I did – nothing beats waking up to the sound of the ocean. And Brewery Gulch was so cute, charming and extremely relaxing!
I hope this blog was helpful in planning your next wine tasting trip to Anderson Valley. Let me know where you go and if you discover any new wineries!
