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WINEGRAPE GROWING SUMMARY

Mendocino grape growers are land stewardswho love and protect the region’s abundant natural resources.  The area is rich with rivers and includes three major drainage basins: Eel, Russian and Coastal.  These waterways are major topographical determinants of agriculture, affecting climate, soil structure and the ecology of the region.  Expansive, diverse and mountainous, Mendocino County offers striking natural beauty, friendly small towns and many outdoor adventures.
 

Mendocino County is rooted in agriculture.  Since the 1850’s, the region has developed a personality influenced by the values of independent family farmers, their respect of the land and their dedication to quality.  Many families have lived for two or more generations on their land.  Some of the Italian American landowners trace their roots to the first settlers.   These legacy  farmers deeply appreciate the connection between man and earth.
 

Mendocino County is the birthplace of organic farming in the California wine industry.  Describing Mendocino as “America’s Greenest Wine Region,” the local farmers, grape growers and winemakers remain at the forefront of the sustainable, organic, Demeter certified Biodynamic®, and Fish Friendly Farming® movements.  The County has the highest percentage of acres farmed by sustainable/organic/biodynamic disciplines.  These farming strategies work with nature to grow quality crops.
 

Working with the California Land Stewardship Institute’s Fish Friendly Farming® (FFF)program, Mendocino County grape growers have implemented protocols to protect native fish populations, restore fish and wildlife habitat and improve water quality.   This voluntary program is in compliance with the rigorous standards of state and federal water quality laws and the federal Endangered Species Act.  fishfriendlyfarming.org.

There are 112 sites in the FFF program, representing 7,564 vineyard acres and 27,336 total acres across the county.  The number of FFF certified properties in Mendocino County today is up 260% since mid-2004; enrollment in the certification process has grown by over 60 sites in the last 2 1/2 years.
 

Wineries & Vineyards

Mendocino County is home to 91 bonded wineries and 343 vineyard entities.  Today, approximately 28% of Mendocino County’s winegrapes are certified organic or Biodynamic, a higher percentage than any other region in the United States

The Mendocino Winegrape & Wine Commission(MWWC) is an alliance of 91 wineries and 343 winegrape growers in Mendocino County.  MWWC promotes and markets the vineyards, wines and people that define Mendocino.  The organization sponsors education and research supporting sustainable viticulture techniques for growing premium grapes in Mendocino’s 12 diverse regions.  www.MendoWine.com
 

Mendocino Winegrape and Wine Commission

525 S. Main Street Suite B
Ukiah, CA 95482
(707) 468-9886
www.mendowine.com

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