Quick Facts on Mendocino Wine Country

Location: Mendocino County is part of California's famous North Coast wine region. Directly north of Sonoma County, Mendocino County begins about 90 miles north of San Francisco. The Mendocino wine region is bounded by California's Coastal Mountain Range, the Pacific Ocean, and the great northern redwood forests.

Geographic Features: Mendocino's vineyards are divided among several small Mayacamas and Coastal Range mountain valleys, following the drainages of the Russian and Navarro Rivers. Vineyards rise from the river plains, onto the benchlands above.

Grape Harvest Months: September-October

Average Summer Temperature Range: 45-95"F

Average Rainfall: 36.6 inches (in Ukiah)

Average Growing Season: 225 days

First Vineyards Planted: 1850s

Total County Acreage: 2,248,000

Total Vineyard Acreage: 15,500

Number of Vineyards: 340

Certified Organic: 25% of total vineyard acreage

Number of Wineries: 50

Principal Varietals:

• Chardonnay
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Gewürztraminer
• Riesling
• Zinfandel
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Pinot Noir
• Petite Sirah
• Syrah
• Viognier

Viticultural Areas:

• Mendocino (BATF Approved Viticultural Area)
• Anderson Valley (BATF Approved Viticultural Area)
• McDowell Valley (BATF Approved Viticultural Area)
• Potter Valley (BATF Approved Viticultural Area)
• Cole Ranch (BATF Approved Viticultural Area)
• Redwood Valley (BATF Approved Viticultural Area)
• Yorkville Highlands (pending BATF approval)
• Ukiah Valley (proposed viticultural area)
• Sanel Valley (proposed viticultural area)
• Mendocino Ridge (BATF Approved Viticultural Area)