Mendocino Ridge AVA

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Mendocino Ridge
Wine region
Type American Viticultural Area
Year established1997 [1]
2024 Rename [2]
Years of wine industry164 [1]
CountryUnited States
Part of California, North Coast AVA, Mendocino County
Other regions in California, North Coast AVA, Mendocino County Eagle Peak Mendocino County AVA, Cole Ranch AVA, Comptche AVA, Covelo AVA, Dos Rios AVA, McDowell Valley AVA, Mendocino AVA, Potter Valley AVA, Redwood Valley AVA, Yorkville Highlands AVA
Sub-regions Anderson Valley AVA
Growing season275-300 days [1]
Precipitation (annual average)49.46 in (1,256.28 mm) [3]
Soil conditionsUstic-isomesic type [3]
Total area262,400 acres (410 sq mi) [1]
Size of planted vineyards75 acres (30 ha) [1]
No. of vineyards17 [4]
Grapes produced Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Albariño, Grüner Veltliner [5]
No. of wineries4 [1] [4]

Mendocino Ridge is a coastal, cool climate and high altitude American Viticultural Area (AVA) located entirely within the coastal zone of Mendocino County, California. The viticultural area was established on October 27, 1997 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Mr. Steve Alden on behalf of the Mendocino Ridge Quality Alliance proposing a viticultural area named "Mendocino Ridge." The boundaries of the 262,400 acres (410 sq mi) AVA encompass the coastal ridges at or above 1,200 ft (366 m) in elevation adjacent to the Pacific Ocean that reach inland toward the Anderson Valley. Roughly 36 mi (58 km) of the southernmost portion of the Mendocino coastline forms the AVA western border, with the Sonoma County line as the southern boundary, the Navarro River is the northern boundary and Anderson Valley outlines the inland boundary running northwest–southeast. Mendocino Ridge is essentially a northern extension of the Sonoma Coast viticultural area. [1] [6] Mendocino Ridge AVA designation is unique by its elevation where vineyards lie at or above 1,200 ft (366 m). This means Mendocino Ridge is the only non-contiguous AVA in the United States. [7] The Mendocino Ridge AVA has been nicknamed "Islands in the Sky," because the thick fog moving inland from the Pacific Ocean blankets the coast and the valleys between the ridge tops, making the tops of the mountains, where the vinyards lay, look like islands protruding from a sea of fog. Mendocino Ridge AVA lies above the Anderson Valley and Mendocino appellations. [1] The Mendocino Ridge viticultural area contains approximately 1,500 to 2,000 acres (607–809 ha), about 2% of the total acreage, that are suitable for vineyards. The local hillsides are very steep (often above 70%) and covered with timber, making them unfit for viticulture. [6] Estimates of planted acres range from 233 to 410, which accounts for about 0.3% of the total area. [1]

The average high temperature is 75.9 °F (24.4 °C) and the average low temperature is 49.4 °F (9.7 °C). The diurnal variation during the growing season is significantly less than the Anderson Valley (20 degrees versus 40-50 degrees in Anderson Valley), and daytime high temperatures are often 10 degrees cooler than in the Anderson Valley. [6] The soil composition is of the "timber" type, shallow and with good drainage due to the ridge top locations. Average annual rainfall average is 49.46 in (1,256.28 mm), [1] leaving sufficient groundwater to dry farm vineyards. [1] [8]

While Mendocino Ridge was only approved as an AVA in 1997, it has some of the oldest vineyards in the region. Italian immigrants in the late 1800s planted on Greenwood Ridge and surrounding areas, preferring zinfandel which remains a popular varietal in the AVA, although Pinot noir has become the most common grape in the region since the 1990s. [6] Other plantings (ordered by decreasing representation in total acres) include Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Primitivo, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grüner Veltliner. Much of the non-planted land is covered by Redwood and Douglas Fir trees. [1] [5] [9]

In January 2024, a petition was submitted by the Mendocino Ridge AVA Board of Directors to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury for review proposing to rename the established Mendocino Ridge AVA to Mendocino Coast Ridge. The petition was signed by representatives of six vineyards and wineries within the AVA. [2]

Related Research Articles

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An American Viticultural Area (AVA) is a designated wine grape-growing region in the United States, providing an official appellation for the mutual benefit of wineries and consumers. Winemakers frequently want their consumers to know about the geographic pedigree of their wines, as wines from a particular area can possess distinctive characteristics. Consumers often seek out wines from specific AVAs, and certain wines of particular pedigrees can claim premium prices and loyal customers. If a wine is labeled with an AVA, at least 85% of the grapes that make up the wine must have been grown in the AVA, and the wine must be fully finished within the state where the AVA is located.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arroyo Seco AVA</span> Appelation that designates wine in Monterey County, CA

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chalone AVA</span> Appelation that designates wine in Monterey County, CA

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Willamette Valley AVA</span> Wine region in Oregon, United States

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Columbia Valley AVA</span> American Viticultural Area in Washington and Oregon

Columbia Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) which lies within the Columbia River Plateau, through much of central and southern Washington state, with a section crossing the state boundary into northern Oregon south of the Columbia River. The viticultural area includes the drainage basin of the Columbia River and its tributaries through much of Washington. It was established by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury on December 13, 1984 after evaluating the petition filed by Drs, Walter Clore and Wade Wolfe of Prosser, Washington on behalf of Washington’s oldest and largest winery, Chateau Ste. Michelle, and by William Blosser of the Sokol Blosser Winery, Dundee, Oregon. Allen Shoup, president of Chateau Ste. Michelle, understood the importance of obtaining appellation status to grow the reputation of the Northwest viticulture industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Walla Walla Valley AVA</span> American Viticultural Area (AVA) within Washington state

Walla Walla Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located within Washington state and extending partly into the northeastern corner of Oregon. The wine region is entirely included within the larger Columbia Valley AVA. In addition to grapes, the area produces sweet onions, wheat and strawberries After the Yakima Valley AVA, the Walla Walla AVA has the second highest concentration of vineyards and wineries in Washington State. Walla Walla hosts about 140 wineries. The area was recognized on March 7, 1984 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Mr. Richard L Small, President of the Walla Walla Valley Winegrowers Association, for the establishment of a viticultural area in southeast Washington and northeast Oregon, east of Lake Wallula, to be known as "Walls Walls Valley." At the time, Walla Walla Valley viticultural area was approximately 178,560 acres (279 sq mi) with two bonded wineries and about 60 acres (24 ha) from several vineyards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Temecula Valley AVA</span> American Viticultural Area in California

Temecula Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the Temecula Valley, located in southwestern Riverside County, California against the eastern slopes of the Santa Ana Mountains. It was initially established by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury as "Temecula" on October 23, 1984 based on submitted petitions from by the Rancho Califomia/Temecula Winegrowers Association and Callaway Vineyard and Winery, Temecula, California in 1982. It was renamed "Temecula Valley" by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) in 2004, approving the 2001 petition by Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association. The petition stated the name change would provide a more accurate description of the Temecula geography and greater clarity as to its location for wine consumers and the public. The petition did not request any change to the established AVA boundaries. This was the first American Viticultural Area to change its name after the initial approval. Temecula Valley encompasses 33,000 acres (52 sq mi) and 5,000 acres (8 sq mi) is located in a "protected" area referred to as the Citrus/Vineyard Zone. This area is generally located in and around the Rancho California Road area with Riverside County. County guidelines strictly enforce the number of acres needed to build a winery, lodging and other limited housing and commercial ventures.

Cole Ranch is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in Mendocino County, California. The small viticultural area was established on April 15, 1983 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by the proprietor of Cole Ranch in Ukiah, California. At less than a quarter of a square mile, it is the smallest appellation in the United States. The viticultural area is located in a small, narrow mountain valley west of Hwy 101 on the 500 acres (0.78 sq mi) ranch originally owned by the Cole family. The valley is approximately one mile in length and a half mile across at its widest point tucked into the high hills ranging from 1,400 to 1,600 ft (427–488 m) in elevation. The AVA is located between the Russian River and Anderson Valley. Several prominent wineries source grapes from Cole Ranch including Fetzer Vineyards and Chateau St. Jean. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Pinot Noir and Riesling are the most popular planting. Cole Ranch viticultural area is sub-region of Mendocino AVA. As of 2024, the Sterling family, proprietors of the Esterlina Winery located at Philo, owns the vineyard acreage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central Coast AVA</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anderson Valley AVA</span> Appelation that designates wine in Mendocino County, California, U.S.

Anderson Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in Anderson Valley in the western part of Mendocino County, California lying generally along the watershed of the Navarro River. The viticultural area was established on August 18, 1983 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by the Anderson Valley Appellation Committee proposing a viticultural area to be named "Anderson Valley." It encompasses about 57,600 acres (90 sq mi) with 600 acres (243 ha) of vineyards widely dispersed within its boundaries. It is known primarily for its Pinot noir and sparkling wine production.

Arroyo Grande Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in San Luis Obispo County, California approximately 12 miles (19 km) southeast of the county seat San Luis Obispo. Arroyo Grande Valley was recognized on February 5, 1990 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as the state's 60th AVA based on the petition filed in 1987 by Don Talley of Talley Vineyards and William S. Greenough of Saucelito Canyon Vineyard for the establishment of the "Arroyo Grande Valley" viticultural area in San Luis Obispo County. The 16 miles (26 km) long, approximately 67 square miles valley appellation benefits from its east-northeast orientation allowing the breeze from the Pacific Ocean to moderate the climate of the area. The valley is divided by a fog line produced by the cool maritime layer where Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Rhône varietals are grown on the higher elevations near Lopez Lake and the cooler mid-valley vineyards being home to Chardonnay and Pinot noir. On April 8, 2022, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) approved the designation of the expansive San Luis Obispo (SLO) Coast AVA overlapping the boundaries of Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley viticultural areas because they share common features. However, these two previously established areas still have unique characteristics to retain their viticultural area distinctions within SLO Coast. Edna Valley lies immediately to the northwest, the Los Padres National Forest straddles the north leg boundary, the Santa Maria Valley AVA lies to the southeast of Arroyo Grande Valley, and the Pacific Ocean communities of Oceano, Grover City and Arroyo Grande abut its southwestern border.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St. Helena AVA</span> American Viticultural Area in California

St. Helena is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located within Napa Valley, centered in and around the town of St. Helena, California. It was established by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) on October 11, 1995, after the ATF received a petition from Mr. Charles A. Carpy, Chairman of the St. Helena Appellation Committee, proposing to establish a new viticultural area in Napa County to be known as "St. Helena."

Mendocino is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in Mendocino County, California within the vast 3,251,042 acres (5,080 sq mi) multi-county North Coast appellation. Mendocino viticultural area was established on June 15, 1984 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing a petition submitted by Mr. James A. Beckman, Vice-President of Guild Wineries and Distilleries, on behalf of 113 local viticulture industry members within Mendocino County, proposing a viticultural area to be known as "Mendocino." The viticultural area encompasses eight valleys including Anderson Valley, Potter Valley, Redwood Valley, Capella Valley, Ukiah Valley, Knights (McNab) Valley, Sanel Valley, and McDowell Valley. Several smaller sub-AVAs are nested within the Mendocino appellation that largely encompasses Mendocino County, California. Mendocino AVA is known for the cultivation of Mediterranean climate grapes including Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Zinfandel. Because of its cooler climate, the Anderson Valley is known for its Pinot noir and sparkling wine production. Many wineries in nearby Sonoma, Napa and Lake counties source Mendocino grapes to blend into wines labeled with their appellations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Howell Mountain AVA</span> Appelation that designates wine in Napa County, California

Howell Mountain is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in Napa County, California and the first sub-AVA within the internationally-acclaimed Napa Valley. The 14,080 acres (22 sq mi) region was effectively recognized on January 30, 1984 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by members of the grape-growing and wine-producing industries in the area proposing to establish a viticultural area named "Howell Mountain."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Hills Lake County AVA</span> American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Lake County, California

Red Hills Lake County is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in Lake County, California and was established by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) on September 10, 2004. Part of the Mayacamas Range, the region lies along the southeastern shores of Clear Lake, separating Excelsior Valley to the east from Big Valley to the west. The hills lie at the foot of Mount Konocti, a volcano which last erupted 11,000 years ago, but which is still regarded as active. The terrain is rolling hills with elevations between 1,400 feet (430 m) and 3,000 feet (910 m) above sea level. Red Hills receives an average of 25 to 40 inches (635–1,016 mm) of rainfall annually.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Santa Lucia Highlands AVA</span> Appelation that designates wine in Monterey County, CA

Santa Lucia Highlands is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in central Monterey County, California and lies within the boundaries of the larger, elongated Monterey viticultural area. It was recognized by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms {ATF}, Treasury on June 15, 1992 after reviewing the petition from Mr. Barry Jackson of the Harmony Wine Company proposing a viticultural area to be known as "Santa Lucia Highlands."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sta. Rita Hills AVA</span> Winemaking region in California, United States

Sta. Rita Hills is an American Viticultural Area located in Santa Barbara County, California within the vast Santa Ynez Valley. The approximately 30,720 acres (48 sq mi) area was established on May 31, 2001 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Department of the Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by J. Richard Sanford and drafted by Wesley D. Hagen, on behalf of viticulturists and vintners working in Santa Barbara County. The petition was signed by 22 people, 14 of whom are local wine grape growers, to establish a viticultural area encompassed by, but separate from, the Santa Ynez Valley AVA to be named "Santa Rita Hills."

Kelsey Bench-Lake County is an American Viticultural Area located in Lake County, California. The area was home to some 900 acres (360 ha) of vines across 27 vineyards when it was officially established as an AVA by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) in October 2013. Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier and Riesling are the principal white grape varieties within Kelsey Bench and its neighbor the Big Valley District AVA. Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Franc varieties make up the majority of red grape plantings in the area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Santa Barbara County wine</span> Wine region in California, US

Santa Barbara County wine is an appellation that designates wine made from grapes grown mostly in Santa Barbara County, California which is located approximately 50 miles (80 km) north of Los Angeles County. County names in the United States automatically qualify as legal appellations of origin for wine produced from grapes grown in that county and do not require registration with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) of the Treasury Department. TTB was created in January 2003, when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, or ATF, was extensively reorganized under the provisions of the Homeland Security Act of 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monterey County wine</span> Appelation that designates wine in Monterey County, CA

Monterey County wine is a appellation that designates wine made from grapes grown in Monterey County, California which lies entirely within the expansive multi-county Central Coast viticultural area. County names in the United States automatically qualify as legal appellations of origin for wine produced from grapes grown in that county and do not require registration with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). TTB was created in January 2003, when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, or ATF, was extensively reorganized under the provisions of the Homeland Security Act of 2002.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "Mendocino Ridge Viticultural Area (95R-017P)" (27 CFR Part 9 [TD ATF-392] RIN 1512-AA07 Final Rule). Federal Register . 62 (207). Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury: 55512–55516. October 27, 1997.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. 1 2 "Proposed Renaming of the Mendocino Ridge Viticultural Area" (27 CFR Part 9 [Docket No. TTB–2023–0009; Notice No. 227] RIN 1513–AC80 Proposed). Federal Register . 89 (4). Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury: 730–733. January 5, 2024.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
  3. 1 2 "Mendocino Ridge Viticultural Area (95R-017P)" (27 CFR Part 9 [Notice No. 848] RIN 1512-AA07 Proposed). Federal Register . 62 (66). Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury: 16502–16506. April 7, 1997.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  4. 1 2 "Mendocino Ridge". Everyvine.com. 2024.
  5. 1 2 "Mendocino Ridge (AVA): Appellation Description". Appellation America. 2007. Archived from the original on May 31, 2008. Retrieved January 21, 2008.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Gaffney, Rusty (January 22, 2010). "Mendocino Ridge: New Frontier for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay". PinotFile. 8 (9). Archived from the original on December 19, 2014. Retrieved December 18, 2014.
  7. ↑ "Mendocino Ridge Wineries". AmericanWineryGuide.com. Archived from the original on December 6, 2021. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  8. ↑ Gaffney, Rusty (June 24, 2012). "Mendocino Ridge: California's Best Kept Secret Source of Spectacular Wines". Pinot File. Vol. 9, no. 8. Retrieved December 19, 2014.
  9. ↑ Stewart, Rhoda (April 16, 2009). "Mendocino Ridge AVA is Zinfandel Heaven". Appellation America. Archived from the original on June 25, 2009. Retrieved December 19, 2014.

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