If you're here, that means you've already heard about Anderson Valley Wineries and now we're going to explore this secret region that's growing and producing some of the most interesting, critically-acclaimed wine in the world! Shall we?
After exploring the region this year and tasting through what it has to offer, I've put together this guide to the Anderson Valley, the best wineries, great food, and some fun little things to see and do. The guide has reviews of wine tasting experiences both in the tasting rooms located throughout the Valley, as well as wineries in other regions that produce wines using grapes grown in the Anderson Valley.
There are recommendations for where to stay, where to eat, and what to do in the Anderson Valley in addition to wine tasting, so you can plan your own perfect getaway as soon as this weekend.
Jump to:
- Where is the Anderson Valley?
- What Wine Region is Anderson Valley?
- What Wines are in Anderson Valley?
- Where to Go Wine Tasting in Anderson Valley
- Best Anderson Valley Wineries Guide
- Where to Eat in the Anderson Valley
- Best Hotels and Lodging Options in the Anderson Valley
- How to Get to the Anderson Valley
- Food and Anderson Valley Wine Pairing Recommendations
- List of Anderson Valley Wines
- Pear, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Pizza Recipe
And if you can’t quite squeeze a trip into your schedule in the immediate future, I’ve included some specific food and Anderson Valley wine pairing recommendations at the end so you can experience the Anderson Valley at home.
If you're just here for the wine, jump ahead to the Anderson Valley Wineries Guide below! Otherwise, keep reading...
Where is the Anderson Valley?
Anderson Valley, a narrow 15-mile long valley, is located about 100 miles north of San Francisco, or 2½ hours drive-time. See the pink shaded rectangle on the map above. The valley stretches diagonally southeast to the northwest along Highway 128 from just north of Sonoma toward the Pacific Ocean. However, the Anderson Valley is not part of Sonoma County. It can be confusing because the Alexander Valley is part of Sonoma. Anderson Valley is part of Mendocino County.
The three towns in Anderson Valley are Boonville on the eastern end, Philo in the middle, and Navarro on the western, or "Deep End," closest to the ocean.
What Wine Region is Anderson Valley?
Anderson Valley is its own American Viticultural Area (AVA) within the greater Mendocino County AVA. Vineyards and wineries have existed in the area for decades, with the earliest vines planted in the mid-1800s! But it wasn't until 1983 that "Anderson Valley" became recognized as an official AVA. Anderson Valley, along with its siblings like Mendocino Ridge and Yorkville Highlands, and well-known cousins Napa Valley and Sonoma are all part of the North Coast AVA of California.
The Anderson Valley AVA is one of the northernmost wine growing regions in California, which of course makes it one of the coolest. However the cool factor doesn't stop there. With its transverse orientation and deep, narrow shape accentuated by towering redwoods, the Anderson Valley acts as a natural funnel, pulling misty breezes and fog from the Pacific Ocean into the Valley.
Does that description sound vaguely familiar? It should. Four hundred miles to the south, the topography of the Santa Barbara wine region is shaped the same way! We'll see how this creates somewhat parallel wine production in terms of varietals in the two regions.
Rain is more plentiful in the Anderson Valley than other parts of California. In fact, the weather was perfectly sunny my entire time there, then dramatically changed to rain storms the day we left!
What Wines are in Anderson Valley?
The Anderson Valley is known for a few different types of wines—Pinot Noir, sparkling wine, and Alsatian varietals—all of which thrive in the characteristically cool, foggy climate of the region. Let's get into the big ones.
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
The most well-known and critically-acclaimed wine from Anderson Valley is Pinot Noir. The Pinot Noirs from Anderson Valley typically taste like:
- bright red fruit flavors
- earthy, umami, mushrooms
- forest floor
These delicate, thin-skinned grapes grow well in the cool valley climate that is naturally regulated by the breezes and fog off the Pacific Ocean. Diurnal temperature variation, the difference between the lowest temperature and highest temperature of the day, is wide in the Valley, up to fifty degrees in variation. The warmer daily temperatures and longer summers are when sugar and flavor develop in the grapes. But the cool temperatures and fog help Pinot Noir growers develop acid to keep the grapes balanced.
California Sparkling Wines
Sparkling wines in the Anderson Valley are made from both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, several in méthode champenoise. The sparkling wines have a similar Champagne toastiness. Most recognizable is Roederer Estate, the California branch of French Champagne house Louis Roederer.
Anderson Valley Chardonnay
Around the world, Chardonnay often grows in the same regions as Pinot Noir, and it's definitely the case in the Anderson Valley, where Chardonnay can ripen in warmer microclimates inside the valley. Chardonnay is the second most abundant grape varietal grown in the Valley after Pinot Noir.
Alsatian
For the same reasons that Pinot Noir grows well in Anderson Valley, Alsatian varietals like Gewurztraminer and Riesling thrive, though the production volume is much smaller. Alsatian varieties are a mere 5% of total versus Pinot Noir which is almost 70%. (via)
How Many Wineries are in Anderson Valley?
There are 30 wineries in the Anderson Valley and 90 vineyards across 2,500 acres. That's a lot of numbers, but they're actually quite small. To get a sense of Anderson Valley's size, compare it to its well-known neighbor to the South, Sonoma, which has more than 500 wineries across 60,000 acres. Anderson Valley is truly something small and special.
Where to Go Wine Tasting in Anderson Valley
The region is small, but give yourself two full days to really dive into what Anderson Valley has to offer. As is my recommendation for wine tasting in any region, scheduling 2-3 wineries per day as a reliable itinerary. In the Anderson Valley, where the entire region is 15 miles along a single "highway" that is more of a cute little street in some places, this is totally doable.
Best Anderson Valley Wineries Guide
Goldeneye Winery
Did your mind immediately go to James Bond with the mention of Goldeneye? The association with 007 might be first for most people, but if you're a Pinot Noir enthusiast, Goldeneye offers one of the best representations of Pinot Noir from the Anderson Valley.
- 2021 Vin Gris of Pinot Noir, a very light rosé
- 2018 Sparkling Brut Rosé - white peach, nectarine, wild strawberry, key lime, brioche
- 2019 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir - cranberry, strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, dried herbs, pennyroyal
- 2019 Confluence Vineyard Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley - strawberry, plum, mint, wildflowers, black tea
- 2019 Gowan Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley - glacé cherry, blueberry pie, fresh rosemary
- 2018 Calera Mt. Harlan Pinot Noir, Ryan Vineyard - red cherry, dried herbs, fresh cracked black pepper
Inside Tip: Goldeneye's entry-level Pinot Noir is available at costco.
Goldeneye Winery
9200 Highway 128
Philo, CA 95466
www.goldeneyewinery.com/
wines: cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Drew Cellars, Tasting Room at The Madrones
- 2020 'Bahl Briney' Chardonnay, Anderson Valley
- 2019 Valenti Ranch Pinot Noir, Mendocino Ridge
- 2018 Morning Dew Ranch Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley
- 2019 Valenti Ranch Syrah, Mendocino Ridge
Drew Cellars
Tasting Room at The Madrones
9000 Highway 128, Philo, CA 95466
Winery at 31351 Greenwood Road, Elk, CA 95432
www.drewwines.com
wines: cool climate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah
Longmeadow Ranch, Tasting Room at The Madrones
Longmeadow Ranch is a Napa-based winery with vineyard estates in a few different locations, including the Anderson Valley. The Anderson Valley vineyards produce grapes for their Anderson Valley AVA sparkling wine, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Their satellite tasting room is located in The Madrones complex and hosts tastings indoors as well as outside at high tables. The tasting room also carries a selection of their Longmeadow Ranch Farmstead products like olive oils and vinegars. Tasting room manager Mark is awesome.
- 2017 Blanc de Noir Sparkling Wine, Anderson Valley
- 2018 Chardonnay, Anderson Valley
- 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley
- 2018 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley
- 2018 'Pinole" Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley
Longmeadow Ranch
Tasting Room at The Madrones
9000 Highway 128, Philo, CA 95466
www.longmeadowranch.com
wines: estate-grown Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir
Roederer Estate
- Brut Multi Vintage
- Brut Multi Vintage, magnum
- Brut Rosé Multi Vintage
- 2015 l'Ermitage
- Roederer Estate Extra Dry
Insider Tip: Roederer Estate Brut Multi Vintage is available in some grocery store wine sections!
Roederer Estate
4501 Highway 128
Philo, CA 95466
(707) 895-2288
www.roedererestate.com
wines: California sparkling wine
Husch Vineyards
Husch Vineyards is a family-owned winery originally founded by the Husch family and now owned and operated by the Oswald family. With its first crush in 1971, Husch is the first and oldest winery in the Anderson Valley.
The cottage at Philo Apple Farm where we stayed had a bottle of Husch Vineyards Chardonnay chilling for me when we got there. The Chardonnay was an easy sipper and tasted exactly like the vibe: sitting on the front porch of a farm cottage in the late afternoon surrounded by apple trees and speckled sunlight.
Husch Vineyards
4400 CA-128, Philo, CA 95466
www.huschvineyards.com
wines: cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Alsatian varietals
Handley Cellars
Handley Cellars
3151 CA-128, Philo, CA 95466
handleycellars.com
wines: organic estate-grown cool climate sparkling, red and white wines
Scharffenberger Cellars
Scharffenberger, yes that Scharffenberger that made chocolate, now makes sparkling wine in the Anderson Valley in the traditional méthode champenoise. Neighboring Roederer Estate bought the winery, and the two maintain their own identities. The tasting room is open, and requires a reservation via their website.
Scharffenberger Cellars
8501 CA-128, Philo, CA 95466
scharffenbergercellars.com
wines: California sparkling wine
Maggy Hawk
Maggy Hawk
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
9001 CA-128, Philo, CA 95466
www.maggyhawk.com
Minus Tide
Minus Tide
no official tasting room; stop into Disco Ranch (local wine store) and pick up a bottle or they may already have a bottle open to taste by the glass!
www.minutstidewines.com
wines: food-friendly Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Carignan, and Syrah
Read Holland
Read Holland Wines
www.readhollandwines.com
wines: boutique production Riesling
Visiting the Anderson Valley
Where to Eat in the Anderson Valley
After a day of tasting at Anderson Valley wineries, whether nearby along Highway 128 or a little farther out throughout Mendocino County, these are the best places to come back to and have a wine-centric (or not!) meal, from fine dining restaurants to a BYOB pizza pop-up and all the best in between.
Boonville Hotel
Boonville Hotel's restaurant serves a prix fixe dinners in the hotel courtyard in the summer and in the dining room or guest rooms during the cooler months. Chef Perry Hoffman's wine-friendly food reflects the hotel garden, local farms, and the seasons with dishes like roasted lamb shank, local salmon, and on some special summer Sundays, paella. You can make reservations online via tock. There were no reservations available when I planned the trip, but one popped up last-minute while I was there!
Boonville Hotel
14050 Highway 128 Boonville, CA 95415
(707) 895-2210
www.boonvillehotel.com
Lauren's Good Food
Lauren's Good Food at the Buckhorn is a casual restaurant. Think sandwiches, salads, and burgers. There's a dining room inside, along with a full bar inside that hosts a Trivia Night. There are a few tables on the front porch that's also open for dogs. If you bring your pupper, the kitchen can make a "puppy patty" that is just a plain hamburger patty with no seasonings on a plate. Bruno loved it.
Lauren's Good Food
14081 Hwy 128, Boonville, CA 95415
(707) 895-3869
Offspring Pizza
Offspring Pizza started as a pop-up in the Farrer building, across the street from the Boonville Hotel. It is currently in the process of getting a full set-up, and meanwhile turning out amazing pizza from its wood-fired oven. Order at the counter, take your number to a table out on the patio. When we went, there was no alcohol, not even BYO.
Offspring Pizza
14111 CA-128, Boonville, CA 95415
(707) 972-2655
www.offspringpizza.com
Roederer Estate offers a tightly curated menu of small bites like cheese and charcuterie, smoked salmon, duck rillettes, crostini, mimosa eggs, and caviar to accompany their tastings.
Additional Dining Recommendations from Locals
Bewildered Pig just north of Philo is good for for beautifully presented local, seasonal food.
Best Hotels and Lodging Options in the Anderson Valley
Part of the reason Anderson Valley remains under the radar is that it is not (yet?) set up for commercial tourism like its neighbors Napa and Sonoma. The valley itself has a few tiny hotels, each with just a few rooms that can be identified by name, e.g. "oh you're going to Anderson Valley, you should stay in the Tower room!"
The other option for lodging is to stay in a hotel or vacation rental homes in one of the many towns along the coast, including Mendocino. I've included recommendations for these places at the end of this section.
Philo Apple Farm's Private Cottages
Philo Apple Farm is a working organic apple orchard that grows apples, related tree fruits like pears and quince, and produces various apple-adjacent products like jams, cider and vinegars. The owner family lives on the property, and has three small cottages they rent out to guests in an original B & B format. Not like "airbnb," but an actual original Bed and Breakfast. You can book the cottages on their website.
We stayed in one of the cottages for a weekend. The cottage was cozy, the bed was comfortable, especially after long days of wine-tasting. Bruno appreciated the “pet-friendly” front door that he could just push open and go outside by himself.
Here’s why you want to stay at Philo Apple Farm:
- Self-service: Virtually everything about the property is self-service, from check-in to morning coffee and light breakfast, to check-out. As a germophobic introvert, I appreciate this immensely.
- Covid-19 precautions: in addition to everything being self-service so you don't really interact with anyone except your own party, there are unobtrusive signs reminding guests about masks and social distancing.
- Super quiet. Like literally, *crickets* quiet.
- All of the grounds including the actual production apple orchard are open for walking and exploring
- 100% pet-friendly, and so convenient that each cottage's front door literally opens up to the outside.
Philo Apple Farm
18501 Philo Greenwood Rd, Philo, CA 95466
(707) 621-0335
www.philoapplefarm.com
Boonville Hotel
The Boonville Hotel, along with the Madrones (below), is one of the better known hotels in the Anderson Valley. There are 17 rooms, a few that are pet-friendly. A reservation at the hotel includes a reservation for dinner in their restaurant.
Boonville Hotel
14050 Highway 128 Boonville, CA 95415
(707) 895-2210
www.boonvillehotel.com
The Madrones
The Madrones is a converted estate that has guest quarters, tasting rooms, a restaurant, and a green herb "apothecary." There are nine Estate rooms, and recent addition, two rooms set slightly apart from the main complex, called The Brambles.
The Madrone and The Brambles
9000 CA-128, Philo, CA 95466
(707) 895-2955
www.themadrones.com
Toward the Mendocino Coast
Locals and travel experts have recommended the following much larger hotels and resort style properties in and around Mendocino:
- Newport Ranch
- Stanford Inn
- Brewery Gulch
- Harbor House Inn in Elk has a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Other Anderson Valley Food Things
Philo Apple Farm, which has the cottages where we stayed, is an organic apple orchard that offers most of their fresh fruit along with associated food things like ciders, jams, and vinegars from their on-farm stand. Payment is via honor system. The Farm also hosts special cooking classes, dinners, and events throughout the year.
Anderson Valley Brewing
17700 Highway 253, Boonville, CA 95415
707-895-2337
www.avbc.com
Boonville Barn Collective is a small farm in the town of Boonville that specializes in, of all things, hot chili peppers. The farm started with a chili pepper variety that is known as Piment d'Espelette in France. Piment de'Espelette has an official AOC classification, so Boonville Barn names their peppers "Piment d'Ville" because it's grown outside of the Espelette region of France. The farm is not open to the public, but their dried chili powders are available in specialty food shops and of course, online. Peep this interview with the lady-founder/owner Krissy Sommegna that my friends at California Grown did!
How to Get to the Anderson Valley
You can get to the Anderson Valley by driving or flying. Making a longer road trip out of the Mendocino coast and through the north counties of California is highly recommended!
Driving to Anderson Valley
The Anderson Valley is a 2½-ish hour drive north from San Francisco. Though the actual mileage is about 120 miles, the last leg of the drive along Highway 128 is only two lanes that winds through gentle hills and redwood forests. You will occasionally see logging trucks hauling loads of redwoods.
From San Francisco: The fastest, most direct to Anderson Valley from San Francisco is taking US-101 north, passing through Marin, then through the familiar cities of Santa Rosa then Healdsburg. At the town of Cloverdale, take Highway 128 west toward Mendocino. From Cloverdale, you will get to the edge of Anderson Valley in about 45 minutes.
You can also take the scenic route that meanders along the coast from San Francisco to Mendocino, then cuts across inland on Highway 128. This route takes about 5 hours with no stops. Breaking this up into a multi-day road trip with overnight stops along the way is highly recommended.
From Los Angeles: The drive to the Anderson Valley from Los Angeles is just under 500 miles and averages about 8 hours, though you can breeze through in just under 7½ hours if you time it correctly to avoid LA and Bay area traffic (and get lucky!). The route is the usual I-5 north toward the Bay area, then along the East Bay. I have done this LA-Bay area drive countless times first as a college student at Cal, then as a Bay area food scenester.
Flying to Anderson Valley
If you're visiting Anderson Valley from anywhere that requires a flight first, you have two options, both of which still let you enjoy an hour of driving through valleys and redwood trees.
You can fly into Oakland (OAK) or San Francisco (SFO) on most commercial airlines, then drive the 2½ hours to the Anderson Valley. You can also fly into Santa Rosa (STS), a smaller airport that serves Sonoma County, rent a car, then drive the hour or so to Anderson Valley. American Airlines and Alaska Airlines have flights into Santa Rosa.
There is a tiny airstrip in Boonville into which you can fly with a lightweight plane. No commercial airlines fly directly into the Anderson Valley.
Food and Anderson Valley Wine Pairing Recommendations
If you can’t wait to head out to the Anderson Valley, grab a couple Anderson Valley AVA wines and do your own wine tasting tour at home! A wine-friendly cheese and charcuterie board is always a great background for a tasting, but a meal really lets you get the full feel of a wine.
Here are some recipes and suggested wine pairings from this guide. If the recipes feel heavily weighted toward fish and seafood, that's not a coincidence. The Anderson Valley is so close to the coast, and heavily influenced by the marine layer, it's no wonder the wines are a natural match for fish and seafood out of the Pacific Ocean. Salmon, sablefish, albacore tuna, halibut, rockfish, crab, and oysters are just some of what's local to the area throughout the year.
- Classic Smoked Salmon platter with Roederer Estate Brut sparkling wine (shipped or local delivery)
- Roederer Estate L'Ermitage (get it shipped, or local delivered) with Ultra-luxe Caviar Platter
- King Salmon ‘Californiçoise’ Salad with Roederer Estate Brut Rosé
- Miso-marinated Cod with Husch Vineyards Dry Gewurtztraminer
- Roasted Mushroom Salad with Golden Eye Pinot Noir (shipped or local delivery)
- Classic Roast Chicken with Drew Cellars Pinot Noir
- Korean Ginger Soy Braised Chicken with Longmeadow Ranch Pinot Noir
- Pear, Walnut and Brie Pizza (recipe below!) or Arugula Pear Salad inspired by that pizza with Read Holland Dry Riesling
Explore More California Wine Regions
- Monterey County, Central Coast
- Best Paso Robles Wineries, Central Coast
- Best Santa Barbara Wineries, Central Coast
- Santa Ynez, Solvang, and Los Olivos, Central Coast
List of Anderson Valley Wines
When you're ready to explore the Anderson Valley, either literally by going on a trip or figuratively by opening a few bottles at home, check out the following producers.
Wineries Located IN the Anderson Valley
The following wineries have tasting rooms in and around Anderson Valley that are open to the public, either walk-in or by appointment.
Drew Cellars *
Tasting Room at The Madrones
9000 Highway 128, Philo, CA 95466
Winery at 31351 Greenwood Road, Elk, CA 95432
www.drewwines.com
wines: cool climate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah
Goldeneye Winery *
9200 Highway 128
Philo, CA 95466
www.goldeneyewinery.com/
wines: cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Handley Cellars
3151 CA-128, Philo, CA 95466
handleycellars.com
wines: organic estate-grown cool climate sparkling, red and white wines
Husch Vineyards
4400 CA-128, Philo, CA 95466
www.huschvineyards.com
tasting room is open, reservations not required
wines: cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Alsatian varietals
Longmeadow Ranch *
Tasting Room at The Madrones
9000 Highway 128, Philo, CA 95466
www.longmeadowranch.com
wines: estate-grown Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir
Roederer Estate *
4501 Highway 128
Philo, CA 95466
(707) 895-2288
www.roedererestate.com
wines: California sparkling wine
Scharffenberger Cellars
8501 CA-128, Philo, CA 95466
scharffenbergercellars.com
wines: California sparkling wine
Anderson Valley Winery Recommendations from Locals
Maggy Hawk
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
9001 CA-128, Philo, CA 95466
www.maggyhawk.com
Minus Tide
no official tasting room; stop into Disco Ranch (local wine store) and pick up a bottle or they may already have a bottle open to taste by the glass!
www.minutstidewines.com
wines: food-friendly Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Carignan, and Syrah
Read Holland Wines
www.readhollandwines.com
wines: boutique production Riesling and Pinot Noir
Waits-Mast
www.waitsmast.com
Disco Ranch
Disco Ranch is not a winery but a retail store and wine bar with small tapas-style bites. It deserves a shout because it essentially serves as satellite tasting room for smaller wineries that don't have their own tasting rooms. Wendy, the proprietor, is awesome.
14025 CA-128, Boonville, CA 95415
www.discoranch.com
Slightly Beyond the Anderson Valley
Pacific Star Winery
33000 North Highway 1
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
www.pacificstarwinery.com
wines: unique reds and whites, with some obscure grapes, winery is situated on cliffs over the Pacific Ocean and has stunning views
Pear, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 prepped pizza or flatbread dough
- 6 ounces brie-style cheese like Marin French Cheese Co. Traditional Brie cut into ¼-inch wide slices
- ½ Bartlett pear, thinly sliced lengthwise
- ¼ cup walnuts
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese like Point Reyes Bay Blue
- 1 tablespoon balsamic reduction
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, parsley, and tarragon
Instructions
- Heat oven to 450°F.
- Prepare pizza dough and stretch into a 12-inch round on a baking sheet. Top with Brie cheese slices, then sliced pears, walnuts, and blue cheese.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until pizza dough is golden and puffed and cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Remove pizza from oven, drizzle with balsamic reduction and top with chopped herbs.
Why Trust The Delicious Life?
Sarah is a professional recipe developer, writer, and digital content creator with almost 20 years of experience cooking food specifically to pair with wines and vice versa, selecting wines to pair with food on the table. She has traveled to and tasted wine in Burgundy, France and throughout the many diverse wine regions of California.
This post was created in partnership with California Wines and California Grown to celebrate California Wine Month, which is every September. All opinions and recipe adaptations are my own. Your and our sponsors' support is what helps us live The Delicious Life so thank you!
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