If you’re planning a wine tasting trip to Anderson Valley Wine Country, then read this guide first! Anderson Valley offers relaxed wineries with elegant, country charm. You’ll enjoy sipping on Pinot Noir and sparkling wine among the vineyards surrounded by Mendocino County redwood forests. Before you plan your trip, make sure to know the following:
Where is Anderson Valley?
Anderson Valley is part of the greater Mendocino Wine Country located in Mendocino County along Route 128 between Boonville, Philo, and Navarro. The closest regional airport is Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa (about 50 miles away), and the closest international airport is San Francisco Airport (SFO), about 130 miles from Philo, CA. From San Francisco, take Highway US-101 North to Route CA-128 West. Route 128 is a two-lane road with many sharp turns.
What Wine is Anderson Valley known for?
Anderson Valley’s cooler climate makes it an excellent location to grow Pinot Noir and grapes for sparkling wine production. Pinot Noir is a tricky grape to grow and favors cooler climates. The grapes for sparkling wine also benefit from the cooler weather, as cooler temperatures facilitate the higher acid levels needed for sparkling wine. Many of the wineries will also have other varieties of wines to try as well. Still, if you want to try something particular besides Pinot Noir, you might want to check with the winery to see what’s on their tasting menu.
Where to Wine Taste in Anderson Valley
The wineries in Anderson Valley are located along the main road, Route 128, and centered around Philo. While reservations are not required at most wineries, you can make reservations online through Tock for many of the wineries. Most of the wineries in Anderson Valley are small, independent wineries with limited distribution, so if you find a wine you like, make sure to buy it before you leave. There are several larger presences with nationally available wines – Goldeneye is part of the Duckhorn portfolio, and Roederer Estates, Schraffberger, and Domain Anderson are part of the Maisons Marques & Domaines USA portfolio. Wineries can be several miles apart, so plan accordingly as it may be a drive between locations. Uber does service the area. However, it can be a very long wait for a driver.
Where to Wear in Anderson Valley
Anderson Valley is more relaxed than Napa Valley. You can dress comfortably and casually or dress up depending on your preferences and the weather. In the summer, the average high temperature is in the 80s, and many of the wineries have outdoor patios, so make sure to bring a hat and drink plenty of water. However, like much of California, the weather is cooler at night and in the mornings, with lows in the 50s during summer. It’s best to pack layers and keep a jacket handy. During winter, the high is around 60, with lows around 40 degrees.
Where to Stay in Anderson Valley
Anderson Valley is a relatively remote location with only a few hotels/inns located directly in Philo and Boonville. You can also stay in Ukiah or along the Mendocino coast and drive into the valley.
Where to Eat in Anderson Valley
There are only a few dining options in Philo, but there are more in Boonville, including a Michelin guide listed restaurant, The Boonville Hotel Restaurant. That said, you may still want to plan ahead on where and what you will eat. There are no big chain supermarkets in Anderson Valley, but there are several small family-owned grocery/general stores to pick up provisions. You may want to stop at a bigger supermarket on your drive to Anderson Valley if you want something in particular.
For more Anderson Valley recommendations check out my Anderson Valley Wine Tasting Guide or abd read my Wine Travel page for more travel tips. Follow me on Instagram to keep up to date with my wine travels.
