Anderson Valley Wine Country Suggestions: Wineries

Wineries
Like the Russian River Valley, the cooler climate in Anderson Valley means some exemplar pinot noirs and chardonnays, in particular. Inland (Hopland, Ukiah, Redwood Valley and Potter Valley) is a top zin producing area. For more info on wineries in the Anderson Valley region, the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association is a great place to start. Some suggested stops:

1a) Navarro -- one of the best value high quality wineries in the state. Great selection for a small winery. In addition to the obvious pinot and chard, try some of the best California gewurztraminer and riesling (including the late harvest dessert wines), our favorite California pinot gris, as well as their Navarrouge red blend, a perfect everyday wine. Heck, try them all!

1b) Roederer Estate -- incomparable sparkling wines. Make sure you try the still wines too, if they are available.

2) Greenwood Ridge Vineyards -- next to Navarro, also with an extensive variety for a relatively small winery.

3) Goldeneye – a recently opened pinot palace, owned by the folks at Duckhorn.

4) Lazy Creek Vineyards -- get out your map and drive the back roads to this boutique producer of pinot, chard and a fascinating dry gewurztraminer. You may want to call ahead for an appointment just in case.

5) Esterlina Vineyards -- If you really want an off-road, back woods winery experience, call Esterlina and make the trip up dirt roads to the top of the valley to this low volume producer. Perhaps known most for their pinot, but high quality all around.

6) Londer Vineyards – After a trip there in the summer of 2006, this small winery jumped some heady competition to become my favorite Anderson Valley winery. They have since become somewhat of a cult winery and while they do not have a tasting room, it may still be possible to make an appointment with the owners for a tasting in their house. Incomparable pinots and a superb dry gewurz.

7) If you're still sober, you might also consider Handley, Brutocao and Husch.