Beer, Wine, & Beverages

Mendocino County has a long tradition of grape growing that goes back to the 1850s and the first Spanish land grants in the county. The first plantings were in Hopland at the Feliz Rancho, and were small. Italian immigrants in the 1870s began winegrowing, and amazingly, some of these vineyards still exist and produce very complex and wonderful Zinfandel wines. By the 1900s, commercial wine making was occurring, with vineyards and wineries mostly located on the escarpments above the Russian River in Talmage and Calpella. Nearly 20 wineries were operating before prohibition, with much of their wine consumed locally, or purchased by retailers from San Francisco. During prohibition, growers shipped wine grapes to Eastern US for home winemakers. Following prohibition, new wineries began a steady production that expanded over time. The 1970s saw a rapid increase in winery numbers. In the 1980s, sparkling wine producers from France found the Anderson Valley, bringing Mendocino into the international arena of quality wine. The 1990's brought the advent of ecologically sustainable farming practices, and today Mendocino County is the center of organic and biodynamic wine growing in the world. Mendocino County winegrowers are not conformists, and their approach to wine growing is different than surrounding counties. People in the industry tend to be friendly, accessible and very interesting to interact with! Winemaking overall occurs on a small commercial scale, and wines are hand crafted rather than industrially manufactured. Winemakers are well educated, experienced and proud of their craft.

Mendo Bistro decided, with over 40 wineries in our "backyard", to support sustainability and our neighbors by creating an all Mendocino county Winelist. If you live here you can enjoy the fruits of your neighbors. If you are visiting from outside the area you can sit, relax and discover many of the local wines (and beers) with your dinner.

Wine