Avenue Vine

Gold Rush immigrants first planted winegrapes in Mendocino mountainous terrain and inland valleys in the 1850s. And still today, the county has predominantly family-owned wineries, 60 percent of which are small wineries producing fewer than 5,000 cases annually. There are ample sampling opportunities among the 59 tasting rooms welcoming consumers.

Mendocino wineries and vineyards are thriving and are well regarded for producing wines of high quality. The principal varietals include: Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Petit Sirah and Syrah, grown in 11 federally approved American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), grapegrowing areas distinguishable by geographic, climatic and historic features. They are: Anderson Valley, Cole Ranch, Covelo, Dos Rios, McDowell Valley, Mendocino, Mendocino Ridge, Potter Valley, Redwood Valley, Yorkville Highlands. Mendocino County is also part of the larger North Coast AVA.

The pioneer spirit of Mendocino wine industry is once again evident with the region dedication to environmental stewardship. Mendocino is a leader of certified organic vineyards with 2,800 of its total 17,000 vineyard acres certified organic. The county is also home to the first carbon neutral winery in the U.S.

From Ukiah to Fort Bragg, Mendocino County offers a wide variety of activities. The seaside village of Mendocino is a thriving artist community with galleries, live theater and critically acclaimed restaurants. Board a boat to watch the whales migrate or ride the Skunk Train for a tour of the redwoods. Adventure lovers will also enjoy kayaking, canoeing and hiking along the dramatic coastal cliffs. Regional information about Mendocino and its wine country can be found at: www.gomendo.com.

East of Mendocino beyond the bordering mountain range sits a growing region that has quietly been producing premium winegrapes since the 19th century Lake County. Before Prohibition, this region was one of the largest wine producers in California with 28 wineries in the county and over 8,300 acres under vine.

Post Prohibition recovery for the wine industry was slow for the region with grapes being replaced by pear and walnut orchards. Today this region is growing significantly and encompasses six AVAs Benmore Valley, Clear Lake, Guenoc Valley, High Valley, Red Hills Lake County and the county is also part of the larger North Coast AVA. While known for their diverse soils and microclimates, all enjoy the temperate influences of Clear Lake. Clear Lake is where the county derives its name, as well as stakes its claim in the history book as the largest natural lake in the state.

Classic varieties do very well here with Cabernet Sauvignon being the most widely planted grape, with Merlot as a not too distant second. One will still find Sauvignon Blanc thriving in the warmer regions of the valley and Petite Sirah is swiftly gaining notoriety for its award winning quality. This Northern California region is also renowned for its natural beauty.

The hub of the community, Clear Lake provides 43,000 surface acres to swim, water ski, fish and boat. A bass fisherman paradise, anglers flock to catch Florida strain largemouth black bass, yellow and blue channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill. This area also plays host to rodeos, concert series and music festivals. Additional information can be found at: www.lakecountywinegrape.org.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared September 2007 as California Wine Month, and now is a great time to visit the state wine regions, as special events and complimentary wine tastings are being offered at many wineries. Visit www.californiawineevents.com to learn more about what is happening in California wine country.

California Wine Month partners planning activities for California Wine Month in September 2007 are: Safeway Stores, Costco Wholesale, Beverages & More!, P.F. Chang China Bistro, Fleming Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Trader Vic Restaurants, Legal Sea Foods, Perbacco Restaurant, Kimpton Hotels, Charlie Palmer Steak D.C., MacArthur Beverages, AVA Restaurant, Restaurant Brissago at the Mirramonte Resort, Schneider of Capitol Hill, Arrowine, Lido Restaurant at Dolphine Bay Resort, Knightsbridge Incorporated Restaurants including 701 Restaurant, Ardeo, Bardeo Wine Bar, Bombay Club, The Oval Room and Rasika, Tavistock Restaurant Group including Napa Valley Grille, California CafÃ, Blackhawk Grille, Cafà Del Rey and Horizons. Other partners are: FedEx, San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Magazine, California Restaurant Association and many others!

San Francisco, CA, August 5, 2007