The famous Belladonna lilies may be synonymous with Mendocino romance, but for locals in the wine industry they serve a practical function. "When you see those pink ladies, it's go time," says Courtney DeGraff, executive director of the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association.
DeGraff said the grape harvest in Anderson Valley is about 20 days ahead of schedule due to heat spikes earlier in the summer, but she is optimistic about this year’s crop. “It’s going to be a good, good harvest,” she said.
This positive outlook extended to the 45th annual Mendocino County Fair Wine Competition, held Saturday in Hopland. For the first time, the event adopted a “people’s choice” format, allowing consumers to judge wines based on appearance, aroma, palate (taste), and overall quality. "It's great to have consumers, the people who buy the wine, judge the competition," said Bonnie Butcher, executive director of Mendocino Winegrowers.
Sophia Rivier, a winemaker at the Ettore Winery, who participated in the competition, praised the quality of Mendocino wines. Originally from Argentina and trained in Switzerland, she says Mendocino wines deserve greater recognition. They are not just salad wines, she said, they are wines with soul.
The winners were announced on Wednesday. They include:
Best in Show — Sparkling | Roederer Estate Brut Multi-VintageBest in Show — White | Husch Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2023Best in Show — Red | Barra of Mendocino Reserve Petite Sirah 2021Best in Show — Rose | Pleiades Rose of Sangiovese 2023Best in Show — Dessert | Husch Vineyards Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2023Double Gold — Sauvignon Blanc | McNab Ridge 2023Double Gold — Chardonnay | Maple Creek Winery Artevino 2022Double Gold — White Other Varietals | Testa Vineyards White 2023Double Gold — Blush and Rose | Barra of Mendocino Girasole Vineyards 2023Double Gold — Pinot Noir | Maple Creek Winery Artevino 2019Double Gold — Zinfandel | Carol Shelton Wines Wild Thing Zin 2021Double Gold — Merlot | Olivino Terra Savia 2018Double Gold — Syrah | Handley Cellars Syrah, Kazmet Vineyard 2019Double Gold — Cabernet Sauvignon | Alta Orsa 2019Double Gold — Blended Red | Bonterra Organic Estates, Estate Collection Red Blend 2022Double Gold — Other Varietals | The Meeker Vineyard Dolcetto 2021
Wine lovers can judge for themselves at the Mendocino County Fair and Apple Show September 13 - 15 at the Boonville Fairgrounds.
