The newest kid on the block in Philo is Baxter yet they were serving some of the oldest wines. They finish their tasting flight with a full Carignan from a 2006 vintage, a grape most would have used for blending because of its rough tannic nature. Yet, Baxter...
Boonville
Acquerelle
You've got to love a town where the hippy chick sitting next to you at the bar is the organic farmer who grew the broccoli featured in your risotto. No joke! She told me she'd picked it 2 hours ago and that it's a rare heirloom variety originating in Italy. Dressed on...
Edmeades
Seems like everywhere I go the vines get older and older. At Edmeades, most of the wines came from 100 year old vines or older and their complexity and structure was characteristic of the wisdom with age. Plus, their Zinfandel vines reach above the fog layer on a...
The Buckhorn
Giants are back! It's only pre-season but Timmy cut off all his hair for the occasion! Now, he looks like his mom had to drive him to the game but, hopefully, it will change his luck on the mound. Does this mean he's no longer The Freak? Best place to watch a Giants...
Foursight
Foursight is a great place to start if you’re looking for a California natural beauty. Not that they sell avocados or anything like that. But they do have wines made from beautiful California fruit with respect to natural winemaking practices. In their travels around...
Apple Farm
The easiest way to satisfy your inner Gypsy is to rent one of these cool huts for a wine getaway or a farm stay at the Philo Apple Farm. What’s a farm stay? I didn’t know either but it does sound like it defines itself. Here’s where...
Phillips Hill
In a sea of Pinot Noir tasting rooms, check out the classic style juice at Phillips Hill. These Burgundian Pinot Noirs are lighter in alcohol, tannins, and a bit less jammy than most California styles. Still, there is no mistaking the fabulous fruit that comes from...
Coro
If you’re wondering how to find a wine that is distinctive of Mendocino County, look for the Coro brand. Coro means chorus in Spanish and Italian and you’ll find this brand on a Zinfandel blend that meets the standards of Coro Mendocino. It means a consortium of...
Esterlina
Talk about far out! Esterlina is also far up. Their vineyard is quite a journey off the 128 main highway where most other wineries are in Anderson Valley. But, as you can imagine, the view rewards those who journey. Here, you feast on old vines right in...
Toulouse
Pretty much the local favorite for Alsatian white wines and hand crafted Pinot Noir is Toulouse. These varietals flourish in Anderson Valley. If you don't believe me or are simply curious what that means, follow the ducks on 128 and head to Toulouse. Their Pinot Gris,...