Mendocino Ridge

The Mendocino Ridge AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in coastal Mendocino County, California. The boundaries of the AVA include a range of coastal mountains adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. Although the area included in the AVA is over 250,000 acres (1,000 km2), the only land suitable for grape cultivation lies above 1,200 feet (366 m) in altitude, above the coastal fog. Most of the land is unsuitable for grape growing, and currently less than 75 acres (30 ha) are under vine. Nearly all of the plantings in this area are Zinfandel, and grapes have been planted in the valley since the late 19th century. Much of the non-planted land is covered by Redwood and Douglas Fir trees.