Welcome to Mendocino Wine Country

Fetzer’s Valley Oaks Ranch

Fetzer’s Valley Oaks Ranch, just outside Hopland, CA (about 90 miles north of San Francisco) features a large tasting room, gift shop, cooking classes and even an inn on the property. However, don’t overlook the organic gardens, which helped to influence a generation of sustainable winemakers.

It’s strange to see a gaggle of schoolchildren milling about a winery, but even more strange that they’re listening pretty intently to a discussion about organic vegetables. Under a veranda shaded by grape leaves the kids are learning about Fetzer’s nearly 20-year-old organic fruit and vegetable garden. Carrying baskets for their leafy booty, they meander off into the garden in fits of giggles and screams…and it’s hard not to follow into the heart of a garden that changed the wine industry.

In 1985, a well-known organic farmer named Michael Maltas was hired to establish the garden at the Valley Oaks Ranch, then than-and-now epicenter of the Fetzer Winery empire. Though the garden was mostly a lark, the family soon recognized quality of the produce in the garden as spectacularly tasty and decided to convert their entire growing operation to organic farming methods.

Twenty years later, Fetzer is a pioneer of organic, sustainable winegrowing practices—a way of earth-friendlier farming that’s catching on with growers throughout the US and Europe. Though the process of conversion has been a long one; currently the winery purchases both organic and traditionally-farmed grapes for its wines, with about 15 to 20 percent of the total grapes certified organic. However, the winery’s Bonterra label, which is a smaller-production line of wines, is 100% organic. Additionally, Fetzer owned about 2,000 acres of vineyards in California, all of which are organic. By 2010, the winery plans to be completely organic.

From a humble beginning back in the late 1950s, Fetzer has grown into the sixth largest producer of wines in the US.  It was purchased from the family by wine and spirits giant, Brown Forman in 1992.

The wines: Fetzer is well known for its Chardonnays, with four or more on the tasting room menu. Most are grown in the cool, ocean-influence climate of Mendocino County. Make sure to try the Bonterra Chardonnay, with a good balance of fruit and toasty, buttery flavor. A little more refined are the namesake Chardonnays made by the winemakers—“The Dennis” Chardonnay has hints of caramel and vanilla.

Fetzer also incorporates grapes from the Santa Maria Valley (Pinot), the Redwood Valley (Zinfandel), Syrah (the warmer Hopland area), Napa (Cabernet) and the Central Coast (Pinot Blanc), making it a sort of clearing house for the various grapes that grow so well in California’s various wine regions. The Poor Ranch Petite Syrah ($30) is a tasting room favorite you’ll have to ask for.

If you visit: The Valley Oaks Ranch is the home to Fetzer’s culinary program and also features an inn for visitors. Choose from several cottages and private rooms located around the estate. The inn is also available for weddings and special events.

Fetzer Valley Oaks Ranch, 13601 Old River Road, Hopland, California, 800.846.8637; www.fetzer.com

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