123ArticleOnline Logo
Welcome to 123ArticleOnline.com!
ALL >> Food,-Cooking-and-Drink >> View Article

History Of The Mendocino County Wine Industry

Profile Picture
By Author: Benjamin Bicais
Total Articles: 4
Comment this article
Facebook ShareTwitter ShareGoogle+ ShareTwitter Share

The history of wine production in Mendocino dates back to the mid 19th century. The first Europeans to settle in the region were Russian hunters and trappers. They made their living selling seal and otter pelts. The Gold Rush caused the population of the San Francisco Bay Area to expand dramatically. The local timber industry took off with the increase in demand for building supplies. The first grapes were grown during 1850s by failed gold prospectors. The wine produced during this era had a mainly local customer base due to the isolation of the region. In 1851, the Anderson Valley was discovered by accident. Italian immigrants planted vineyards on the sunny hillsides of the valley during the ensuing generation. Even when the railroads were extended north, Mendocino's Wine Industry remained relatively unknown in the national and international markets. Despite the region's obscurity, there were over 5000 acres of vineyards and several wineries during the late-ninteenth century. Phylloxera and Prohibition Most of California Wine Country was hurt by the spread of the Phylloxera Louse in the late 19th century. Despite ...
... the damage, the isolated region fared better than some other parts of the state. The industry rebounded after the utilization of Phylloxera resistent rootstocks. In the 1910s, there were close to 6000 acres of vineyards in Mendocino County. Prohibition was almost a death sentence for the region's wine industry. With a few isolated exceptions, almost all was lost. A few Zinfandel vineyards in the Mendocino Ridge survived and are thankfully still alive today. However, all of the wineries were closed during Prohibition. The Parducci Family is credited as being the stewards of the wine industry during the ensuing difficult years. In the 1960s they owned and operated the only winery in the county. It is located near the Redwood Valley. The Renaissance The industry began to come alive with the rest of the California wine industry during the 1960s and 1970s. In 1968, the Fetzer family established a winery near the McDowell Valley. Finally the Parducci Family had some company. Substantial investment went into planting vineyards, but not much wine was actually produced in Mendocino. Most of the region's grapes were sold to non-resident wineries and used in faceless blends. Thankfully, this has changed. There are currently many high-quality wineries in the county. In recent years, the region has gained a reputation for producing many varietals exceptionally well. The practice of shipping grapes to other regions for production lessened as the large AVA's renown increased. It currently contains over 15,000 acres of planted vineyards. About The Author
Benjamin Bicais lives in the Napa Valley and is the webmaster of http://www.california-wine-tours-and-accessories.com.

Total Views: 92Word Count: 457See All articles From Author

Add Comment

Food, Cooking and Drink Articles

1. Balsmico
Author: Tahir Lateef

2. The Rise Of Non-alcoholic Event Bars: Good Bar Is Changing The Game
Author: Good + Bar

3. Gwalior’s Culinary Gem
Author: sachin kirar

4. Top Catering Services In Hyderabad For Family Get-togethers And Engagement Parties
Author: gkbcatering

5. Top Catering Services In Hyderabad: Best Veg And Non-veg Options For Your Event
Author: gkbcatering

6. Understanding Live Resin: What It Is, How It’s Made, And The Extraction Process
Author: Roger Whitham

7. Thanksgiving Cake Toppers: Creative And Easy Ideas To Elevate Your Holiday Desserts
Author: Carlo's Bakery

8. Explore The Best Non-veg Pickles In Hyderabad – A Flavorful Journey With Tulasi Pickles
Author: Diya

9. Corporate Event Planning: Crafting Exceptional Experiences For Employee Wellness And Engagement
Author: Good + Bar

10. Family Friendly Restaurant At The Red Lion In Ipswich- A Perfect Spot For Kids And Parents
Author: The Red Lion

11. Discovering Vegetarian And Vegan Restaurant In Cambridge At The Brewers Inn
Author: The Brewers Inn

12. A Guide To The Best Gluten-free Products In The Uk: Tasty Alternatives For Every Meal
Author: King Soba Noodle Culture

13. The Health Benefits Of Tea With Turmeric And Ginger: A Warming Blend For Wellness
Author: Ministry of Tea

14. What’s Inside Cow Feed? A Simple Breakdown Of Ingredients
Author: Maneesha

15. How To Choose The Best Cheesecake Online Delivery In Mumbai?
Author: Loveandcheesecake

Login To Account
Login Email:
Password:
Forgot Password?
New User?
Sign Up Newsletter
Email Address: