Why Anderson Valley Wines? And What Makes Them So Distinct?
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to Lula Cellars, you know (or will soon know) that we hold our wines, especially our Pinot Noirs, very near and dear to our hearts. They are our bread and butter, our pride and joy.
To this day, our world-class Lula wines, hailing from the Anderson Valley and greater Mendocino County, have received high accolades and devoted fans—much thanks to the goal of Proprietor Ken Avery and Winemaker Matt Parish to produce them to be as approachable as they are memorable.
But what is it that makes them so truly unique and unforgettable, you might ask? What sets the Anderson Valley AVA apart from the rest? Let’s dive in!
Cool Climate
The western side of the Anderson Valley—known as the “Deep End” where our winery is located—is just about 10 miles from the Pacific coast. With its low-lying, narrow valley, it perfectly captures the cool ocean breezes and funnels the early morning fog. This makes the Anderson Valley one of the coolest of the cool-climate wine regions of California (and also quite beneficial for the rich, bright fruit flavors of Pinot Noir wines, might we add)!
Off The Beaten Path
If you ask us, the Anderson Valley is a hidden gem. With rivers, ridges, and rolling hills (and just 2.5 hours north of San Francisco), it offers the picture-perfect backdrop to a different kind of wine country experience. And as other areas get increasingly inundated with tourism, this uniquely peaceful area of Mendocino County is drawing more and more attention, as wine lovers are looking for smaller-scale, top-quality tasting experiences.
Though not officially established as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) until 1983, the Anderson Valley is a must-see, whether you hope to go wine tasting (perhaps with Lula Cellars??) or simply pass through on your way to somewhere further.
Stand-Alone Wines
While the Anderson Valley (and its surrounding areas) is decidedly known best for producing Pinot Noir, it also offers great versatility for other varietals including Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Rosé, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc. Not only are they distinct to the area’s climate and terroir, but they also stand out with unique character. While you know we love a good food pairing of our many go-to recipes with our Lula wines, such unique qualities make these wines so distinctive and enjoyable on their own as well.
So… are you thirsty yet?
If you haven’t yet enjoyed a glass of Anderson Valley wine, we invite you to do so today by browsing our portfolio of award-winners online. Not sure where to start? Even better, come by our tasting room tucked away in the “Deep End” of the Anderson Valley and we’d love to walk you through our selection!
And if you’re lucky enough to have a bottle (or a few) already on hand, you know what to do… Cheers!
