| Mendocino AVA | |
| Type: | American Viticultural Area |
| Year: | 1984, amended in 1998[1] |
| Country: | United States |
| Part Of: | California, Mendocino County, North Coast AVA |
| Sub Regions: | Anderson Valley AVA, Cole Ranch AVA, Covelo AVA, Dos Rios AVA, McDowell Valley AVA, Mendocino Ridge AVA, Potter Valley AVA, Redwood Valley AVA, Yorkville Highlands AVA |
| Climate Region: | Mediterranean/maritime |
| Grapes: | Arneis, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, Charbono, Chardonnay, Chenin blanc, Colombard, Dolcetto, Grenache, Merlot, Montepulciano, Muscat Canelli, Nebbiolo, Negro Amaro, Nero D’Avola, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot blanc, Pinot gris, Pinot Meunier, Pinot noir, Pinotage, Riesling, Sangiovese, Sauvignon blanc, Sauvignon Musque, Semillon, Syrah, Tocai Friulano, Valdiguie, Viognier, Zinfandel[2] |
The Mendocino AVA is an American Viticultural Area within the larger North Coast AVA. Several small AVAs are nested inside the Mendocino appellation and it roughly encompasses Mendocino County, California. The Mendocino AVA is known for the cultivation of Mediterranean climate grapes including Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Zinfandel. Because of its cooler climate, the Anderson Valley is known for its Pinot noir and sparkling wine production.[3] Many wineries in nearby Sonoma and Napa counties purchase Mendocino grapes to blend into wines labeled with other appellations.[2]