I’ve always said that Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley is the best California wine region that most wine lovers have never been to. Sonoma, Napa, Santa Barbara—these wine regions are all a quick trip from a major population center. Anderson Valley isn’t that much farther—just another 30 minutes or so farther north from the ever-popular Sonoma town of Healdsburg—but that extra bit of driving keeps many away from what is truly one of California’s hidden gems when it comes to wine.
Anderson Valley has always made some of the state’s best Pinot Noir, but for a long time, that was only in the hands of a select few winemakers, many of whom weren’t located in the valley itself. That has changed in recent years, as a new generation of winemakers has raised the quality of Anderson Valley wines to seriously impressive heights.
Combine that with a gorgeous landscape, some great food, and live music and you’ve got a recipe for a fantastic weekend, also known as the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival. I can personally vouch for the fact that this is a wonderfully delicious way to spend the weekend, especially if you like Pinot Noir.
The weekend begins with a technical conference on Friday May 16th, which will be of great interest to serious wine geeks and wine producers, followed by a chance to get out into the vineyards and learn about sustainable viticulture. That will almost certainly make you thirsty, which sets you up perfectly for the welcome BBQ where the Pinot flows freely, excellent music plays, and everyone gets to know each other.
The main event remains Saturday’s Grand Tasting on May 17th, at which a majority of wineries who produce Anderson Valley Pinot Noir will be pouring their wares for guests. An adjacent Sparkling Wine Lounge is available for an extra charge, where you can sample sparkling wines and caviar-topped bites in a more exclusive environment before or during the grand tasting. There will also be a silent auction for those who would like to support the region and perhaps go home with some valuable wines or experiences.
Then, if you’ve opted to stay in the valley, on Sunday most wineries based in the valley open their doors for visiting. Some offer free drop-in tastings and entertainment, while others require appointments and will charge for the privilege, but all will be ready to welcome anyone who is willing to make the trek over the hill to pay a visit.
2025 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival
Grand Tasting: May 17, 2025
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Scharffenberger Cellars
8501 California Highway 128, Philo, CA 95466 (map)
Tickets for the Grand Tasting are priced at $209.32. The technical conference looks to be sold out at this point, but the vineyard tour will run you $76.83, and the BBQ costs $107.56. The Sparkling Lounge is yet another additional charge and there are various combo tickets that let you combine different events for a modest discount. Purchase your tickets online in advance, as they will certainly sell out. I also recommend making a full weekend of it and finding lodging in the valley so you don’t have to drive.
