A trip to the Green Ridge Vineyards tasting room is a treat for those interested in architecture, hospitality and Anderson Valley estate-grown wine.
A single 400-year-old tree provided all of the redwood used to build the winery’s octagonal tasting room. The building was designed by Aaron G. Green, father of owner and winemaker Allan Green and associate of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The giant redwood tree had a diameter of almost 13 feet, and had fallen on the winery property after a fierce storm.
The interior includes a tall peaked ceiling and an octagonal tasting bar. Outside, a wrap-around porch provides views of an ornate bridge that leads to a small picnic island in the center of their vineyard pond. An array of solar panels provides all the energy needed to run the tasting room. The winery, some seven miles away, is also solar-powered.
Riesling, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Rose, a red table wine and a late-harvest Riesling make up the wine menu at Green Ridge Vineyards.
Every year for the last 25+ years, the winery hosts a wine-tasting competition. The contest involves identifying the most common California varietals, with divisions for novices, amateurs and professionals. A chocolate tasting and cheese tasting are also part of the festivities.
