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Mendocino County » McDowell Valley Vineyards

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McDowell Valley Vineyards
3811 Hwy. 175
Hopeland, CA 95449
(707) 744-1053

Tasting:   Open daily 11 to 5
Complimentary Tasting
10% case discount
Price Range:   $14 to $35 per bottle
Established:   1970
Vineyards:   360 acres
Winery Dog:   Bert (the stuffed Elk from Cody Wyoming)

Description

McDowell Valley Vineyards is a leader in producing California-grown Rhône varietals, including their flagship Syrah. Their old-fashioned storefront tasting room in downtown Hopland is set up like a general store with a tin roof, redwood siding, knotty-pine floors and ceiling, and a hospitable team staffing their tasting counter. The place even has a stuffed elk head mounted on the back wall.

McDowell has become the leader in research of rootstocks and clones for Rhône varieties. Bill McDowell is sourcing new clonal selections of Syrah from all over California, as well as from France. “In California, the challenge for Rhône varieties continues to be in finding the best combinations of rootstock and fruitwood in the appropriate soil and climate,” says Bill. The winery produces Grenache, Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne and port.

Their large vineyard has one of the longest records of continuous wine grape production in California. Syrah and Grenache have been planted in this vineyard for almost a century.

In addition to tasting McDowell's Rhône varietals, the gift shop has a good selection of specialty foods, ceramics, clothing and country gift items. Some wines are available only in the tasting room, such as Rodeo Red and Western White. The tasting room is located directly across from the Hopland Brewery.

Features
Ambiance Types of Wine Amenities
Casual & Relaxed
Storefront only
Rhone
Port or Dessert Wines
Estate Grown Wines
Gift Shop - Special
Member Reviews
Staff Knowledge & Friendliness
Amenities, Comfort & Cleanliness
Value
Wine Quality
Overall Impressions
A Century In The Making
Javier, Portland
January, 2008

Tasting the selection in downtown Hopland in a simple old fashioned general store was like taking a step back into someones humble abode. The service was not only intelligent but enjoyable, I had as much fun conversing with my pourer as I did sampling the selection. Humble yet sophisticated, I came to appreciate the aged beauty of the facilities and this only added to my experience. Check out the artwork, I left with a few bottles of wine and a hand crafted potters mug.

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The above reviews are the subjective opinion of Winery Advisor members and not of Winery Advisor LLC.

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