Sommelier Journal – Terroir Experience 2012

We recently had the opportunity to participate in an exciting Terroir Experience here in Mendocino County wine country supporting the introduction of our area to 30+ professional sommeliers from around the country. The Sommelier Journal, the Essential Guide for Wine Professionals, selected Mendocino County as their region of focus for 2012. They sponsor an annual “Terroir Experience” for their readership to enmesh themselves deeply into new and emerging wine regions.

The experience was organized by Randy Caporoso working closely with Megan Metz of the Mendocino Winegrape & Wine Commission. Over the course of 6 months and repeated visits to the County, Randy & Megan developed an itinerary that spanned 3.5 days and included each of the major winegrowing regions in Mendocino County. Moving from inland to the coast those included: Potter valley, Redwood Valley, Eagle Peak, Ukiah Valley, Hopland-Sanel Valley, McDowell Valley, Yorkville Highlands, Cole Ranch, Anderson Valley and the Mendocino Ridge.

The 3.5 days were early mornings and late evenings and through it all we introduced our wine country to a new group of wine professionals. All of the wineries that participated were enthusiastic about the level of professionalism in the group and felt strongly that more of this type of visit to our area would be beneficial to growing our profile in the broad market.

There is a complete set of tasting notes, winery contacts, maps and presentations from the trip hosted here.

Many thanks to the Sommelier Journal and the Mendocino Winegrape & Wine Commission for sponsoring this powerful introduction of Mendocino County Terroir to an influential group of wine professionals!