A large and diverse appellation within California’s North Coast AVA, Mendocino is home to several smaller sub-regions—most notably the Anderson Valley. This scenic region, with rolling hills covered in redwood forests as well as vineyards, is one of the world’s top producers of certified organically-grown grapes. Due to wide geographical and climatic variation, a vast array of wine styles can be found here.
In 1963, Dr. Donald Edmeades, a Pasadena cardiologist, planted grapes in the tiny hamlet of Philo, in the Anderson Valley, making him the first modern-day grower to do so in that remote stretch of western Mendocino County. His son, Deron, began Edmeades Winery in 1972. It quickly gained a reputation not only for Anderson Valley-grown wines, but for lusty, mountain Zinfandels that won gold medals and earned high scores from critics. In fact, Edmeades helped launch the fame of these intense, hillside Mendocino Zins.
In 1988, Edmeades was purchased by Jess Jackson, making it one of the first wineries to join the Jackson Family Wines portfolio. Winemaker Ben Salazar, who had previously worked at Carmel Road and La Crema, became chief winemaker in 2012.
Edmeades is pure Mendocino, famous for its limited bottlings from the Mendocino Ridge and the Redwood and Ukiah valleys of Northern California. It is the authentic taste of one of California’s final viticultural frontiers — the Anderson Valley. It all started in 1963 when Dr. Donald Edmeades, a cardiologist from Pasadena, planted 24 acres of vines, becoming the first modern-day grape grower in this cool, coastal region. He founded his winery and launched the Edmeades brand in 1972. The Jackson family purchased the winery and its vineyards in 1988.
Their approach is traditional and natural; methods are decidedly low tech. They believe in native yeast fermentations in small, open-top bins, hand punchdowns, minimal manipulation and no fining or filtration at bottling. The simplicity of their methods allows the soils and climates of each site to be clearly heard in their wines and enjoy full expression in every vintage.
