Sip Pinot Noirs at laid-back “Deep End” Anderson Valley wine tasting spot.
The Lula Cellars tasting room, constructed of rough-hewn wood and the antithesis of Wine Country chic, sits just off Highway 128. It’s a laid-back setting to sip Pinot Noirs, including two from the estate Lula Vineyard and a few more from Ferrington, Peterson, and other prime Mendocino County sources. Lula also produces rosé of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and a dry, characterful Gëwurztraminer from estate and Ferrington grapes. Dry-farmed (no irrigation) Zinfandel from the Fashauer Vineyard is another highlight. New Zealander Matt Parish has made the wines since 2017.
At the Deep End
On fine-weather days, Lula regulars, many of them valley locals, hang out on a patio outside the tasting room. A few steps away, chairs fashioned from wine barrels face a large pond. Both areas have views of the winery’s 22-acre home vineyard, whose 15 planted acres contain mostly Pinot Noir (there’s also an acre of Gëwurztraminer). The vineyard lies at what’s known as the Deep End, a downward, narrowing slope in the northwestern Anderson Valley. Nearer to the Pacific Ocean than much of the valley, it benefits from cool temperatures. As a result, grapes here ripen slowly, allowing flavors to develop more fully.
Why go: Pinot Noirs; laid-back setting.
Itinerary
Lula Cellars appears in 2 Fun Days Tasting Anderson Valley Pinot Noir.
Info
2800 Guntly Rd., off Hwy. 128, Philo 95466
More about Mendocino County
Anderson Valley White Wine Weekend Diary
Hop Up to Hopland
This story originally appeared online in 2017; it was most recently updated in 2024.
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