Best Wineries in the Yorkville Highlands
The Yorkville Highlands is Mendocino County's most remote and distinctive appellation — high-elevation vineyards producing wines of mineral complexity and...
The Yorkville Highlands AVA occupies a remote, high-elevation section of southeastern Mendocino County along Highway 128, between Cloverdale and Boonville. At elevations between 1,000 and 2,000 feet, these vineyards experience dramatic temperature swings and grow in distinctive serpentine and sandstone soils that produce wines of remarkable mineral character.
The appellation is small and little-known, which is precisely its appeal — the producers here are making wines of genuine individuality in a landscape that feels genuinely wild and remote.
Featured Wineries
01
Yorkville Cellars
The most established producer in the Yorkville Highlands, making estate wines from high-elevation vineyards with a particular talent for Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, and Bordeaux blends.
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Theopolis Vineyards
Theodora Lee's Yorkville Highlands estate produces outstanding Petite Sirah and Pinot Noir from distinctive mountain vineyards, earning recognition as one of the appellation's most important small producers.
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Signal Ridge Vineyards
Producers of Mendocino County wines from high-elevation vineyards, showcasing the mineral character and freshness that mountain viticulture provides.
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Bravium Wines
While primarily associated with Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, Bravium sources from multiple Mendocino County sites to produce wines of exceptional site specificity.
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Idlewild Wines
Sam Bilbro's Italian-variety focused project explores Mendocino County terroir through Cortese, Dolcetto, and other Northern Italian grapes planted in the county's distinctive soils.
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Elke Vineyards
A small Anderson Valley producer making Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from cool-climate Mendocino County vineyards with a restrained, European-influenced style.
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Vinca Minor Wines
A Mendocino-focused natural wine project producing carbonic and skin-contact wines from Anderson Valley and surrounding appellations.
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Fox Hollow Vineyards
Small-production Anderson Valley wines made with attention to detail and a genuine connection to the land.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Yorkville Highlands AVA?
The Yorkville Highlands is a small, high-elevation AVA in southeastern Mendocino County known for its remote location, distinctive serpentine soils, and wines of mineral complexity.
What varieties grow in the Yorkville Highlands?
The appellation produces a diverse range including Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir. The elevation and soils produce wines with more structure and mineral character than lower-lying sites.
How do I visit Yorkville Highlands wineries?
The wineries are along or near Highway 128 between Cloverdale and Boonville. Most are small and require appointments. The drive along Highway 128 through the highlands is spectacular.
Is the Yorkville Highlands worth visiting?
For adventurous wine lovers seeking genuine off-the-beaten-path experiences, the Yorkville Highlands rewards the drive with distinctive wines, beautiful scenery, and the satisfaction of discovering something most wine tourists never see.