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Navarro Vineyards Summary

5601 Hwy 128
Philo ,CA 95466
United States
(707) 895-3686
navarrowine.com

Navarro Vineyards Description

Navarro Vineyards, located in the heart of Anderson Valley, California, is a family-owned winery celebrated for its exceptional wines and commitment to sustainable farming practices. Founded in 1974 by Ted Bennett and Deborah Cahn, Navarro Vineyards quickly gained recognition as a leading producer of premium cool-climate varietals.

The winery's location within Anderson Valley, known for its ideal cool climate and unique terroir, enables Navarro Vineyards to craft wines that showcase the distinct characteristics of the region. They specialize in exquisite Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Gewürztraminer varieties, which thrive in the cool coastal influences and diverse soils of the valley. Navarro Vineyards has gained a cult-like following among wine enthusiasts, consistently producing wines of exceptional quality and elegance.

At Navarro Vineyards, sustainability is at the heart of their winemaking philosophy. They employ organic and biodynamic farming practices, emphasizing the preservation of the land and its natural resources. The winery's commitment to sustainability extends beyond the vineyards to their state-of-the-art winemaking facility, which utilizes renewable energy sources and employs eco-friendly production techniques.

Visitors to Navarro Vineyards can experience the winery's dedication to sustainability firsthand through their guided tours and tastings. The winery offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, with knowledgeable staff eager to share the story of their wines and the unique characteristics of Anderson Valley. Guests can explore the lush vineyards and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape while sampling a diverse range of award-winning wines.

Overall, Navarro Vineyards stands as a testament to the passion and dedication of its founders and their commitment to crafting exceptional wines that reflect the beauty and character of Anderson Valley. With its focus on sustainable practices and commitment to quality, Navarro Vineyards remains a beloved destination for wine lovers seeking an authentic and memorable tasting experience in Northern California's wine country.

What Makes Navarro Vineyards Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

Navarro Vineyards stands out among the multitude of wineries in California due to its unique characteristics and approach to winemaking. Here are a few notable factors that set Navarro Vineyards apart:

1. Family-Owned Legacy: Navarro Vineyards is a family-owned winery that has been in operation for over four decades. This legacy brings a deep sense of tradition and dedication to crafting exceptional wines. The family's commitment to quality has been passed down through generations, resulting in consistent excellence.

2. Organic and Sustainable Practices: Navarro Vineyards takes pride in its sustainable farming practices. The winery implemented organic farming methods early on, even before "organic" became a trend. They prioritize preserving the land, using natural fertilizers, and minimizing the use of chemicals, ensuring a healthier environment and producing wines that reflect the true essence of the grapes.

3. Uncommon Grape Varieties: While many wineries focus on mainstream grape varieties, Navarro Vineyards takes an adventurous approach by cultivating lesser-known grape varieties. Their vineyards boast unique varietals like Alsatian Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Anderson Valley's signature grape, the rich and aromatic Alsatian white variety - Musqué clone of Chardonnay. This diversity of grapes produces wines that are distinct from those found at more mainstream wineries.

4. Microclimate Advantage: Situated in the picturesque Anderson Valley region of Mendocino County, Navarro Vineyards benefits from a favorable microclimate. The cool coastal influence coupled with the valley's sunny and warm afternoons creates an ideal environment for grape cultivation. This unique climate allows Navarro Vineyards to produce wines with crisp acidity and complex flavors.

5. Award-Winning Wines: Navarro Vineyards' dedication to producing exceptional wines has earned them numerous accolades and awards. Their wines have consistently received recognition for their quality and distinctive characteristics, including prestigious honors from competitions like the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival.

6. Focus on Craftsmanship: Navarro Vineyards has a meticulous approach to winemaking, where every step of the process is handled with great care. From harvesting the grapes at optimum ripeness to delicate fermentation techniques and extended barrel aging, Navarro Vineyards handcrafts their wines to showcase the unique expression of each varietal. This craftsmanship results in wines that are nuanced, well-balanced, and a testament to their winemaking expertise.

7. Genuine Hospitality: Navarro Vineyards provides a genuine and warm hospitality experience. Visitors are welcomed with open arms and a friendly, knowledgeable staff ready to share their passion for the wines and the winemaking journey. The winery offers a beautiful tasting room, picnic areas, and informative tours, ensuring a memorable visit that goes beyond just wine tasting.

In summary, Navarro Vineyards distinguishes itself from other wineries in California through its family-owned legacy, organic practices, diverse grape varieties, favorable microclimate, award-winning wines, meticulous craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality. These unique qualities make Navarro Vineyards an enticing destination for wine enthusiasts seeking an exceptional and unforgettable wine experience.

What Some Possible Concerns About Navarro Vineyards ?

While opinions can vary, here are a few common criticisms or issues that some people have had with Navarro Vineyards:

1. Limited tasting room experience: Some visitors have mentioned that the tasting room can become crowded during peak times, which can lead to a less personal and rushed experience. They felt that it was challenging to get individual attention from the staff or ask questions about the wines.

2. Inconsistent service: A few visitors have reported experiencing inconsistent or unattentive service from the staff. They felt that the staff seemed disinterested or did not provide enough information about the wines during tastings.

3. Limited food options: Navarro Vineyards offers a selection of picnic areas but does not have a restaurant or provide significant food options for visitors. Some visitors found it inconvenient, wishing there were more food choices available to pair with their wine tasting experience.

4. Pricing: While Navarro Vineyards' wines are generally well-regarded, a few visitors felt that the prices were too high compared to similar wineries in the region. They believed that the wines did not necessarily justify the higher price tag.

It is important to note that these criticisms represent a minority of opinions and should be considered along with the numerous positive aspects that Navarro Vineyards offers. Ultimately, visitors' experiences can vary, and it's always best to form your own opinion by visiting the winery and experiencing it firsthand.

Navarro Vineyards History

Navarro Vineyards is a historic and noteworthy winery located in the heart of the Anderson Valley in Mendocino County, California. Founded in 1974 by Ted Bennett and Deborah Cahn, Navarro Vineyards has become renowned for producing exceptional cool-climate wines, primarily focusing on Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, and Chardonnay varietals.

The story of Navarro Vineyards begins with Ted Bennett, who developed a love for winemaking during his time as a university student in Germany. Inspired by the wines he encountered there, Ted was determined to create his own winery that would showcase the unique terroir and climate of the Anderson Valley. In 1974, he purchased a former sheep ranch and established Navarro Vineyards, naming it after the nearby Navarro River.

In the early years, Ted and Deborah faced numerous challenges as they worked tirelessly to transform the former sheep ranch into a thriving vineyard. They began by planting Gewürztraminer vines, recognizing the valley's ideal conditions for this aromatic white grape variety. Despite initially encountering skepticism from local growers, Navarro Vineyards quickly gained a reputation for producing exceptional Gewürztraminer that showcased the Anderson Valley's distinct characteristics.

With their initial success, the couple expanded their vineyard plantings to include other varietals, notably Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. They were among the pioneering winemakers in the region, recognizing the Anderson Valley's immense potential for these cool-climate grape varieties. Their commitment to sustainable farming practices, focus on low-yield cultivation, and attention to detail in every aspect of winemaking became the foundation of Navarro Vineyards' winemaking philosophy.

Over the years, Navarro Vineyards has garnered numerous accolades and recognition for their wines. The unique microclimate of the Anderson Valley, influenced by the cool coastal breezes and the maritime influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean, imparts exceptional flavors and aromatic qualities to the grapes grown in the vineyards. This distinct character is reflected in Navarro Vineyards' wines, which consistently express balance, complexity, and elegance.

Navarro Vineyards' Gewürztraminer has become their signature varietal, renowned for its vibrant aromas of lychee, rose petals, and tropical fruits, balanced by crisp acidity. The Chardonnay wines display flavors of ripe pear, apple, and citrus, often accentuated by subtle oak influences. Meanwhile, the Pinot Noir wines capture the essence of the Anderson Valley, showcasing delicate red fruit flavors, earthy undertones, and a velvety texture.

Beyond their commitment to producing exceptional wines, Navarro Vineyards has also prioritized sustainability and environmental stewardship throughout their operations. They became one of the first wineries in California to become certified organic in 1975 and have since championed environmentally friendly practices, including water conservation and wildlife habitat preservation.

Today, Navarro Vineyards remains a family-owned and operated winery, with Ted and Deborah's children, Aaron and Sarah Bennett, actively involved in the business. The family's dedication to excellence, along with their deep respect for the land and their community, has solidified Navarro Vineyards' position as an iconic and beloved winery in the Anderson Valley.

Visitors to Navarro Vineyards can enjoy a warm and welcoming tasting room experience, surrounded by breathtaking views of the vineyards and the scenic Navarro River. The winery's commitment to quality, sustainability, and the expression of the Anderson Valley's unique terroir continues to make Navarro Vineyards a cherished destination for wine lovers near and far, eager to taste the distinct flavors that exemplify the beauty of California winemaking.