©Bedrock Wine Co.
McDowell Valley is an AVA in northern California. Located on the edge of the Mayacama Mountains in southeastern Mendocino County, it spans just 219 hectares (540 acres) on a sloping bench about 3 miles (5km) east of the town of Hopland. The valley enjoys a cooler climate than surrounding areas ideal for the cultivation of Rhône grape varieties and is particularly celebrated for the quality of its Syrah.
The vineyards sit at altitudes of 1000ft (305m) overlooking the Russian River, which flows through Mendocino County on its way south to Russian River Valley. The river provides a moderate cooling influence that, in combination with the warming effect provided by the nearby mountains, creates a Mediterranean climate well-suited to the growth of Grenache, Zinfandel and Syrah, as well as white Rhône grape varieties including Marsanne and Viognier. In fact, McDowell Valley has some of the oldest Syrah vines in California.
