Farming

The Anderson Valley

The Anderson Valley is located 125 miles north of San Francisco near the Mendocino Coast. Officially recognized as an AVA since 1983, its location offers the cool climate and well-drained soils that are ideally suited for crafting fine wines. This premium grape growing region’s proximity to the ocean gives rise to a gentle cycle of warm days and cool foggy nights with up to 50°F of temperature swing in the summer. The fog created by the contact of the cool & dry inland air with the humid marine layer allows grapes to mature slowly on the vine and develop full varietal character. A small appellation at 2,500 acres under vine, it remains focused on the growing of Northern European varieties like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Gewürztraminer. The Anderson Valley is home to many small and family operated farms and wineries and is renowned for the high quality of its sparkling wines and Pinot Noir production. 

For more information, visit the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association.

A Family Story

Since 1982, Roederer Estate has been quietly developing its own vineyards and crafting fine wines from the Anderson Valley. Jean-Claude Rouzaud, then president of Champagne Louis Roederer, selected the original 340-acre Anderson Valley vineyard and winery sites. Rouzaud, who has since handed down the family tradition and position to his son Frédéric, believed that estate-owned vineyards were key to ensuring the very best wine, and had spent years searching California terroirs best suited for sparkling wine production. The family has patiently added new vineyards to the Estate and now farms 620 acres in the Anderson Valley AVA.

Estate-Grown Fruit

The ability to retain control of all farming decisions on the Estate is fairly unique. From the in-depth knowledge of the soil, to the precise gathering of weather information, the data elevates the House’s centuries-old know-how.

Roederer Estate is meticulous about all of its farming and winemaking decisions. For example, various trellis systems or high-density plantations are used to match the local site characteristics. While modern equipment is used, there is a high level of reliance on skilled techniques, such as pruning, where the human touch is relied upon. Closer to harvest, the team carefully tracks grape maturity to achieve perfect balance. Once picked, the winery’s proximity to the vineyards ensures a quick pressing, eliminating the need for transport to a remote facility.

Roederer Estate only uses Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes grown in its own vineyards. The vineyards are grouped in eight main ranches that capture the different climates within the Anderson Valley, spanning the warmer East side (Boonville) to the cooler West side (Deep End).

Sustainability

Land stewardship is integral to Roederer Estate’s values and long-term vision. We protect our top soil and the Navarro River from vineyard sediment by practicing responsible farming, which earned us a Fish Friendly Certification on 100% of the Estate. 

Our commitment to sustainable farming methods is not limited to the 100 acres of vineyards we farm organically. We make compost from our winery pomace and local sheep manure, which promotes healthy soils and vineyard resiliency. We also reclaim the winery’s wash waters and reuse them for irrigation. Furthermore, we apply biodynamic preparations to select vineyards — a natural way to keep balanced energy in the soil and vines. In the winter, local sheep herds graze in our vineyards, helping to keep weed growth under control all the while providing the soil with essential nutrients. 

Finally, we take pride in providing our skilled workforce with local housing, relentlessly adding and remodeling buildings on the Estate since 1982.