UKIAH, CA., 12/9/24 — Mendocino County wines have always won awards and gathered kudos from wine connoisseurs and critics alike. Lately, the talk has only gotten louder. In October, “Wine Enthusiast” magazine named Mendocino County “American Wine Region of the Year 2024.” Wine Enthusiast Article and Announcement.
The Greater Ukiah Business and Tourism Alliance (GUBTA) is taking advantage: the alliance announced this week that its new downtown Ukiah wine shop is now open and ready for holiday business. The alliance obtained a beer and wine license from the adjacent Mendocino Bounty gift shop, and the wine shop now stocks an assortment of local wines produced by Ukiah Chamber of Commerce member wineries.
Katrina Kessen, executive director of Ukiah’s tourism alliance, is enthusiastic about the timing and the shop. “I’m thrilled,” she said. “Our team has been working on this for months, and it all finally came together just in time for the holidays.” Kessen said the shop will offer some of the same selections previously available at Mendocino Bounty, with additional wine varietals added on a rotating basis. Grand opening offerings will include wines from Barra of Mendocino, Testa Vineyards, Bonterra, Mia Bea, and other Chamber of Commerce members.
Kessen plans to focus on hard-to-find Mendocino County wines. “Many of our member wineries are small, family-owned operations with limited distribution, and we’re pleased to give them a sales outlet, but of course we’ll also offer traditional favorites,” she said. Customers can expect plenty of assistance with their choices, since staff and alliance board members have extensive experience with wine retail and the fascinating history of Mendocino County grape-growing and wineries.
Long-term ideas for the shop include a monthly newsletter, tastings with the winemakers, and a wine club. For the 2024 season, the wine shop will partner with Mendocino Bounty to offer holiday gift baskets featuring local food offerings that pair well with wine.
The shop is located inside the Ukiah Chamber and California Welcome Center office at 200 South School Street in Ukiah. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., and weekends from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, contact GUBTA at (707) 462-4705.