Zina Hyde Cunningham Winery (Closed)

“Downtown Boonville” is the tasting room location of this winery with historical roots and limited production wines. Zina Hyde Cunningham started growing grapes in Mendocino in 1865, and might even feel at home in the meticulously reconstructed old-West tasting room in the heart of Boonville (population 1,300).

“Four generations of winemaking and vineyards” is the tag line for this winery, which produces a range of California varietals. These include Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Old Vine Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, a Bordeaux blend and a sweet Orange Muscat dessert wine.

The tasting room is set up as an old-West saloon, but very updated in terms of hygiene, style and clientele. Persian-style carpets lie over shiny wood floors, with Victorian furniture and old black-and-white portraits on the walls. There are white oak inlaid ceilings, Venetian plastering, elegant lighting and a long carved tasting bar. A private room off to the side hosts special gatherings.

Outside they have a great deck and picnic grounds with views of the hills above Anderson Valley. Call ahead and schedule a wine & cheese pairing that is hosted by a experienced wine consultant who will explain the characteristics of the wine and give inisghts to the production techniques and style of winemaking.