With more special guests in the pipeline…
November 21, 2025 (Anderson Valley, CA) — The Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association (AVWA) is pleased to announce the first four guest regions participating in the 16th annual International White Wine Festival, returning Saturday, February 14, 2026, to the Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville. The event remains the only North American festival dedicated exclusively to white and sparkling wine, drawing cool-climate producers, educators, and enthusiasts from around the world.
First Four Guest Regions Confirmed
- Mexico – Returning for a second year after becoming one of the most visited and talked-about tables of 2025. Led by Lorena Hernández (“Vionda”) — whose VINITÁCORA guide won the 2025 Gourmand Award for Best Wine Guide in the World — this table is not to be missed.
- Germany – Featuring educator Lisa Tupetz, presenting Riesling, Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc), and Germany’s expressive cool-climate whites.
- The Finger Lakes, New York – Represented by the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, bringing world-class Riesling and distinctive cool-climate varietals.
- Lake County, California – Showcasing high-elevation whites shaped by volcanic soils, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and exciting aromatics.
More regions and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks.
A Region Defined by Aromatic Whites
This year’s early lineup reflects a dynamic mix of international voices and leading cool-climate regions, all pouring side-by-side with Anderson Valley’s acclaimed producers.
As a region rooted in aromatic white varieties like Gewürztraminer, first planted here in the early 1970s by Navarro Vineyards, Anderson Valley is the natural home of this event — a destination long beloved by curious consumers, sommeliers, and media who seek expressive, terroir-driven whites.
Grand Tasting — February 14, 2026
Mendocino County Fairgrounds, Boonville, CA
VIP Hour: 11:00 AM
General Admission: 12:00–3:00 PM
Guests will enjoy 40+ wineries, international white wines, gourmet bites, entertainment, and educational varietal tables. Ticket information available at avwines.com.
Open House Sunday — February 15, 2026
On Sunday, participating Anderson Valley wineries open their doors for special pours, food experiences, live music, and rare white-wine flights, inviting guests to explore the valley at their own pace. Events will be published to the website in December & January.
About the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association
The Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association (AVWA) was founded in 1983 – the same year as the appellation. Made up of 24 vineyard, 68 winery and 58 associate members, the nonprofit supports the region’s growers and winemakers through marketing, education, and community programs — promoting Anderson Valley as one of California’s premier cool-climate wine regions. In addition to acting as a resource for its members, the association aims to better its community by donating funds yearly to local nonprofit organizations.
