The Anderson Valley’s Popular International White Wine Festival
Returns on February 27-28, 2027
October 27, 2026 (Philo, CA) — Jessica Van Grieken, a longtime resident of Anderson Valley and a veteran of the Valley’s wine industry, has taken the reins of Anderson Valley Winegrowers as Executive Director. Growing up in Texas and Belgium, Van Grieken was exposed to her extended family’s homestead winemaking before moving to California for college at The University of Redlands. She moved to Philo eleven years ago after earning her degree in environmental science and business – and never looked back.
Her interest in wine thrived after working with Toulouse Vineyards and then managing Twomey Cellars for several years. Additionally, Van Grieken consulted with Anderson Valley wineries including Fathers + Daughters, Signal Ridge Vineyards, and Filigreen Farms. Twelve years working in this powerful yet intimate region of the California wine industry has given her an understanding of the area’s challenges and opportunities, and Van Grieken will concentrate on strengthening industry partnerships while preserving the Valley’s agricultural heritage and ensuring its dynamic future.
She and her husband, Matt Barnes, raise six rescue dogs and enjoy paddleboarding, riding horses, and gardening.
Van Grieken’s first big event will be the unique and always well-attended International White Wine Festival. It showcases the region’s Alsatian white wines, crisp Chardonnays, Sparkling wines, and other craveable whites that brighten a mid-winter weekend. At IWWF, wine lovers will find white wines from around the world and specialty tables that explore a single white varietal like Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, and White Pinot Noir.
Expect to be surprised at White Wine Fest by the diversity of wines and the bountiful offerings of local foods and the restaurants that make them delicious. Shucked oysters, local seafood, cheeses from AV goats, fresh produce, and chefs’ creations from around Mendocino County will complete the IWWF experience. Music throughout the venue, spirited raffles, and a full day of Open Houses at wineries the Sunday after. Find food pairings, special discounts, and chats with the winemakers to complete the White Wine Weekend experience.
Get tickets and make room reservations early. This is always a sold-out event.
International White Wine Festival
Tickets at www.avwines.com/international-white-wine-festival
Mendocino County Fairgrounds
Saturday, February 27, 2027
VIP Entry 11 AM : General Admission 12 – 3 PM
Winery Open Houses Sunday, February 28th.
