Mendocino Ridge Viticultural Area (95R-017P)

This Treasury decision establishes a viticultural area located within the boundaries of Mendocino County, California to be known as ``Mendocino Ridge,'' under 27 CFR part 9. This viticultural area is the result of a petition submitted by Mr. Steve Alden on behalf of the Mendocino Ridge Quality Alliance. There are about 262,400 acres or approximately 410 square miles within the outer boundaries of the ``Mendocino Ridge'' viticultural area, but the actual viticultural area encompasses only the areas at or above 1200 feet in elevation. Because of the 1200 foot elevation, this viticultural area is unique from other coastal viticultural areas. Of the total 262,400 acres, less than one third, or 87,466 acres, lies above 1200 feet elevation. Of these 87,466 acres, approximately 1500 to 2000 acres or 2% of the narrow timber covered ridge-tops are suitable for grape production. There are approximately 75 acres of grapes currently growing within the boundaries of the viticultural area. The 75 acres of grapes are divided among six wineries.