The early European American settlers of Anderson Valley arrived after 1850. They practiced subsistence farming and expanded into resource extraction economies based on timber harvesting and livestock ranching. In 1880 a human population of around 1,000 maintained 75,000 head of sheep and 20,000 head of cattle. Commercial production of apples and hops began before the turn of the century, along with the development of Boontling, the local folk language.

Large tracts of land were removed from production and subdivided. The first commercial vineyards for wine grapes were planted.

A wine boom began in the 1980s. This led to the establishment of the Anderson Valley American Viticultural Area. The wine industry is now the primary driver of the Anderson Valley economy. The major annual wine event is the Pinot Noir Festival at the County Fairgrounds in May. In addition to wine, there is a successful microbrewery, the Anderson Valley Brewing Company, on the outskirts of Boonville. Like much of Mendocino County, the hospitality industry is a natural adjunct to boutique alcohol production. Fine restaurants and quality lodging are in good supply.
 
The climate is tempered by cool marine air. Steep hills and mountains surround rolling to nearly level alluvial terraces. The dominant natural vegetation is Coast Redwood, various native oak tree varieties, and Douglas-fir. Elevation ranges from sea level to 2,500 feet (760 m). The average annual precipitation ranges from 35 to 80 inches (900 to 2000 mm). The average annual temperature is about 53 °F (12 °C), and the average frost-free season ranges from 220 to 365 days. The summers are cool and moist with frequent fog.

The pleasant natural environment and rural lifestyle also attracts artists, writers, musicians and a variety of skilled crafts people.
 
Please contact us any questions you have about Stevenswood Ranch.

Visit the founding property of Stevenswood Hospitality Group, LLC; Stevenswood Spa Resort, Mendocino, California.