The Ukiah Valley in Mendocino County in northern California is named after Ukiah, the county seat. The valley dotted with numerous small vineyards (30 of which are 5 acres or smaller), the Ukiah Valley region has perhaps the deepest grape growing roots in Mendocino County (see Mendocino County AVA). Remnants of wineries abandoned in the prohibition days are still evident and old-timers recount the days of packing the harvest on rail cars. The Russian River flows the length of the Ukiah Valley and is its defining landmark. The fertile flood plain of this storied waterway is flanked by miles of benchland. The two topographies create a superb growing region reminiscent of the Médoc.