(Wines&Vines) - The winemakers and consumers who attended a full-day technical conference that was part of the 20th annual Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival held recently in Mendocino County heard discussions about the past and future of the popular variety.

Pinot Noir is the third best-selling wine in the off-premise sector behind Cabernet Sauvignon and red blends. According to the market-research firm IRI and Wine Vines Analytics, the varietal wine enjoyed a 18% increase in sales value from $596 million in 2014 to $703 million in 2016.