Allan Green started growing grapes in Anderson Valley in 1973 and started the Greenwood Ridge Vineyards winery in 1980 when there were only four other wineries in Anderson Valley. He was involved in creating the Mendocino County Fair Wine Competition in 1979 and served as its director for almost forty years. He was involved in obtaining the Anderson Valley Appellation in 1983 and has been an energetic promoter of Anderson Valley wines for five decades. He has published over thirty books, primarily on California history, architecture, and travel.