Joe Becerra, Author at Wine Country Getaways

Washington Reds

September 27, 2022 by Joe Becerra 1 Comment

Washington red wines — Joe and Janelle in the Yakima Valley

Washington Reds and Wine Country

I recently received a sample of the 2019 Trothe Cabernet Sauvignon from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA in the state of Washington. As soon as I tasted the wine, I instantly recalled the times we’d spent exploring the wine regions of Washington State. The Columbia Valley is the main wine appellation in Washington. It is composed of many sub-appellations, including the Yakima Valley, Red Mountain, and Horse Heaven Hills. The Columbia Valley is spectacular in its beauty and as a wine-growing region. It is all about red wines and, in particular, Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes yield wines that are deep and robust in flavors. The wines burst with energy and vibrance. If you are a wine country lover, a trip to this area is well worth your time.

We’ve visited Washington State twice in the last ten years, traveling from our home in Northern California. We love all the AVA’s of Washington. They make compelling wines. Not only do wine grapes thrive in Washington, but so does other delicious produce. Most popular are apples, cherries and hops for brewing beer. On both trips I have concluded that the Columbia Valley is on a par with both the Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. Plus, it is much less crowded and tasting fees are reasonable. The vibe and “wine speak” are less hectic, and the atmosphere is much more laid-back.

The main city in Washington wine country is Walla Walla. The city has several good lodging choices, and the downtown area is flush with wine tasting rooms. The Spring, Summer, and Fall are the best times of the year to visit.

Washington State wine resources

More on the 2019 Trothe Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2019 Trothe Cabernet is a fully elegant wine with complex flavors that excite with every sip. The wine is full-bodied without being taxing. We paired the Trothe with braised beef ribs, and it was a perfect match. The wine has a velvety touch that meshes well with the reduction sauce on the ribs.

We have tasted many red wines from both Horse Heaven Hills and the Red Mountain wine regions. The Cabs are always deep and complex and a delight to drink. Many are expensive but worth the splurge for a special occasion. Once you taste them, you may never go back to Napa Cabs.

Wine, Food, and other Delights in Seattle

September 10, 2022 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

wine, food, in Seattle — The joy of Lake Union

Seattle and the Olympic National Park

If you like wine, food and nature, you will enjoy the activities of our dazzling six-day excursion in the Pacific Northwest.

Our Stay in Seattle

For our three-night stay in Seattle, we chose the Seattle Courtyard Marriott at Lake Union. The hotel is 20 minutes from the SeaTac Airport. Beautiful Lake Union is all about seafood, boating, and seaplanes. The paths near the lake are a paradise for walkers, runners, and cyclists. The views are spectacular. The Marriot Courtyard Union Lake is also walking distance to the Seattle Center, where the Space Needle is located. The Marriott is expensive by our standards, but the convenient location, along with their bar and restaurant, is a plus.

Within walking distance of our hotel were three excellent restaurants, Duke’s Seafood, the White Swan Public House, and Daniel’s Broiler. Daniel’s Broiler is mainly a steakhouse and very pricey. We liked Duke’s the best for its views and seafood menu. All three restaurants provide beautiful lakeside seating.

Seattle Attractions

We have been to Seattle in the past, so we did not join tourists at the Space Needle, Pike’s Fish Market, or Pioneer Square. We decided to explore other options for wine and food.

Woodinville for Wine

Washington State wines are outstanding, especially the reds. Wine country is to the east of Seattle. The majority of the vineyards are in the Columbia Valley AVA and its sub-AVA’s. Traveling to the Columbia Valley is a long trek, but only 25 minutes from Seattle is the amazing wine town of Woodinville. It is home to 150 wineries. This is an astonishing number, considering no vineyards are in Woodinville. All the grapes are shipped from the Columbia Valley during the harvest period.

Woodinville warehouse district — Woodinville Warehouse District

In the Warehouse District, wineries have tasting rooms and all the equipment to make wine. From tanks and barrels, to portable bottling lines, it is all done at the Warehouse. On the weekends, the Warehouse District becomes a madhouse. Visitors come from all over to enjoy the wines and party hard. I have to wonder how guests choose which wines to taste among 100 wineries!

Ballard Neighborhood

One of the most interesting areas of Seattle is the neighborhood of Ballard. The business area, Ballard Avenue, provides a variety of interesting shops. There are abundant places to drink beer or eat pizza. This street is a happening spot on Friday and Saturday nights. One Ballard Avenue shop peaked our interest, Steele Barber, an upscale men’s barbershop. It is where the cool men of Seattle come to be pampered and get the perfect haircut. I decided to give the place a try and was glad I did.

Steele barber Seattle — Groomed at Steele Barber in Ballard

Tutti Bella Pizza

We had a great dinner at a fantastic pizza joint in the Wallingford neighborhood. It Is Tutti Bella, serving Neopolitan-style pizzas and other delicious appetizers. The pizza dough is fresh and cooked perfectly. We found the Bruschetta appetizer one of the best we have tasted. It is delicious and almost a meal by itself. If you like pizza, don’t miss Tutti Bella.

Golden Beach Park

Need a beach outing? The Golden Beach Park sits on Puget Sound. The beach is perfect for relaxing in the sun, playing volleyball, and gazing at the Olympic Mountains across Puget Sound.

Along the Puget Sound - Golden Parks Beach — Along Puget Sound – Golden Beach Park

Chihuly Glass Museum

At the Seattle Center, not to be missed is the Chihuly Glass Museum. The galleries, the Glasshouse and the Garden showcase the gorgeous glass creations of artist Dale Chihuly. The vibrant colors and intricate designs are a site to behold.

For sale Chihuly glass — Similar items are for sale in the Gift Shop

Olympic National Park

We spent three days in Olympic National Park. We needed a couple of more days, because the park is vast and some of the main attractions are many miles apart. From Seattle, we headed to Olympia and then to Highway 101 via the city of Aberdeen. (Be aware that Highway 101 runs on the West, North and East sides of the Park). Highway 101 West took us to our first lodging spot, the Kalaloch Lodge.

Kalaloch Lodge

The Kalaloch Lodge sits on the bluffs of the Pacific Ocean. If you stay at the Kalaloch Lodge, ask for a room with a view of the beach and ocean. The lodge also has cabins, perfect for families and all with terrific views of the ocean. Guests can find grocery needs at the convenience store on site. The Creekside Restaurant at the Kalaloch Lodge is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The grilled King Salmon – delicious!

Hoh Rainforest

From the lodge we took a long ride to the Hoh Rainforest. Can you believe 120 inches of rain per year? This might be the most popular spot in the entire Olympic National Park. The Hall of Moss Trail is only .08 miles long and is a fantastic look at a rainforest. If you hike the nearby Hoh River trail, there are fewer people and amazing silence as you walk. You can walk a few miles or just 15 minutes out and back, whatever your preference is. It is quite an experience. Warning: The Hoh Rainforest is one of the most popular spots in Olympic National Park. We waited 45 minutes to get admitted into the parking area.

Hall of Mosses our Seattle Trip — Hall of Mosses Trail

Lake Quinaut Lodge

After a two-night stay at the Kalaloch Lodge, we headed back on Hwy. 101 to The lodge at Lake Quinault. The lodge is spectacular with a fantastic view of the lake and the Olympic Mountains. There are several short hikes and a few that are longer from spots around the lake. The restaurant at the lodge is packed during the tourist seasons, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt visited the Lodge in 1937, and he was so inspired he created the Olympic National Park.

Lake Quinault Lodge on the lake — Lake Quinault Lodge

Before we left Seattle, we’d purchased a Styrofoam ice chest at Fred Meyer for $8. We stocked it with Washington wines and a few cheese wedges. There are various spots in Olympic National Park where you can find a table and enjoy a picnic lunch and a hike. Don’t forget to bring a wine opener!

We were surprised to find that the restaurants in the park do not feature more wines from Washington. Washington makes excellent wines every bit as good as, if not better than, Calilfornia wines.

Other excursions on Wine Country Getaways

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Yorkville Cellars – Heading to the Anderson Valley

July 29, 2022 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

Yorkville Cellars Tasting Room – Highway 128

The new Yorkville Cellars

Our last visit to the Yorkville area had been in 2019. COVID struck and we missed going through this area the past two years. We were quite surprised to learn that one of our favorite hidden wineries has new owners. Yorkville Cellars began in the 1980’s and, apparently, the original owners decided it was time to live the retired life.

Not only did Yorkville Cellars get new owners, but also the tasting room has been completely refreshed. The structure has a new paint job, and the deck is newly decorated with comfortable seating. The tasting room is surrounded by Yorkville estate vineyards and stunning groves of Coastal Redwoods.

Also new in the tasting room are tasting fees. On our previous visit, there had been no fees. The tasting fee is now $20 a person, but the good news is that the fee is waived with a purchase of wine. We very much enjoyed the wines, so buying a few bottles worked for us. The entry level tasting fee includes two white wines and three red wines.

Yorkville Cellars was one of the first wineries in the area to go organic and sustainable. The new owners are intent on continuing this philosophy in their wine production. The wines are all excellent. Although the vineyards are estate, the winemaking is done in Redwood Valley at the Graziano facility.

Organic and sustainably-farmed vineyards

Our wine tasting was low key and pleasant. The pace was slow and our host was friendly, informative, and mellow. It was a very enjoyable experience. We enjoyed all the wines, and we purchased the two white wines, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. We also purchased our favorite red of the tasting, the High Roller-Red which is a blend of 53% Zinfandel, 31% Malbec & 16% Petite Sirah. The Zin is not estate, but comes from the Redwood Valley where Zinfandel grapes thrive.

Tasting wine surrounded by organic vineyards and Redwood trees

About ten minutes away to the west is the small town of Boonville, where the Anderson Valley begins. The Anderson Valley is Pinot Noir land, along with fantastic white Alsatian varieties. There are many wineries to visit in the Anderson Valley. But before you head off the Anderson Valley, there are two other wineries to consider in the Yorkville Highlands. We recommend Artevino/Maple Creek Winery and Meyers Family winery.

On our recent trip to this area we stayed in the town of Philo, lodging at The Madrones. We dined at the Wickson restaurant, which is adjacent to The Madrones. Happy travels!

The Madrones in Philo is 25 minutes from Yorkville Cellars

Picnic in Wine Country – Riverfront Regional Park

July 27, 2022 by Joe Becerra 1 Comment

Hiking trail – Riverfront Regional Park in the Russian River Valley AVA

Picnic and Hike at Riverfront Regional Park in Sonoma County

Since the COVID pandemic, it has been difficult for wine travelers to find a winery where one can enjoy a picnic lunch with vineyard views. Many wineries have restrictions on their picnic areas. Often reservations are required. Some offer picnic tables to wine club members only. Several wineries have closed their picnic areas because that is where they do their wine tasting for guests.

Near Healdsburg, we found the perfect spot, Riverfront Regional Park. This Sonoma County park is on Eastside Road, just 10 to 15 minutes from the center of Healdsburg. You can hike, fish, and grill at this lovely, beautiful park set among the Coastal Redwoods and the Russian River Valley wine region.

Hike along one of two lakes – fishing and solitude

How to Get to Riverfront Regional Park

From the center of Healdsburg, get on Highway 101 South from either Dry Creek Road to the North or the Roundabout near the Healdsburg Plaza (just south). Go south on 101 and take exit 502, Old Redwood Highway. Stay west on Old Redwood Highway and then make a right turn onto Eastside Road. Go 3.7 miles to the park entrance.

Where to Buy Picnic Delights

In Healdsburg there are two spots to buy your picnic goodies. Big John’s Market is an upscale market with a fantastic deli, salad bar, and a hot food area. The Troubadour, a new bakery and deli on Healdsburg Avenue, has delicious sourdough sandwiches wrapped and ready to go..

Fresh baked sourdough bread at Troubadour

What to Bring to Riverfront Regional Park

Bring your picnic basket, cooler, tablecloth, and beverage. You might want to take a hike before lunch and get in some exercise before your feast. See where to hike in Riverfront Regional Park.

More Ideas

Along Old Redwood Highway and Eastside Drive, there are several wineries where you can schedule a visit and tasting. One of our favorites is the Foppiano Vineyards. It is one of the first wineries on the way to Riverfront. Foppiano goes back to 1896 and is still a family-owned winery. We also enjoy Acorn winery run by Betsy & Bill Nachbaur. Directly across from the Riverfront Regional Park entrance is Copain Winery. Its owner is the Jackson Family Wine Company. You can visit there by appointment. The views are beautiful. Be aware that the wines are expensive and the experience is on the high-end side. We generally avoid those types of wine experiences.

four 100 year old wineries in Sonoma — Cabernet at Foppiano

Where to stay and dine in Healdsburg

Napa Valley on a Budget?

May 12, 2022 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

Napa Valley on a Budget – It can be done

The recent announcement by Heitz Cellars of their $1000-per-person wine tasting experience, and the recent opening of Napa’s Stanly Ranch ($1000-a-night rooms), triggered a bevy of news reports on the high cost of visiting the Napa Valley. Lettie Teague wrote in the Wall Street Journal: “Who can afford Napa Now, not this Columnist.” The article brought somewhat of a rebuttal from S.F. Chronicle wine writer Esther Mobley, “Yes, Napa’s expensive. But you can still visit on a budget.” Both online newspapers require a subscription, so you may not be able to read these articles. No worries, because we have our own take about visiting the Napa Valley on budget. We have been visiting the Napa Valley much longer than the above wine journalists. Our first trip to the Napa Valley was in 1967.

Sadly, we must report that visiting Napa Valley wineries is not as much fun as it used to be. We can’t afford to purchase most of the wine, and the tasting fees are very high compared to other wine regions. We also feel a little uncomfortable with what is now the norm, the appointment-only tasting format. We get too much wine speak and not enough casual conversation with other visitors.

Napa Valley on a budget, yes — Before COVID – the tasting room bar

Napa Valley can be done on a budget barely — The appointment-only tasting experience – too much wine speak?

We have been keeping track of what it costs to taste wine in the Napa Valley for several years. We track ten wineries and list the price for the lowest level of a wine-tasting experience. The average price in 2020 was $32.50 per person; now, in 2022, it is $54 per person. Take a look at the list and start your research on which wineries might fit your wine-tasting budget.

Napa valley on a budget wine tasting fees — Rhine House at Beringer Vineyards

Beringer has a one-hour tasting experience for $45 per person, The Legacy Tasting. “Choose five wines from our current collection of these limited released wines available only here at the winery. Each of the wines showcase a vineyard, variety, or growing region. After their experience, guests can enjoy a walk around the beautiful gardens and estate.” There is also a $30 self-tour experience that includes the historic caves and a glass of wine. The Rhine House is a lovely structure dating back to 1883. See more here.

There is no getting around the high tasting fees. If you are on a budget, it means fewer wineries to visit. Choose wisely. You can save on fees if you visit a tasting room in the towns, but it is more fun and educational to visit a working winery. When your tasting is done at a winery, ask if you can see the cellar and barrel room and take a walk in the vineyards. You might get the nod!

See the 2022 Wine Tasting Fee Index
See how we save money in the Napa Valley

How Much to Wine Taste in Napa Valley 2022

March 27, 2022 by Joe Becerra 1 Comment

Napa Valley Wine Tasting Index

Planning trip to the Napa Valley? Be sure to include wine tasting fees in your expenses. Realize that wine tasting fees will take a big chunk out of your budget.

For 2022 we’ve seen a significant increase for travelers to sit down and taste wine at a winery. Many wineries are offering lavish types of wine tasting experiences beyond a basic tasting of four or five wines. Wineries find that a wine and food pairing menu, vineyards walks, and tours attract more tourists and is more profitable. One significant change since COVID is that most wineries require a reservation. Drop-in visits are no longer the norm.

We list the tasting fees for ten wineries along Highway 29 in the Napa Valley. For purposes of the index, we are listing the price of an entry-level tasting.

Napa Valley Tasting Room Index 2022

These wine tasting fees represent the entry-level wine tasting.

Alpha Omega – $75 – Two whites and two reds
Beaulieu Vineyards – $55 – Five vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon
Beringer Wines – $45 for five wines
Grgich Hills – $60 for five wines
Louis Martini – $55 for three wines
Peju Province – $50 for five wines
Pestoni Family Estate Winery – $40 for four wines
Robert Mondavi – $65 – Seated, one-hour tasting
Sequoia Grove – $40 – for four wines
Whitehall Lane – $56 – for four wines

Back in 2020, just before the start of the Pandemic, the average tasting fee for a basic tasting for this set of wineries was $32.50. Today, the average is $54 per person. We are providing links to each winery. Tasting fees and tasting procedures are in a fluid state. Be sure to book your tasting reservations long before your trip to the Napa Valley.

Important Napa Valley Articles

Far From the Madding Crowds

March 22, 2022 by Joe Becerra 1 Comment

A visit to Ridge Monte Bello

Ridge Monte Bello – Notice the Redwood Trees

The Ridge Winery address is 17100 Montebello Road, Cupertino. One might think the winery and tasting room sit in the middle of Silicon Valley. Or one may think the winery is a neighbor of Apple Computer. Such is not the case. Ridge Monte Bello is far from the high-tech world, as it sits atop Monte Bello at an elevation of 2400 feet. What a view at the top and that is just the beginning.

Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello is one of California’s most esteemed wineries. Ridge’s Cabernet Sauvignon wine was one of the California wines entered in the “Judgement of Paris” competition in 1976. The tasting was reenacted in 2006 and 2015 with California vs. Bordeaux’s same wines. While the Ridge wine was not the top selection in 1976, it was the best in the next two taste-offs. Paul Draper, the winemaker for 48 years, is one of the most respected winemakers worldwide. Paul is retired now but remains as Chairman of the Board.

There are two Ridge Vineyards locations. Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello is the original winery (1959), and is in the Santa Cruz Mountain AVA. Ridge Lytton Springs (1991) is near Healdsburg in Sonoma County and resides in the Dry Creek Valley. Monte Bello specializes in Bordeaux varieties, but Lytton Springs is all about Zinfandel. We visited Ridge Monte Bello last week. We love the ride from Highway 280 in Cupertino up Monte Bello Road. It is a three-mile ride to the Ridge mountaintop location. One would hardly guess that there would be a winery nestled high above the Silicon Valley in this high-tech region.

Far from the madding crowds — Great views from the tasting room at Ridge Monte Bello

The views are spectacular. On a clear day, views of San Francisco, the East Bay, and the Silicon Valley are breathtaking. But watch out for cyclists on the narrow, windy road to the top. Cyclists cherish the workout and, better yet, the exhilarating ride down the mountain. Ridge Monte Bello requires reservations. See visiting details for reservations and tasting fees.

Cabernet Sauvignon Estate

There is something special in the terroir at Monte Bello. The high altitude brings a vast difference in temperatures. Nighttime temps drop dramatically at this altitude. The soil is limestone, adding a touch of minerality to the wines. And, what can we say about Cabernet old vines and the intensity of flavors they produce? Year after year, Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most prestigious Cabs produced anywhere globally. Check out the 2107 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate from Monte Bello.

Ridge Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon planted in 1949

Another reason to love Ridge is the philosophy of the winery. The original owners, four Stanford engineers, purchased the old property and released their first vintage in 1962. They wanted to grow the grapes with as little harm to the environment as possible. Today, the new owners, a Japanese pharmaceutical company, carry on that philosophy. The vineyards are dry-farmed, and the vines are organically certified. Most of the staff is full-time, and some even live on the property. Now, that’s loyalty to your employees.

In recent years, Ridge has increased its lineup of wines. The vineyard manager and his team scout California for outstanding vineyards. Once Ridge finds a great vineyard, they purchase grapes, and from there come great wines!

Guerneville – A Secret wine town in the Russian River

March 16, 2022 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

Guerneville has wine — Visit Guerneville

Visit Guerneville for wine and other fun activities

Guerneville is a sleepy little town on the banks of the Russian River in Sonoma County. The town is 150 years old and, for most of those years, has been a resort and vacation destination for San Francisco and Bay Area residents. In the 1970s, Guerneville became a friendly travel destination for the San Francisco Bay Area LGBTQ community. Guerneville is artsy, hippy, and eclectic. Growing up in San Francisco, we visited Guerneville almost every summer. Today, Guerneville looks just about the same as it did when we visited with our parents. Guerneville is a town to be explored. Here are some fun things to do in Guerneville.

Visit Guerneville for wine

Guerneville is in the heart of the Russian River Valley wine appellation or AVA. This is where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive. These grapes love the morning fog and the cooling afternoon breezes from the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific Coast is only 13 miles away. Here are three wine stops to choose from while spending time in Guerneville.

Korbel Champagne Cellars – one of our favorite wineries with a historic past – do not miss it
Porter-Bass Winery – Biodynamic winery, family run, and a throwback to the old days of wine tasting
Equality Wines – in town and supporting equal rights for all through wine sales

Korbel winery - Guerneville fun — Korbel for sparkling wine and history

Visit Guerneville for family activities

Armstrong Redwood State Natural Reserve

Armstrong Redwoods is one of the amazing places to visit in all of Sonoma Country. Take a short hike of one mile and you will see some of the most spectacular trees in the world. Come in the early morning and beat the crowds. When it is quiet, you can almost hear the Redwoods whispering to one another. Another idea is to pack a lunch and enjoy the Redwood picnic area. The nature walk is very informative, great for both adults and children of all ages. The Redwood Trees will leave you with inspiration.

Life on the beach

During the summer season, many love to enjoy activities at the lovely Russian River beaches. Head down to Johnson’s Beach for swimming, wading, sunbathing, and canoeing. Here is a link to find everything about Johnson’s Beach. Stay safe; the Russian River has many deep holes. Stay in the designated swimming areas.

Fishing

In Guerneville, be sure to go to King’s Sporting Goods. The place has been there for over 60 years. The Russian River has fishing all year round. In the winter months, it is all about Steelhead Fish. I have never caught a Steelhead, but I have seen people battle this fish. It is a fight for 30 minute or more. In the summer months, it is fishing for small-mouth bass. King’s can you get started on the secrets of fishing on the Russian River.

Walk the town

Take an hour or more to explore Guerneville. Walk Main Street and the side streets to get a feel for life in this small resort river town. You will be sure to find some different and unique shops. At the Bank of Guerneville Building, now Guerneville Bank Club, you can view historic photos of the Russian River and buy gourmet ice cream and goodies from the Chile Pies Baking Company. Another attraction is the old Guerneville 5 &10 Store. It dates back to 1949. Take a walk across the historic Guerneville Bridge (1922) now closed to auto traffic. Here you can get a bird’s eye view of the Russian River and Johnson’s Beach.

Lodging and Restaurants

Boon hotel in Guernevll — Enjoy the solitude at the Boon Hotel and Spa in Guernevlle

Dining and lodging in summer months can be a challenge. Book early.

Another option for visiting Guerneville is to take a day trip from Healdsburg. Take Westside Road from Healdsburg town center for 12 miles. Turn right onto River Road and proceed to Guerneville. This route will take you through some of the most scenic backroads in wine country. Healdsburg has many more options for dining and lodging. Whatever you decide, a trip to Guerneville is lots of fun.

If you like the Guerneville trip, you might also like these Russian River Valley outings

Occidental – More Redwoods and Wine
Geyserville – Don’t miss Pedroncelli
Westside Road – Wine country in the Russian River
Hidden wineries in the Russian River Valley

Anderson Valley For Wine & Redwood Trees

February 16, 2022 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

This article is the third in a series featuring wine and Coastal Redwoods in a wine country getaway. Head to the Anderson Valley for wine and Redwoods.

take a walk in a redwood forest when in wine country — A walk in the Redwoods

Why we love the Redwoods and Why you will, too

The Coastal Redwood trees are some of the oldest and tallest trees in the world. When you walk in a Redwood Forest, magic will happen. Look up and see the majesty of these trees. One of the most remarkable attributes of these trees is their resiliency. They can withstand fires, smoke, floods, insects, and more. Their intricate root structures help other trees and plant life in the forest. When you walk in a Redwood Forest, you can feel the trees’ resiliency, strength, and perseverance. These are the attributes that we want in ourselves.

Why vineyards thrive where Redwood Trees are living

Not all vineyard varieties grow alongside Redwoods, just those that like the same type of climate as the Redwoods: Grapes like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Alsatian grapes. These are cool-climate grapes that love the environment of fog, cooling breezes, and moderate temperatures.

The Anderson Valley in Mendocino County is one of our favorite wine country destinations. We prefer it over Napa Valley or Sonoma.

what is an ava — Anderson Valley AVA in Mendocino County

From the Golden Gate Bridge, a car ride is about 2 hours. A good stop on the way for lunch in Healdsburg (70 miles) is the Healdsburg Bar & Grill. Rather than stopping for lunch, we prefer stocking up with picnic food at Big John’s Market in Healdsburg. We leave early from our Peninsula home and get to our favorite Anderson Valley winery at about 1 pm. The Anderson Valley is on Highway 128.

Why you should go to the Anderson Valley Wine Country and not Napa Valley or Sonoma

Fewer tourists
Food and lodging are far less expensive
Tasting fees are reasonable or, in some cases, there is no tasting fee
Fantastic Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Alsatian wines, and sparkling wines
Stunning scenery and a serene experience
Many small and unique wineries
Very friendly people
An abundance of Coastal Redwood Trees
Not much in the way of wine snobbery or wine speak

The main town in the Anderson Valley is Boonville. You can find lodging in Boonville as well as restaurants. Since the area is less touristy, restaurants are relatively few. Check accommodation and restaurants here.

Spend one or two nights in the Anderson Valley. That will give you a chance to visit some fantastic wineries and explore the Redwoods. Mixing wine country and Redwoods is one of life’s great delights.

Redwood trees in the Anderson Valley and vineyards — Fun viewing of Redwoods in the Anderson Valley

You will find Redwoods living next to vineyards, but visit Hendy Woods State Park to get an eye-popping view of the Coastal Redwoods. This State Park is eight miles northwest of Boonville, a half-mile south of Highway 128 on Philo-Greenwood Road.

Pack a lunch, hike, or relax among the amazing Redwood Groves. Bring some wine and toast these magnificent trees.

Anderson Valley Wineries

Handley winery, unique and fun wine tasting, family owned, small

Check our listing of all the terrific wineries and finds ones that suite your style of wines. We love the older wineries that are family-owned. These include Navarro, Husch, and Handley. For sparkling wine, nothing beats the view and tasting at Roederer.

Coastal Town of Mendocino

Many romantic B&B or AirB&B in Mendocino on the coast — Many romantic B&B’s or AirB&B’s in Mendocino on the coast

One of the most Romantic small towns in the USA is Mendocino. It is an escape to another time and place. The Pacific Ocean bluffs and views are unbelievable. We like to stay at least two nights in Mendocino. We do this at least once a year. Now that COVID seems to be waning, we plan to make up for lost time.

On the way back

If you are still interested in doing some unusual wine tasting, try these two wineries in the Yorkville Highlands wine region. It About 25 miles east of Boonville on 128. Artevino/Maple Creek Vineyards and Yorkville Cellars. Artevino is the name artist Tom Rodrigues denotes to his wines. The labels are his works of art. The wines are just as good as the art.

find redwood trees at Maple Creek vineyard — The vines at Maple Creek – Redwoods in the background

Yorkville Cellars, a family-owned and operated winery, was the first winery certified in 1986 by the CCOF. Yorkville Cellars is a classy winery with passionate farming and winemaking. The wines are mostly Bordeaux style and excellent. If you stop there, you’ll see something you won’t find in a Napa Valley winery.

More vineyards and Redwood Trees – read these articles

Fun Things to Do in Wine Country in January 2022

December 16, 2021 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

fun in january in wine country — A spa in winter is ideal – in Calistoga

Some very fun Things to do in wine country in January

There are plenty of fun activities to do in January in wine country. Many tourists stay away from wine country in January, so all the better to travel to Napa Valley, Sonoma, Paso Robles, and more. There will be days of inclement weather, but then comes sunshine, clear air, and spectacular views. Even when the weather is not favorable, there are plenty of fun things to keep you happy and excited. Many lodging establishments offer lodging discounts during the off-season in wine country. Try calling your favorite hotel and ask about winter specials.

Covid, fires, and smoke have brought many changes to tasting and touring in wine country in the past couple of years. Traveling the off-season wine country is a big help to the travel industry.

Here are several suggestions for fun things to do in January in wine country.

Bare vines with cover crops just beginning to grow

Joe and Janelle at the Soda Rock temporary tasting room – The old barn is still in service

Take a hike

Yes, it may be chilly, but hiking in wine country is invigorating. Work up an appetite and take in views most travelers do not see in wine country. Check our “Things to Do” in each of our wine regions and you will find some very nice hiking paths and trails. We like hiking the Napa Vine Trail from Yountville toward Napa. In Healdsburg, we love the Healdsburg Ridge Hike.

Winter is Spa Weather

Spa treatments can be found in any of the wine regions. Napa Valley and Sonoma are particularly known for their many spas. Calistoga in the Napa Valley has made the mud bath and hot springs an inviting activity.

Art Galleries in Healdsburg and Napa Valley

Each wine country town has an excellent collection of boutique shopping and art galleries. Around the Plaza in Healdsburg, the Sonoma Plaza, or Paso Robles City Park, you can shop all day long. Antiquing is also a good choice. The bonus in January is that there are fewer travelers and more time to browse and get great deals. If you want to combine wine tasting and art, follow the Art and Wine Lovers’ Trail in the Napa Valley.

In Healdsburg, be sure to visit the Paul Mahder art gallery. Not only does the art gallery have spectacular works of art, one can taste wine in the gallery. See the Grapeseed Wine Fund.

Things to do in January in wine country — At the Paul Mahder Art Gallery – GrapeSeed provides wine tasting

Head to Mendocino

Mendocino is a very romantic town on the Pacific Coast, but getting there adds to the experience. The Anderson Valley is on the way to Mendocino. It is the land of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Alsatian white wine varieties. Highway 128 to the coast is breathtaking. The town of Boonville in the Anderson Valley is a delight. We love what we call the Big Three wineries. Pack a lunch and, even in cold weather, picnicking among the vineyards is rejuvenating.

Head to romantic Mendocino, and on the way taste wine in the Anderson Valley

Events in January 2022

Because January is the quietest month in wine country, several wine regions schedule planned events. Here is a list:

Napa Valley Restaurant Week January 21 to January 30, 2022
Enjoy lunch and dinner with multi-course, prix-fixe menus. Lunch $20, dinner is $38 or $48. See details at Napa Valley Restaurant Week

Winter Wineland January 15 and 16 in the Healdsburg Area – this can get crowded and hectic, but folks love this annual event. See details

Calistoga’s Winter in the Wineries Passport
This event runs from December 4, 2021 to February 6, 2022. Purchase passports and enjoy activities at 17 Calistoga wineries. See details at Winter in the Wineries Passport