Mendocino Wine Country Archives - Wine Country Getaways

Anderson Valley For Wine & Redwood Trees

February 16, 2022 by Joe Becerra

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

Why You Should Visit Navarro Vineyards

February 12, 2020 by Joe Becerra

Navarro Vineyards in Anderson Valley — Enjoying the Chardonnay at Navarro Vineyards – View from the picnic area

Why you should visit the Navarro Vineyards in the Anderson Valley

Small and Family-owned winery
Sustainable farming practices
Outstanding wines including Alsace varieties
Unbelievable vineyard views
Nicest people working the tasting room
No fees for tasting wines
Other quaint wineries nearby in the Anderson Valley

Navarro Vineyards is one of our favorite wineries to visit. We visit at least once a year and sometimes more often.

Are you old enough to remember Pacific Stereo? This successful company had several high fidelity stores scattered around the San Francisco Bay Area. Those stores were owned by Ted Bennett, who sold the business in the early 1970s for a considerable price. In 1974, he used his profit to create Navarro Vineyards in the Anderson Valley of Mendocino County.

Today, Navarro is the most-visited winery in the Anderson Valley and has an extensive mailing list of loyal customers. The wines are sold only online, out of the tasting room, or from the mailing list. A few restaurants also carry their wines. Ted Bennett and his wife Deborah Cahn have been loyal to their land, farming organically before anyone else in the Anderson Valley.

The tasting room staff at Navarro is knowledgeable, friendly, and always enthusiastic. The picnic area is one of our favorites of any wine country and, when we visit the Anderson Valley, Navarro Vineyards is where we picnic no matter what the season. There are picnic tables in front of the vineyards and a few others scattered in the gardens. It is one of the most serene settings for a wine country picnic. It is so delightful! The setting in the tasting room at Navarro Vineyards is spectacular. There are wonderful vineyard views, with a backdrop of the mountains dotted with oak trees.

As of the posting of this article, tasting room fees are non-existent. You can try any wine they have open, which on most days is at least eight. Can you find this in the Napa Valley?

Navarro vineyards and anderson valley — View from the tasting room area at Navarro Vineyards

Wines of Navarro Vineyards

We like the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines at Navarro. They are excellent, and the price is right compared to many other nearby wineries. Chardonnay, and especially Pinot Noir, have a great reputation among Anderson Valley wineries.

Not getting the respect they deserve are the Alsatian wines from Navarro and other Anderson Valley wineries. These wines are fantastic, and one should make sure to taste and purchase these terrific wines. Navarro Vineyards makes a Gewurztraminer, a Pinot Gris, and a Riesling.

Other Anderson Valley Wineries

Years ago, there was just a handful of wineries along Highway 128 in the Anderson Valley. Today there are many wineries, including some from Napa Valley vintners. These include Golden Eye (Duckhorn) and Lichen Estate (Cliff Lede). Two other terrific wineries, very similar to Navarro, are Husch Vineyards and Handley Cellars.

Tourist Information – Anderson Valley

Navarro Vineyards and the Anderson Valley are approximately 120 miles from the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge. In Cloverdale, take Highway 128 towards Mendocino. Along this route is the Artevino Maple Creek Winery we recently wrote about. Stop and have a visit there, and then continue on to Navarro.

Artevino – Maple Creek Winery

January 30, 2020 by Joe Becerra

artevino winery in Yorkville Highlands — Yorkville Highlands AVA

Art and Vino at Maple Creek Winery

Once in a while, a wine traveler will feel the need for something different in a winery. A visit to Artevino – Maple Creek Winery is one of those wine experiences that will linger.

Artevino winery is off the beaten path in the Yorkville Highlands AVA. Yorkville Highlands is in southern Mendocino County and just outside the border of the Alexander Valley AVA. Take Highway 128 in Cloverdale to the west. You can take Highway 128 all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Artevino Maple Creek is 30 minutes from the Cloverdale turn off. You will love this rustic little winery.

Artist Tom Rodrigues decides to make wine

Tom Rodriguez at Maple Creek — Tom Rodrigues tends to the tasting room at Maple Creek

It all began for Tom Rodrigues in 2001. An artist by trade in Marin County Tom decides to move from a busy lifestyle to a more quiet life in Mendocino County. He buys the old Maple Creek winery and begins to learn how to make wine with the help of a consulting winemaker. With his skills as an artist, he adds his art work as a refreshing touch to the wines and the winery.

Our first visit to Artevino was in 2008. We recently visited again. It was quite an enjoyable trip, with Tom Rodrigues working in the tasting room. Tom feels his best wines are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. His vineyards are in a cool climate area of the Yorkville Highlands. There is one wine at Artevino that you are unlikely to find in any other wine travels. It is Symphony. Symphony is a California grape that is a cross between a Muscat and Grenache Gris. The Symphony vineyards were on the property when Tom took over. The Artevino Symphony matches perfectly with spicy foods. Bringing home a bottle or two of Symphony leads to great conversation with friends.

Symphony grape vine at Maple Creek Winery — Symphony grapevine at Artevino

The tasting room has many of Tom’s artworks, and they are a pleasure to browse. Besides the paintings, the tasting room is friendly and welcoming. A sign on the door reads, “Enter as Strangers, Leave as Friends!” If you plan to visit, the tasting room is open daily 11am to 5 pm. Travelers can combine a visit to Artevino with other wineries in the Yorkville Highlands, or wineries in the Anderson Valley just 20 minutes away.

Check our map below to view a list of wineries along the famous Highway 128. Many folks head to the romantic town of Mendocino on the Coast. Stopping at one or two wineries along the way always adds enjoyment to a visit to Mendocino.

Additional Mendocino Information

Yorkville and Anderson Valley Wine Map

Travelog – Mendocino Wine Country for Wine and Food Lovers

November 14, 2017 by Joe Becerra

We are just back from a two-night trip to Mendocino County. Our last time in Mendocino County, we visited the area of Hopland and wineries on the Hopland Wine Trail. On this trip, our adventures took us to the Anderson Valley on Highway 128 and on to the romantic town of Mendocino on the Pacific Coast. Both the Anderson Valley and Mendocino are magical in November. Discover through our adventures cool places to visit and things to do in this beautiful area of Mendocino County.

Mendocino Headlands

Day One – Anderson Valley Wineries, Redwoods and Mendocino

Heading from San Francisco, we take Highway 128 in Cloverdale toward the Pacific Coast. Don’t get confused with Mendocino County and Mendocino, the town. Mendocino is a big County, but the village of Mendocino is tiny with a population of under 900 people.

Once we get to Boonville, we start our Anderson Valley wine adventure. Boonville is the right spot to stock up for a wine country picnic. Just about all the wineries in the Anderson Valley have picnic facilities. Boonville also has some good restaurant choices. Most of the Anderson Valley wineries are located between the small towns of Philo and Navarro on Highway 128. The Anderson Valley is Pinot Noir country, along with Chardonnay and Alsatian varieties. The fog from the Pacific Ocean provides the perfect climate for cool-loving grapes.

The Big Three Anderson Valley Wineries

The Anderson Valley has many wineries, over 30 in fact, but we love to visit three small and family-owned wineries that had been operating long before the Anderson Valley became popular. Husch Vineyards started in 1971, Navarro Vineyards in 1972, and Handley Cellars in 1984. We call them the Big Three because of the tasting experience for visitors and the quality and value of the wines. Navarro Vineyards is the first of the Big Three as you travel between the towns of Philo and Navarro. Navarro Vineyards has a beautiful picnic area plus terrific wines. There is no tasting fee, and most of the wines are open for tasting. We love the stainless steel Chardonnay, the Gewurztraminer, and the Riesling. In the reds, they have two versions of Pinot Noir that are scrumptious. At Husch, you will find one of the smallest and coziest tasting rooms in the area. It is a small hut, but don’t let that fool your taste buds. The wines are delightful, and all the estate vineyards are sustainable. The Handley tasting room is fun and packed with international folk art. The Handley vineyards are certified organic. Milla Handley is the founder and one of the first women winemakers in California. Great wines here as well!

Handley Cellars – Organic Vineyards

More information on the Anderson Valley Wine Trail

The Coastal Redwoods

After visiting our Big Three wineries, we head to the coast and the town of Mendocino. You may have heard of the famous Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt County, but this eleven-mile stretch as you leave Navarro on Highway 128 is just as spectacular. We are in theNavarro River Redwoods State Park, and the highway is lined with magnificent Coastal Redwood trees. We find any pull-out shoulder along the road wide enough to be safe and park the car to have a look at the fantastic Redwood Forest. Find a path to take a short walk and you will discover the flora and fauna of a Redwood forest. The area is also popular with fishermen and kayakers. The Navarro River is a happy spot for adventures and wildlife.

Eleven miles of Redwood trees on Highway 128

Adventures in Mendocino and its Coast

We arrive in Mendocino in the late afternoon and settle into our Travelzoo special at the Mendocino Hotel & Garden Suites. The day is overcast but, no matter what the weather in Mendocino, it is a beautiful day. We stroll the quaint Mendocino shops and have a cup of tea. Dinner our first evening is at the Trillium Cafe. It is a fantastic meal. We loved the Covelo Ranch Braised Short Ribs and the Grilled Organic Chicken Mole.

On the left up the stairs is Celtic Creations. On the right is Out of This World science store

Day Two – Between Mendocino and Fort Bragg

Early morning in Mendocino is always quiet and joyful. A walk along the bluffs of the Mendocino Headlands is an excellent way to begin the day. We have breakfast at the Good Life Cafe & Bakery. It is a local hangout, and that is just fine with us. Since rain is in the forecast, we decide to forgo our hike in nearby Van Damme State Park. It is a fantastic, moderate two-mile hike up to the Pygmy Forest, but we will do that on our next visit to Mendocino. We take a car ride to Fort Bragg, home of the Skunk Train. Our first stop is the Cabrillo Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse has been operating since 1909, guiding ships along the Pacific Coast. The lighthouse is open daily 11am to 4 pm.

Point Cabrillo Lighthouse

Another exciting stop between Mendocino and Fort Bragg is the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Take an hour to see what plants flourish in coastal climates. In Fort Bragg, we enjoy two activities. First, a lunch stop at Silver’s at the Wharf in the Noyo Harbor. Fresh fish menu items are on the menu as entrees, in salads, and sandwiches. We walk off lunch visiting shops in the historic old town portion of Fort Bragg.

Now it is back to Mendocino for another stroll along the headlands and some last-minute shopping for books, trinkets, and other boutique items. We are looking forward to our dinner at Cafe Beaujolais. Since our previous visit, this historic Mendocino restaurant has new owners and a new chef. Cafe Beaujolais does not have a full bar, so the McCollum House is a comfortable stop for a cocktail. The Cafe Beaujolais does not disappoint. I must say, the Butternut Squash soup is the best I have tasted. Six of us enjoy the Cod, the chicken, pork tenderloin, and beef Wellington. Chef Julian, you are off to a great start at Cafe Beaujolais!

Cafe Beaujolais Chef Julian Lopez

Cafe Beaujolais’ spicy pork tenderloin – Wow!

Heading home

Another trip to the Good Life Cafe & Bakery for a light breakfast before we head back. Our friends are taking 128 to Cloverdale and Highway 101 to head home. We decide on an alternate route and make a left in Boonville to Highway 253 East. This road is windy but with great views. Highway 253 ends in Ukiah. More wineries are visit-worthy between Ukiah and Hopland. See the Hopland Wine Trail for complete information on the best wineries to visit.

One thing we love about visiting the Anderson Valley and Mendocino Coast is that we always feel refreshed and invigorated. It must be the peacefulness of the vineyards and Redwood Trees, as well as the clean air on the Pacific Coast.

Additional Helpful Mendocino Information

McFadden becomes Blue Quail

October 8, 2017 by Joe Becerra

McFadden becomes Blue Quail – Hopland Happenings

If Healdsburg wine country is getting too crowded for your getaway, try Hopland, California. Hopland is 35 minutes north of Healdsburg on Highway 101. There are several wineries and tasting rooms in the Hopland area. The wineries in the Hopland area are mostly small and family-owned and farmed organically. Get away from the crowds and discover some fantastic wines from inland Mendocino County. One of our favorite stops is the McFadden Vineyards Tasting Room. We were surprised to find that on our most recent visit, McFadden changed its label to Blue Quail. The wines are the same excellent wines as before. The name change is a business decision, a PR campaign no doubt. Whether McFadden or Blue Quail, the winery should have no trouble selling their wines. Wines are so good and are priced reasonably. Take the delicious Pinot Gris for example. It is the best tasting Pinot Gris this side of Oregon, and it is only $16. There is a big bonus, all the grapes for this wine are organically farmed. Guinness McFadden organically farms all his vines in his estate Potter Valley farm. See complete information on the Hopland Wine Country.

Lula Cellars in the Anderson Valley – Pinot Noir

May 24, 2016 by Joe Becerra

Morning fog at the Lula Cellars vineyards in the Anderson Valley

Lula Cellars in the Anderson Valley – Pinot Noir is plentiful

If you are a Pinot Noir enthusiast, the Anderson Valley in Mendocino County is where you want to go for a wine country getaway. Between the unconventional towns of Boonville and Navarro on Highway 128 are 18 gorgeous miles of vineyard land and wineries specializing in Pinot Noir. Unlike many other Pinot Noir wine growing regions, there is room for more Pinot Noir in the Anderson Valley. The weather is the perfect climate for this finicky grape. At Lula Cellars in the Anderson Valley, you see evidence of the expansion of Pinot Noir on our photo above. Owner and winemaker Jeff Hansen planted these vines just a few years ago. The vines are young but will be ready to yield sufficient grapes for this year’s harvest. There are five acres planted next to the tasting room and more to come. The photo shows why Pinot Noir flourishes in this area of the Anderson Valley. Almost every day, morning fog is present. I shot this photo at 11.am. In one to two hours, the vineyards will bask in gentle sunlight. By mid afternoon, the Pacific Ocean breeze will pick up and provide cool ocean air to the vines. This is Pinot Noir land!

Jeff Hansen, the “Grand Fromage,” in the tasting room at Lula Cellars

At Lula Cellars, Jeff Hansen currently produces four different Pinot Noir wines. Two of the Pinot Noir wines come from an unusual area not in the Anderson Valley, but very close by in the town of Comptche. It is a mountain town with an elevation of 600 feet. Jeff sources his fruit from the Costa Vineyard and the Peterson Vineyard. These are both delicious Pinot Noir wines, as are his two Mendocino Pinots. Jeff also produces a Gerwurztraminer, bone dry and perfect for a picnic lunch. Jeff has planted one acre of Gerwurztraminer at Lula Cellars. The last wine we tasted when we visited was an amazing and spicy Zinfandel from Mariah Vineyards. These grapes are sourced from the Mendocino Ridge AVA at an elevation of 2600 feet.

Lula Cellars tasting room is open daily from 10am to 6 pm.

The Lula Cellars tasting room is open daily from 10am to 6 pm. Nearby are plenty of wineries to visit. We have listed our favorites on the Anderson Valley Wine Trail. If you have time, we suggest you head west on Highway 128 and explore the Navarro State Park. The park has some of the most magnificent Coastal Redwoods in the area. On the coast is the romantic town of Mendocino, and it’s definitely worth the 40-minute drive and at least a one-night stay over.

Navarro Redwoods

The Wondrous Mariah Vineyards – Mendocino Ridge AVA

May 15, 2016 by Joe Becerra

Vineyards at 2600 feet in the Mendocino Ridge AVA

A wine country getaway for the curious and adventurous wine traveler is a trip up to Mountain View Road in Mendocino County. Mountain View Road runs between the town of Manchester on Highway 1 near Point Arena to Boonville, a curious town in the heart of Mendocino’s Anderson Valley wine country. Mountain View Road is very twisty and thick with Coast forest trees. Its high point hits 2600 feet in elevation. Near the top of this mountain road, 9 miles in from Manchester, is the setting for one of the most spectacular vineyards in California. It is Mariah Vineyards, owned and farmed by Dan and Vicki Dooling. You would hardly expect to find 41 acres of grape vines growing in this wild and crazy place. Marijuana yes, grapes no!

Mariah Vineyards is located in the Mendocino Ridge AVA. The Mendocino Ridge AVA is the only non-contiguous AVA in the United States. Only the mountain tops in this coastal forest Mendocino area, at 1200 feet or more in elevation, are designated as Mendocino Ridge. These mountain tops are usually above the coastal fog. The locals call these mountain tops “Islands in the Sky.” Mariah Vineyards sits at the highest elevation.

Dan Dooling – grower and owner of Mariah Vineyards & Winery

On our recent trip to the Anderson Valley and Mendocino, we had the pleasure of meeting Dan and Vicki Dooling, and then touring their vineyards and tasting Mariah Vineyard wine. The Doolings planted their first vines in 1979. Dan tells a great story when, at the age of nine, he walked vineyards in Yountville in the Napa Valley with his Dad. The vines sparked an interest and Dan knew then that someday he would own his own vineyard. Dan’s enthusiasm flows as he speaks about farming the vines and bringing fruit to many wineries near and far. His passion is so deep that he mentioned to us that he once turned down a “can’t refuse offer” by the late Jess Jackson to buy Dan’s vineyards and this beautiful spot of land. “I cannot image myself doing anything but farming my vineyards.”

Dan grows Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. Ninety five percent of the grapes are sold to a number of wineries, and the rest goes into the production of 500 cases of the Mariah Vineyard label. All except the recently planted Chardonnay vines are dry farmed. Sustainable farming is practiced throughout.

We retreated to a small cellar where we tasted Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. Vicki is in charge of the wine making. These are delightful wines priced very reasonably. The Sauvignon Blanc is more in the style of a White Bordeaux rather than a typical California Sauvignon Blanc. The Pinot Noir is light with red fruit abundant and is a great food wine. The Zinfandel has a rich taste and a beautiful blend of peppery characteristics. Check out the Mariah Vineyards Website for more about visiting or purchasing wine. Visitors are welcome to Mariah Vineyards with an appointment. It will certainly be a memorable trip to the top of the Mendocino Ridge and Mariah Vineyards.

Additional Mendocino and Anderson Valley planning articles

Escape Napa Valley and Sonoma

April 8, 2013 by Joe Becerra

No doubt that the Napa Valley and Sonoma County are numbers one and two in wine country tourism. It’s surprising how many from out of state think this is where all California wine is produced, but there are many other terrific wine regions to visit in California. These regions are less touristy and perhaps, more importantly, less expensive. Here are three regions that will take you to wonderful wine country. Think different and escape Napa Valley and Sonoma.

Mendocino’s Anderson Valley
This wine region is about a two-hour drive from San Francisco, heading north on Highway 101 and taking Highway 128 West to Boonville. In this excursion you will be able to experience two wine AVA’s (appellations), the Yorkville Highlands, and the Anderson Valley. In Yorkville we recommend Meyer Family Cellars and Yorkville Cellars. Meyer has a Bocce Court and Yorkville produces some very fun and offbeat wines. In the Anderson Valley you will find tasting rooms and wineries galore. This is the land of Pinot Noir and Alsatian-style wine. A couple of our favorite wineries are Navarro Vineyards and Handley, but there are many other excellent wineries along Highway 128 from Boonville to the town of Navarro. Anderson Valley Wine Trail

Breggo in the Anderson Valley

There are restaurants and lodging in the Anderson Valley, but they are somewhat limited. We recommend the Boonville Hotel or The Madrones. Many travelers like to explore the wineries in the Anderson Valley and then continue on another hour to Highway 1 and the quaint and romantic town of Mendocino. Whatever you decide, your experience in this Mendocino County wine region will be tranquil and relaxing. Lodging in Anderson Valley. Restaurants in Anderson Valley.

Sutter Creek and the Shenandoah Valley
This region is about a two-and-a-half hour ride from San Francisco. In our opinion, Sutter Creek is the very best little town in gold country. It’s a charming town and the gateway to the wonderful wineries 15 minutes away in the spectacular Shenandoah Valley. We like several wineries in the area, and we have divided the wineries into two distinct wine trails: The Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail and the Shenandoah School Road Wine Trail. We like the Hanford House Inn for lodging, but there also several other good places to lodge in Sutter Creek. The best restaurant in the area is Taste Restaurant in Plymouth, and there are several restaurants in Sutter Creek where you can find decent dining.

Shenandoah Valley

Santa Cruz Mountains
The Santa Cruz Mountains is a huge AVA stretching from Half Moon Bay in the north all the way to Watsonville in the South. It encompasses three counties: San Mateo, Santa Clara and Monterey. The Santa Cruz Mountain climate is ideal for growing the cool climate grapes, especially Pinot Noir. You can get a glimpse of this gigantic AVA with a visit to three very good wineries. Begin the trip at the Thomas Fogarty winery on Skyline Bvld (Highway 35) in Palo Alto. Thomas Fogarty wines are quite delicious and we love the Gerwurztraminer. The views are truly spectacular at Fogerty and on clear day you can see breathtaking views of the Bay Area.

View at Thomas Fogarty

Continue your journey on Highway 35 south about 20 miles and then a right turn onto Bear Creek Road. Among the beautiful Redwoods you will find the David Bruce Winery and Byington Winery. Byington is the ideal spot for a game of Bocce and a picnic lunch. At this juncture you have several options. You can head back the way you came or continue on Bear Creek Road past Highway 35 and it will eventually lead to Highway 17. Highway 17 will also take you to the city of Santa Cruz where you can explore more wineries and the Santa Cruz beach area.

Happy wine country travels!

Next article – Santa Barbara wine country here we come.

Wine Adventures in Hopland – Mendocino County

May 1, 2012 by Joe Becerra

Is the Hopland Wine Country on the rise? There are some interesting happenings in this little wine country town about 30 minutes north of Healdsburg. Janelle and I have been visiting Hopland at least once a year since 2000. We have seen the area go through its ups and downs, but on this last visit it looks like things could be jumping in Hopland.

The most notable change is the redo of Lawson Station Hotel by husband-wife team Gary Breen and Anna Beuselinck. They have reopened the hotel, which was closed shortly after it opened in 2007. The hotel, including its restaurant, has been given a facelift and the new digs are called Piazza del Campovida. Full operation is set to go any day now.

Gary and Ann also purchased the Fetzer Valley Oaks Center that has been closed to the public for at least five years. The new name is Campovida, and the grounds and tasting room are first class as are the Rhone wines produced here. Gary and Anna are hoping Campovida will not only attract a huge following of wine lovers but are also optimistic that it will become a popular venue for weddings and conference events. There is a set of cottages on the property that can accommodate folks for events and that is a big plus for the area. Campovida is located east of the town, about one and a quarter miles on Highway 175. Tasting room is open daily 11 to 5 pm. This is the perfect spot for a picnic lunch.

The Bocce courts at Campovida

Hopland Inn and the Wineries of Hopland

May 28, 2010 by Joe Becerra

We have been to the old Hopland Inn on four occasions beginning in 2003. There is something about this old Victorian mansion that keeps us going back for more. But after our last visit, we may not visit again.

First, a little history: The inn opened in 1890 and was called the Thatcher Inn, owned by William Wallace Thatcher. Originally, the hotel had 44 rooms with no indoor plumbing. Rumor has it that it was a brothel, so no need to stay long enough to need a bathroom. The hotel was sold several times and eventually remodeled into 22 rooms. A beautiful library with floor-to-ceiling bookcases and a lovely bar were added. In 2001 a group of businessmen associated with the local wineries purchased the inn and continued to make renovations.

In 2007 a young and well-respected chef along with some partners purchased the Inn from this group. The San Francisco Chronicle ran a great article in their Thursday datebook pages about the Hopland Inn and its gourmet fare. That’s when we returned for a second trip and the place was alive with locals and tourists. The food was terrific and the bar a happening spot. Sadly, when we returned less than a year later the chef was gone and the bar and restaurant had closed down. The inn remained opened but most of the fun was gone. Eventually the hotel was put up for sale for 1.9 million dollars. The next year, a hopeful sign for the Inn, was when a group of local Native Americans purchased the hotel. They had exciting plans for revitalizing the Hopland Inn and making it a popular lodging spot for this Mendocino wine country region.

hopland-inn

Last week we held are 6th annual Bocce tournament at the beautiful Brutocao Schoolhouse Plaza in Hopland We made reservations to stay two nights at the Hopland Inn. Unfortunately, there is no other lodging in Hopland other than the Hopland Inn. Ukiah is 15 minutes away with an assortment of lodging and dining but we wanted the convenience of being able to walk the town to wine taste and of course play Bocce. Well as it turned out the Hopland Inn was a huge disappointment. The place is not ready for prime time. For example, when we arrived around noon the place was totally locked up. A sign said they would return later in the afternoon. They have so few visitors, so they do not seem to have someone on duty at all times.

The beautiful bar was open at dinner hours and the bartender was very friendly and courteous, but he did not really know how to tend bar. We had to tell him how make a Manhattan and some other drinks. The beautiful library is now where dinner is served. It is cozy and small but will suffice unless they attract more visitors. The service was slow and the food just average at best. There were several other minor inconveniences but we won’t get into those now.

hopland-inn-bar

Needless to say, we won’t stay at the Hopland Inn again unless some dramatic changes take place. Perhaps they will eventually get their act together but it does not seem likely to happen any time soon. One thing for sure, the wineries hold the key. If wine country lovers flock to this area, Hopland will be the place to stay. It is possible Hopland can become a great wine destination town. We don’t see a lot of PR work by the wineries other than the Passport Weekends they conduct twice a year. The wineries are a refreshing change of pace from what one experiences in the Napa Valley or Sonoma, and that is the niche they need to promote. They are making very good wines and many in the excellent category. The price for most of their wines is under the $20 mark and that is what people are buying these days. The problem is how do you become a destination wine town without having a terrific place to stay and at least a handful of gourmet dining choices. We wish both the Hopland Inn and the wineries good fortune, but it is not going to happen unless the wineries and the community get to work promoting this lovely and serene area of Mendocino County. The Hopland Inn is going to have to make some financial investments to bring the hotel up to snuff for the wine country visitor.

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