Redwood Trees Archives - Wine Country Getaways

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

Guerneville – A Secret wine town in the Russian River

March 16, 2022 by Joe Becerra

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

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.