By Rick Riozza
We desert dwellers typically brace ourselves for the coming hot daze of summertime. Last summer, we got out of Dodge and did Europe for a couple of months. This season were staying local but certainly treating ourselves to a day’s travel stint over to magical Mendocino: Indeed—they, the travel board, do proclaim: “Visit Mendocino, where the magic is real!”
Too bad I’m not savvy enough to have you click on my latest jingle—a very catchy & up-beat tune about the rustic charms of Mendocino County, but, we’ll do so here in the old fashion literary way
Mendocino Counrty offers us 90 miles of prime Pacific coastline weather along with 90+ wineries to visit and explore: A quaffer’s dream if we ever did see one! It’s only a little over 100 miles away from San Francisco—and, there are a lot of scenic drives to travel up.
The Mendocino travel board writes: Northern California’s crown jewel is busting at its seams with iconic small towns ready for a close-up. Given its diverse layout and ease of operation, visitors can tuck in and time out in an ancient redwood grove, play 90 miles of vintage California coastline or drop anchor in the enclave of Elk for a Two-Star Michelin meal. From Point Arena to Hopland, the network of quiet towns and vine-swept back country speak to the townsizing trend, with real-deal adventures and out-sized personalities to color up a getaway, Mendo-style.
“In an age of overrun tourist hot spots and crowded city centers, a new travel trend is emerging: townsizing. With an emphasis on authenticity and meaningful experiences teamed with walkable streets and slower pacing, Mendocino County could be the defining travel trend of the decade.
Priceline even notes: “townsizing is giving some under-the-radar destinations the limelight with Americans seeking simplicity and opting for quaint, comfy respites in America’s small towns.” Mendocino County offers the ideal Rx for this next wave of tourists.”
The Mendocino travel board continues: “For the wine-minded traveler seeking a few hidden gems among the vineyards, this stretch of land packs plenty of punch. Set in the wine-centric Anderson Valley AVA, Boonville (pop. 973) is a throwback to times past; more like Old California before the buzz.
“Start by scoring the region’s coveted fairy dust (Piment d’Ville), Lover’s Lane honey or renowned sun-grown green at The Bohemian Chemist. Stretching east to the sea, the 15-mile country road from Boonville to Navarro delivers a tasty cache of 25+ wine tasting venues with a heady mix of Insta-ready backdrops.
“Start the afternoon with a tasting and lavender field romp at Foursight Wine, Bee Hunter Wine or the new Black Oak Ridge Cellars, then round out the day with a drop into Disco Ranch for a sparkling wine flight and picnic provisions. This is pinot country, with a splash of bubbles, dry Alsatian-style whites and crisp Sauvignon Blancs and the picks are plentiful. Try a morning tour of the goat farm and tasting at Pennyroyal Farm, an elevated visit combining bubbles and caviar at Goldeneye Winery or a flight of fancy at Roederer Estate. Next door, Gowan’s Heirloom Cider offers an alfresco respite under the apple trees.
A foodie paradise for sure: “Plenty of top chefs are driving the stoves here, including The Boonville Hotel’s Perry Hoffman, whose family-style menu is a regional sell-out. The summer paella parties set on Sundays are a must, paired with a local line-up of crisp roses. Boonville Distillery, SOBO Sake Bar and sinful burgers at Jumbo’s Win-Win are all top bets as is OffSpring at the Farrer, driven by the Hoffman team. Set in romantic The Madrones, the intimate Wickson Restaurant is the stop for hyper-local Italian cuisine. Lodgings here or next door at The Brambles, set on 12 acres of ancient redwood groves, make for a perfect night or two. Other options include The Apple Farm in Philo – offering seasonal cooking classes – and Stoney Bottom tucked off the main road in Boonville with two sleek garden cottages in a magical setting.
“Genuine moments and unspoiled time define this hamlet. Try a few nights at the Elk Cove Inn & Spa, delivering a chill pill that’s easy on the eyes. The ocean view suites sport contemporary décor and private decks with mind-numbing views. Chef Victor Passalaqua at Sibo restaurant delivers on a variety of fronts, with a French slant. Pull up a seat and dive into Escargots à la Bourguignon , Coq au Vin or Cassoulet de Canard paired with a local Pinot Noir.”
As for our favorite wineries and vineyards to scope out: Family-owned and operated, Navarro Vineyards is a must-visit in the Anderson Valley. This winery always comes down to the Palm Desert Food & Wine festival where they pour their Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Back up north, the winery offers a delightful tasting experience amidst beautiful surroundings.
The oldest winery in the Anderson, Husch Vineyards offers a rustic, intimate tasting experience. You’ve heard the tune: “There’s a kind of a Husch—all over the world”, or something like that. Anyway do sample their diverse range of world-class wines, including Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
And speaking about world class wines: Located in Ukiah, Parducci Wine Cellars is a historic winery with a strong commitment to sustainable practices. Sample their award-winning wines, including their great Petite Sirah and Zinfandel, in their inviting tasting room. We’ve enjoyed these wonderful bold red wines at a tasting recently at the Wine Vault. You can let these wines aerate for a couple of days and they’ll still taste fantastic! Cheers!
