Up to Mendocino- Wine Country Road Trip
The trip up Hwy. 128 through Anderson Valley and eventually to the coast is a new experience every time I visit; twice a year at least. This region is becoming more and more popular with new wineries and restaurants opening up all the time it seems like a different drive each season. Though I spent 10 years of my life growing up in Fort Bragg and Mendocino, hardly any of the things I recommend this time around is something I’ve done before. But of course, I know my way around and can offer the best tips of what do to and see like a local. My boyfriend and I strapped on our helmets, zipped up the leather, and took the bike for the journey through vineyards, redwoods, and sweeping ocean views.
Just a 1.5 hour drive north of the Golden Gate Bridge is the town of Cloverdale (still in Sonoma County actually). You’ll take the Hwy. 128 exit to Fort Bragg/Mendocino from here, but first stop for lunch at the famous roadside Hamburger Ranch- I highly recommend any of their burgers and bbq, but don’t skimp on the pies in a mason jar! They’re fabulous! There is a gas station you will want to fill up at next door since there aren’t many on the 2 hour drive and the one in Mendocino is notorious for being the most expensive in the country at $6+/gallon!
Our first stop: an ice cold craft brew
Anderson Valley Brewing Co., in Boonville, home to Boont Amber Ale and the only disc golf course at a brewery in the world. They now have a long line of sour beers which happened to be just perfect for the 100 F degree day. We tried their Cherry Gose, but they also make a Melon, Framboise, and Blood Orange. If you’re not up for trying your hand at disc golf (it’s harder than you might think!), check out the beautiful Bavarian copper kettles in their brewery and the small hopyard.
Farmstead cheese and bubbles
Practically across the street is a place called Penny Royal Farm. They make a variety of mostly sheep’s milk cheeses that you can buy to take with you or enjoy on premise overlooking the vineyard, garden, and sheep’s quarters. The “Smorgasbord” is an epic snacking of 6 of their cheeses, seasonal chutneys and jams, crackers, salamis, and nuts. We loved the tomato compote served with the salty, aged Boont Corners. You can’t get far in Anderson Valley without having some local wine. We enjoyed the sparkling Blanc de Noir, but they also do bottles and tastings of their Sauvingnon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and blends.
Sunset destination: fort bragg’s noyo harbor
We wanted to catch sunset in the harbor in Fort Bragg so we saddled up for 1.5 hour drive to Fort Bragg. There are lots of rather affordable hotels along the highway to stay. I don’t usually get fancy in Fort Bragg because it’s not really that kind of place. In fact, we stayed at the Motel 6 which is walking distance to downtown and centrally located for visits to the Harbor and the beach. The Noyo Harbor is the place to go for the freshest seafood and sunset views. I particularly enjoy Noyo River Grill- try their fried seafood platter, fish and chips, or ceviche. Princess Seafood is well worth a visit for their very fresh fish market or dine-in dishes, as well as Silvers at the Wharf, Casa del Sol, and Sea Pal.
the next day
Our first mission in the morning was to walk to downtown Fort Bragg for a latte at Headlands Coffeehouse. This cafe features a rotating local’s art exhibit, live music, fresh roasted beans, and quite the selection of quick savory dishes and pastries. My favorites are the local bread with balsamic, the breakfast burrito, samosas, honey popovers, and almond croissants.
Downtown Fort Bragg is very quaint with a few historic landmarks to visit. We weren’t able to take a ride on the Skunk Train this time around, but it is seriously interesting and fun. You’ll learn about the logging industry that put Fort Bragg on the map and meander through a gorgeous redwood forest.
For brunch, head to the tinier, even quainter town of Mendocino 15 minutes south along Hwy. 1. Fog Eater Cafe is new to the neighborhood and run by a local couple who spent several years in New Orleans but found their way back home to open this restaurant serving vegetarian versions of southern favorites. For such a ‘down-home’ vibe, this place makes really awesome food utilizing seasonal, local products. You can try things like Grits and Grillades (Creole Gravy + Shiitake + Blackeyed Pea Sausage, vegan), Fried Cali + Waffles (fried cauliflower + green onion sorghum waffle + pepper jelly +spicy sorghum syrup), and a Pimento cheese + Black eyed Pea Sausage Biscuit Sandwich, also vegan.
If you have some time and it’s a nice day, rent some kayaks or canoes at Catch-a-Canoe along Big River. The river itself runs for miles, so you could spend quite the time there, or kayak the ocean at Big River Beach. Some other outdoor activities in the Mendocino area is the hike to the waterfall from Russian Gulch state park, the 9-hole golf course at Little River Inn, a short hike to the “blowhole” in Little River, the numerous trails along the bluffs of Mendocino Headlands State Park, and kayaking Albion River.
One last stop: don’t miss this one!
A trip back to Sonoma County isn’t complete without a stop at Gowan’s Oak Tree in Philo. Their award-winning apple cider is liquid gold. They also offer a cider tasting, lots of fresh produce to take with you, including their apples of course. Seriously, bring some back with you and make a pie!
Favorite Anderson Valley wineries: Toulouse Vineyards is said to have the best views in the area, Navarro Vineyards and Winery has amazing pinots and reislings, Roederer Estate is known for their sparkling wine, and Philip’s Hill is just so genuinely Mendocino.
conclusion
The trip up to Mendocino and Fort Bragg is one for wine tasting and craft beer, little farms and farm-to-table food, fresh seafood and sunsets, and outdoor adventure galore. The drive isn’t very far from the Bay Area and it’s well worth the trip for even just 24 hours.