Chill Out For A Day in Mendocino County's Anderson Valley

"Anderson Valley Show"

Took the 101 north of Cloverdale past Hopland last week for a working visit to the real Northern California - where the scenery is as seriously beautiful as the fact that there's hardly any other traffic on the road, well, not much other than a steady stream of truckers and middle aged men heading north on their Harley's for a pre-weekend road trip out of the congested Bay Area.

There's talk of a potential bypass for the small unincorporated hamlet of Hopland sometime in the not too distant future, something locals seem to be supportive of despite the fact that much of the community's retail business must come by way of passing motorists.

Something of a destination spot for North Bay dwellers looking for a respite out of the urban sprawl, Hopland's popular Brewing Company, galleries, cafes and a community of some 12 wineries boast the Mendocino county vibe as being a most desirable 'state of mind'.

Stopped off for my appointment in Mendocino County's Hopland winery region before heading west on the narrow, winding 253 Boonville/Ukiah Road, passing by Anderson Valley Brewing Company before breaking for a light lunch of chicken chili soup and a spinach, cheese and spring onion scone at the delectable Mosswood Market.

Checked out Philo Apple Farm and Hendy Woods State Park briefly before my afternoon appointment at Anderson Valley's premier producer of sparkling wines.

Only downside to a day out on one's ownesome lonesome in the Anderson Valley is that any idea of sampling of the region's cool climate varietals is strictly off limits without a designated driver to navigate the curvy 128 back down to the 101 South. 

Next time I'm in the area, I'm reserving a cabin at Hendy Woods. A nice Anderson Valley zin and a campfire cook-out with the guys in tow. What's the hurry, anyway?

Comments

[CeliaSue Hecht]

we camped out last year in Hendy's, a bit crowded for my taste but my dog's favorite wineries are Navarro's and Toulouse in Philo... we love the drive along hwy 128 to Little River. aaaahhh...