Magic Is Real
Mendocino County
Itineraries
Discover the Magic in Mendocino County
Throughout the County, you’ll discover wondrous sights, sublime wines, delicious eats and interesting people – all tell the story of the magical delights and experiences found in Mendocino County. Check out these featured itineraries as you cruise Highway 128.
Canna Curious
For the canna curious (or experienced), Anderson Valley promises a unique experience with a peak inside a hashery, a stop at a cannabis apothecary and a stay at The Madrones with their garden-set cannabis lounge.
The Makers
Anderson Valley is full of makers of all types – art, music, and food. Journey to the Valley to see firsthand the creativity of the area…from Pennyroyal Farm’s goat cheese to Boonville Barn Collective’s incredible chili powders; local luthier David Dart’s guitars to outdoor art sculptures. Discover the makers along Highway 128.
Pinot Envy
Renowned at America’s Greenest Wine Region, Anderson Valley wineries are also renowned for exquisite Pinot Noir, so much so that each May, the Anderson Valley Wine Association hosts a Pinot Noir Festival. Other excellent wines coming out of the valley are Alsace varietals and chardonnay. Savor wines at some of the oldest vineyards – Husch Vineyards and Handley Cellars. Soak up the sun and sparkling wine at Roederer Estate. You’re sure to have a splendid time no matter where you stop.
Sip & Stay
Lodging
Liquid Assets
Restaurants
Outdoors
Events
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival
Nobody does Pinot Noir like Anderson Valley, one of the most beautiful places in California. At this weekend event in May, guests can attend a technical seminar to learn more about this exquisite varietal; socialize with locals and winemakers at a sunset BBQ; visit the exclusive VIP Bubble Lounge; and sample pinots from more than 50 producers. Pinot-Fest, as it’s dubbed, features pinots from Anderson Valley or those crafted exclusively from Anderson Valley grown grapes…and that includes a few prestigious labels from Napa, Sonoma and Yolo Counties. Along with the wines, sample delicious food pairings, enjoy live music and bid on incredible auction lots that include library wines, exclusive experiences, and other treasures during the silent auction. Sunday’s Open Houses in Anderson Valley are a delightful end to the weekend’s festivities.
Boonville Beer Festival
Legend has it that the event now known as the Boonville Beer Fest traces its roots back to the early 1990s. The Anderson Valley was lush following the spring rains. The creeks were full, the pine boughs glowed green and the valley floor was speckled with wildflowers of unimaginable variety. Clearly this was an ideal time to invite friends from all over for a springtime shindig that grew into what’s now the Boonville Beer Fest, one of the biggest beer festivals in the country, drawing brewers and beer drinkers from around the world. Held at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds, this event features over 75 breweries, food vendors, musicians and maybe a little bit of mischief…and it’s all for a good cause as monies raised benefit local nonprofits.
Stay Awhile
There is much to experience in Mendocino County – so when a day or two won’t suffice, stay longer to discover what the locals know…Mendocino County is a wonderland of natural beauty, incredible foods, liquid assets, creative pursuits, and interesting people.
Scenic Relaxation
In Mendocino County, Highway 128 is one of the most scenic roads, with three distinctive sections. From Sonoma County, Highway 128 weaves around hills with a few wineries and retreats dotting the landscape in the Yorkville area. At junction 253, downtown Boonville is in sight as you pass the county fairgrounds, local brewery and more wineries and tasting rooms. Moving out of Boonville, vineyards flow from one to another until reaching the final stretch of Highway 128 – the most enchanting forest that calls for you to pull over and stretch your legs, taken in the beauty. Running adjacent to the route is Navarro River, which guides you to the Pacific.