This expansive coastal region can feel like a faraway world, since the narrow, winding Highway 128 running from Cloverdale to the region’s primary entry point of Boonville demands that you drive so slowly. But really, it’s at most a two-hour drive from even the furthest point in Sonoma County.
Once here, weekenders will find a wonderland of 90-plus wineries to discover, award winning farm-to-table fare in even the tiniest towns, and 90 miles of stunning Pacific coastline — all steeped in an easygoing vibe that truly feels like getting away from it all.
Taste
Husch Vineyards
Founded in 1967 by Tony and Gretchen Husch and now the oldest winery in the Anderson Valley, the centerpiece of the 60-acre property is a charming, historic tasting room that used to be a pony barn. Capped with bright, flowering vines, the weathered structure has hobbit house qualities, if hobbits made fine wine, including Chenin Blanc, Ancient Vines Zinfandel, and Gewürztraminer. Now owned by the Oswald family, the winery has been modernized and expanded, but the vibe remains rustic and romantic, so keep your phone at the ready to snap Instagrammable delights like the seasonal sheep who mow — and fertilize — the vineyards. Wine prices make this an affordable choice to stock the cellar, with many around $20 to $30 — and be sure to ask about the free tastings. 4400 Hwy. 128, Philo. 800-554-8724, huschvineyards.com
Bee Hunter Wine
Boonville has its own “Boontling” language dating back to the 1890s, when the town was an isolated farming, ranching, and logging community. The vernacular nearly went extinct, but is slowly coming back, thanks to history lovers like winery owners Ali Nemchonok and Andy DuVigneaud. Their slogan, “Bee Hunters deekin bahler fratti,” translated from Boontling means “Bee Hunters lookin’ for the best wine.” The duo sources grapes from across Mendocino, creating standouts such as the opulent Anderson Valley Broken Leg Vineyard Syrah and a Docker Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir that’s lively with tart red-fruit flavors. The artsy-casual tasting room downtown is pup-friendly, and you can impress everyone when you announce that “dog” in Boontling is “haireem,” originating from “hairy mouth.”14077 Hwy. 128, Boonville. beehunterwine.com
MendoVino
When the occasion calls for a small-batch, rare local bottle, wine-bar owner Michael Gordon is the man to know. His tiny lounge is layered with interesting delights such as a Murder Ridge Potato Patch Syrah, a 2020 field blend of which only 40 cases were produced. Gordon also owns Mendocino Country Store next door, stocked with taxidermied, costumed animals, including gunslinging cowboy groundhogs. 10481 Lansing St., Mendocino. mendovino.org
Lula Cellars
Bring the pups and they’ll love romping through the vineyards and rolling hills of this hidden away, dog-friendly oasis. Find an empty Adirondack chair, take in the sumptuous views, and sip through an array of premium Pinot Noirs. 2800 Guntly Road, Philo. 707-895-3737, lulacellars.com
Pennyroyal Farm
It’s touristy, yes, but delightfully so, offering manicured grounds, a stylish but not stuffy tasting room, baby goats to visit, and superb farmstead cheeses. Start a tasting with the sparkling Estate Blanc de Noir. 14930 Hwy. 128, Boonville. pennyroyalfarm.com
Dine
Offspring at the Farrer
Perry Hoffman, a chef with an impressive pedigree, has opened a new café across the street from his original, high-end restaurant at The Boonville Hotel. Dig into fun, fancy bites like pickled eggs with salty bottarga, wood-fired pizza smothered in local lobster mushrooms and creamy Spanish goat cheese, and handcrafted pastas like spaghetti tossed with Gulf shrimp, Calabrian chile, and local Piment d’Ville sweet-spicy red Basque chile. 14111 Hwy. 128, Boonville. 707-972-2655, offspringpizza.com
Harbor House Inn
Chef Matthew Kammerer has created a two-Michelin-Star destination in the tiny (pop. 208) seaside town, building magic out of foraged seaweed-grilled abalone salad, Dungeness crab leg wrapped in kombu and baked inside a loaf of charcoal ash and sand, and celery root pasta dabbed with uni. 5600 S. Hwy. 1, Elk. 707-877-3203, theharborhouseinn.com
Mosswood Market
Mesmerizing empanadas are the draw here, which you can take to-go to sustain you on an adventure-filled day, or stay a while and order Reubens, panini, or housemade soup at this community gathering spot. 14111 Hwy. 128, Boonville. 707-895-3635
Jumbo’s Win Win
Opened in 2024 by celebrated San Francisco mixologist Scott Baird and his wife Molley Green, who moved to the area five years ago, this roadside burger stand named for their youngest child serves top-notch burgers, veggie melts, hand cut fries, and seasonal hand pies. 8621 Hwy. 128, Philo. jumboswinwin.com
Explore
Ride the rails in luxury in the Skunk Train’s new Presidential Car. Outfitted with green velvet club chairs, retro pendant lights, and gleaming leather, it oozes Great Gatsby glam. Listen to piped-in jazz, nibble small bites, and sip craft cocktails as you travel from Fort Bragg to Glen Blair Junction, a peaceful forest retreat with backyard games. $186 per person includes two cocktails. 100 W. Laurel St., Ft. Bragg. 707-964-6371, skunktrain.com
Bowling Ball Beach: Hike this Mars-like setting at Schooner Gulch State Beach. The scattered rows of boulders are carved by tide and time. Highway 1 & Schooner Gulch Road, Point Arena. 707-937-5804, parks.ca.gov
Insider Tip
Get thrown out of Dick’s Place
Good-natured locals block the front door of their sacred, dimly lit saloon while they determine if newbies are worthy of entry. (Just hurry in, the downtown Mendo dive bar is up for sale and the retiring owners hope to sell to someone who keeps it the same as it’s been for nearly a century.) 45070 Main St., Mendocino. 707-937-6010