Discovering "The Other Wine Country" in Anderson Valley, California
It ain’t easy to reach the Anderson Valley, but it’s worth every twisting turn through the oak-studded hills surrounding Hwy 128 to sample some of Northern California’s best pinots and Alsatian varietals. Rugged mountains surround the 25-mile-long valley, which stretches northwest along the winding Navarro River toward Mendocino. The unpretentious wineries here are the polar opposite of what you find in frou-frou Napa, and they feel like what they actually are: farms. Pick up a bottle and picnic by the river at Navarro River Redwoods State Park. Then head back to bucolic Boonville and ascend the mountains, via Hwy 253, toward Ukiah and Hwy 101.
Want to know what’s really happening in the Anderson Valley? Show up for the Saturday morning farmers market behind the Boonville Hotel. Yes, the seasonal organic fruits, fragrant flowers, fruity-green olive oils, and country crafts are compelling, but nothing beats the local small-town gossip. Sample more of the local goods at the Anderson Valley Brewing Company's tasting room. Try the famous Boont Amber Ale and India Pale Ale among others.
It ain’t easy to reach the Anderson Valley, but it’s worth every twisting turn through the oak-studded hills surrounding Hwy 128 to sample some of Northern California’s best pinots and Alsatian varietals. Rugged mountains surround the 25-mile-long valley, which stretches northwest along the winding Navarro River toward Mendocino. The unpretentious wineries here are the polar opposite of what you find in frou-frou Napa, and they feel like what they actually are: farms. Pick up a bottle and picnic by the river at Navarro River Redwoods State Park. Then head back to bucolic Boonville and ascend the mountains, via Hwy 253, toward Ukiah and Hwy 101.
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