A day trip through the Anderson Valley

Dreaming of a lovely fall itinerary

Gorgeous Anderson Valley! Photo by Laura Hockett

Lately, we’ve had this hint of a scent of a wisp of a dream floating around in the back of our brains. We weren’t sure exactly what it was, until just the other day when we were thinking about something else completely. Our minds wandering down a rather specific path, we happened to mentally look up, and lo and behold, there that elusive dream was clambering out from behind the jumble of thoughts and ideas half-formed that so often clutter up the corners of the good ol’ gray matter. Finally in full view, this lovely dream stood with arms akimbo and declared that we needed to go have a day in the Anderson Valley. Of course we do! That was it! That was indeed what we have been craving for a good little while now.

Why should we want to go spend the day in the Anderson Valley? Haven’t we done so before? Well, yes, we have in fact spent a fair amount of time exploring this nearest of Mendocino County’s several wine regions. But late fall and the beginning of winter can be a magical place in the valley, with the leaves on the grape vines all changing colors, the air turning crispy and fresh, and that relaxed atmosphere that seems to invade once the rush of the grape harvest is over. Plus, we’re itching to get out and experience some of the newest additions to all that the Anderson Valley has to offer.

So now that we know what it is we want, here’s how our dream is shaping up…

If we get up early, maybe we’ll start with a stroll along Navarro Beach. Although it’s technically not in the Anderson Valley, it feels intimately connected with that land, as the Navarro River and all its little tributary streams meander through the breadth of the valley before melding with the sea at this particular beach. There is also usually a lot of driftwood along the sands here, with whimsical driftwood teepees and driftwood tunnels cumulatively built by locals and visitors alike.

Photo courtesy of Lula Cellars

After soaking up the stately glory of the old growth redwoods along the westernmost section of Highway 128, we’ll most likely stop at Lula Cellars. We haven’t been by to visit these friends in a while, and we find ourselves missing their powerhouse Pinots and infectiously cheerful spirit.

Photo courtesy of Gowan’s Heirloom Cider

Next up, a little cider tasting is just what we’ll be craving. On to Gowan’s Heirloom Cider! This sustainable family farm has been a key figure in the local community for 6 generations, with a farm stand that everyone knows and loves. A few years ago, they started producing the most fantastic hard ciders, and this fall they decided to offer weekend tastings out under the gnarled branches of their apple trees, the first of which were planted in 1876. We will definitely be making a reservation with them – what could be better for the full fall experience than stellar hard apple cider?!

Perfect picnic patio at the Bewildered Pig! Photo courtesy of the Bewildered Pig

By this point we’ll be ready for some tasty food, so we’ll stop for lunch a little bit farther down Hwy 128 at the Bewildered Pig, which has transitioned smoothly with all the new regulations. While they were once only open for dinners, this fun little spot just outside of Philo is currently open Fridays and Saturdays 12:00-6:00, and Sundays 11:30-2:30. With a unique twist on the idea of a rustic picnic, they are now offering the most delectable “PigNic” fare for you to eat on their patio or take to go enjoy at a winery. We’ll probably reserve one of their patio tables in advance to get the full experience, and we will definitely be ordering their devilled eggs…

Photo courtesy of Pennyroyal Farm

The last stop that we know we really want to make is Pennyroyal Farm. They are not currently doing regular tastings or their wonderful farm tours, but any day of the week, 10:00-5:00, you can reserve a table on their back deck with a minimum purchase of one bottle of wine, select a few goodies off their delightful Farm Fare menu, and peacefully wile away the afternoon as you gaze out over their farm and vineyard. Tasty wines, artisanal sheep and goats cheese, balmy breeze, good company, and a good view. Sound idyllic? That’s what we’re thinking!

Maybe at some point in there we’ll go for a walk in Hendy Woods… or maybe we’ll just head back to the inn, watch the sun set from the back deck, and snuggle up by the fire with a steaming mug of tea as we breath deeply and let the loveliness of the day wash over us.

Words by Laura Hockett