Mendocino, a coastal community in Northern California, is known for it natural beauty. This rural coastal hamlet is home to art galleries, cafes, and restaurants, most of which are located on, or near the main waterfront street. It is hard to beat summertime here, when this seaside village's cool summer Maritime Mediterranean climate is at its best. While other California seaside locations may boast of, even slightly better climate, very few of these offer the peacefulness to be found here. With wineries just half an hour away it is a perfect wine country escape.
 |
| Mendocino, Mendocino County © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Main Street, Mendocino © Spaswinefood |
It is hard to miss Mendocino's Main Street. Moreover, Main Street's ocean side location creates a stunning setting as you arrive in Mendocino. The ever changing Pacific Ocean seascape is always captivating. Some people come to just relax and enjoy those awesome views, artists come to paint, others to walk the sea cliff trails, and of course for wine country travels, it is a great place to stay while exploring nearby wine country.
Exploring Mendocino
Let's take a look around.
 |
| Pacific Ocean, Mendocino © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Mendocino Sea Cliffs © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Mendocino Coast © Spaswinefood |
Its scenic Pacific Ocean location has made it popular with artists and vacationers. Besides enjoying the awesome seascapes Mendocino is fun to explore on foot.
 |
| Mendocino in Early Morning Light © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Picket Fences and Stately Trees, Mendocino © Spaswinefood |
While Mendocino had its origins in the logging boom of the 1800's today its idyllic beauty has been described by some as romantic. For Spaswinefood it is an inviting place to explore, which we did on an early morning walk. Here are some of the sites on our walk.
 |
| Early Morning in Mendocino © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Morning Walk, Mendocino © Spaswinefood |
On any walk around town you will be captivated by the vegetation.
 |
| Bulletin Board, Mendocino © Spaswinefood |
The area is known for its botanical uniqueness. This uniqueness is visible throughout the village. Nearby in Fort Bragg the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens showcases the native vegetation found throughout this area.
 |
| Mendocino's Stately Trees © Spaswinefood |
A walkabout will take you by Victorian era cottages and mansions, which have been restored. Many have been transformed into luxury B&B 's and charming hotels. Mendocino attracts those looking for the perfect wine country getaway. During earlier Anderson Valley wine country explorations we checked in at a small Mendocino hotel.
 |
Early Morning, Main Street, Mendocino © Spaswinefood
|
Main Street is the central business area for the town. Some of the popular historic hotels are found here. Other than along Main Street you will find that there are other quaint places to stay.
 |
| Mendocino's Historic Inns © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Hill House of Cabot Cove, Mendocino © Spaswinefood |
Behind picket fences of Mendocino you will find tidy cottages and houses. Mendocino County is one of the most relaxing places that we have visited over the years. The locals believe that they have found the perfect location to live.
Mendocino's Culinary Offerings
For a small village you will find many charming restaurants. The seafood is consider amongst the best here. The area is also known for its mushrooms. If you happen to visit during mushroom season then it is a must. After a day touring Anderson Valley later in Mendocino over diner, at the Trillium Cafe and Inn, while John enjoyed a glass of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, I had a glass of Roederer Estate Brut. It is good to see local restaurants offering a good selection of Anderson Valley wines.
 |
| Trillium Cafe, Mendocino © Spaswinefood |
We began dinner with wine and an appetizer.
 |
| Appetizer, Trillium Cafe © Spaswinefood |
Now let's take a peek at our main dishes.
 |
| Dinning at the Trillium Cafe © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Pasta and More, Trillium Cafe © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Dinner, Trillium Cafe © Spaswinefood |
We enjoyed friendly service at this cozy restaurant. It specializes in locally grown cuisine, and offers freshly made desserts.
 |
| Trillium Cafe and Inn, Mendocino © Spaswinefood |
For a small village Mendocino offers ample dining options.
 |
| Mendocino Café © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Mendocino Café Garden © Spaswinefood |
Mendocino, one of Mendocino County's gems, is located just over half hour drive from Anderson Valley, and three and half hours drive from San Francisco.
Mendocino County Wine Country © Spaswinefood
Mendocino County Wine Country
Of course let me not forget Mendocino wine country, one of the prettiest and less crowded wine regions in California. During our wine country visit we enjoyed re-exploring this tucked away village, not far from Anderson Valley. The Mendocino wine region is part of the larger North Coast American Viticultural Area (AVA), one of the largest and diverse wine regions in California. In 2004 the county voted to become the first county in the United States to become GMO free. This effort was supported by the wineries in the region. It is also important to note that 25% of Mendocino County's wine production is organic, making the county the largest producer of organic wine in California. With the addition of the Anderson Valley AVA in 2017, Mendocino County is now home to 12 AVAs.
Anderson Valley, Mendocino County © Spaswinefood
We always enjoy exploring the Anderson Valley Wine Country, which is known for its 1) organic and sustainable wineries, and (2) world class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Alsatian-style varietal wines. Anderson Valley’s four most widely planted grape varietals are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, and Riesling. Given Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay do well here, the Anderson Valley is an ideal place for sparkling wines (Roederer Estate and Scharffenberger Cellars). Anderson Valley's Roederer Estate, Mendocino County © Spaswinefood
 |
Anderson Valley's Roederer Estate © Spaswinefood
Scharffenberger Cellars © Spaswinefood |
For a most relaxing visit to California wine country Mendocino's relaxed pace makes it a perfect wine country getaway. I invite you to join me in my California wine country explorations and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook.
Mendocino County, California
© Spaswinefood
 |
June Roses, Mendocino, Mendocino County © Spaswinefood
Coastline, North of Mendocino © Spaswinefood
|
Mendocino County Wine Country © Spaswinefood
No comments:
Post a Comment