I''ll be spending an early Summer Thursday visiting a few wineries in the Boonville area. I figure 4 or 5 winery stops would be sufficient. I'm mainly interested in Pinot Noir, and would love to hear some of your recommendations on where I should visit.

Thanks.

I'm not sure how close they are to Booneville, but I've visited Goldeneye and Toulouse Vineyards in Anderson Valley and would recommend both. Goldeneye is by far the more 'showy' form of a winery- great views, great tasting presentation and nice pinots. For my money, I enjoyed Toulouse more. Spent time in a no frills building with the barrels and the winemaker. Tasted through their Pinots, both in the bottle and in the barrel. Highly recommend it.

Thank you for the reply. Those two wineries are on my radar, and not too far from Boonville at all. Something like 6 miles.

Roederer Estate, Navarro. What I love most is visitng farms. There are some outrageous, ancient Zinfandel vineyards in Mendocino County - a real slice of wine history.

Anyone live on here live in Mendocino? I'm interested in getting some feedback from locals regarding the quality of life. Seems like a very nice place to live from what I've read. Not sure if it can match Oregon though.....

I live in Mendocino, and I wouldn't move anywhere else. As long as you have an open mind and are tolerant of others' (in many cases VERY alternative) lifestyles, and can deal with traversing great distances for the finer things, you'll probably love it. The only people that have problems are those that get into their neighbors' business, and those that don't stick to the marked trails when hiking in the fall time. It's not a place for everybody, and the locals will go to great extremes to keep it that way.

As far as wineries, Goldeneye and Londer* (* appt only) make the best pinot in the valley, followed by Breggo and Toulouse. Roederer and Navarro are must-visits also.

Chum Lee-

Thank you. I understand your point about not wandering off the path. You don't want to run into people who have been camping/guarding for a month or so. Many parts of Oregon are the same way.

I look forward to visiting. Staying at the Boonville Motel, and at the fairgrounds for 3 nights after....

Would agree with recommendation on Toulouse. Would also recommend Breggo Cellars - Doug Stewart is the owner and great guy to talk to. Recently had a very positive article in Parker's regular column in Business Week magazine. If you have the time and want to see an amazing view, make appt at Esterlina. Sits atop ridge overlooking entire valley. One last recommendation in that area - Handley Cellars.

quote:

Originally posted by Bosis:
Chum Lee-

Thank you. I understand your point about not wandering off the path. You don't want to run into people who have been camping/guarding for a month or so. Many parts of Oregon are the same way.

I look forward to visiting. Staying at the Boonville Motel, and at the fairgrounds for 3 nights after....

Bosis,

When you go to Breggo, tell Stephanie in the tasting room who you are. She'll hook you up.

Niceness..

If you want to really enjoy the grandaddy of the area - go to Navarro - and for Pinot Noir - purchase a couple of the very old Pinots- see if they have some 10+ year olds in their cellar and you will be absolutley amazed. Navarro does have the widest spectrum of wines in the Mendocino area - and nope - Cab/Merlots noth their thing.

Bosis:

I would definitely echo the recs for Navarro. I typically enjoy the pinots from Londer Vineyards as well. They also make a decent chardonnay and gewurztraminer. I am not sure if they allow visits, but it couldn't hurt to call.

Thanks..I'm looking forward to taking a short vacation. Interesting enough - the new WS had a nice article featuring the Anderson Valley, and it's recent growth near Boomville.

You have to schedule an appt with Londer, so make sure you call ahead, but definitely put them in your plans. I hope you get there soon, the reviews for the 2k6 AVPN (90 WS/$35) and 2k6 Corby Chard (91 WS/$27) just came in, and they are FLYING out the door.

Breggo - Goldeneye - Toulouse - Navarro - Roederer - Londer

that's a GREAT couple days in the valley. Post again if you need dining/lodging tips.

Anyone attended the Thursday night pre-fixe dinner at the Boonville Hotel? I'm intersted in finding out more about thier offerings, and of course the costs associated.

Thanks,
JK

quote:

Originally posted by Bosis:
Anyone attended the Thursday night pre-fixe dinner at the Boonville Hotel? I'm intersted in finding out more about thier offerings, and of course the costs associated.

Thanks,
JK

I'm assuming they still do the "local" dinner food thing there on Thursdays. In the past, they have had a local food producer come in and give a presentation about the food that they make, and their connection to the land. The talk is given while drinking sparkling wine in the Hotel's expansive organic gardens. Last time we went, a fisherman from Elk talked about his childhood in Sweden, and how it shaped his current philosophy on fishing. It was a while ago, and I could have the memory wrong, but I think he said that he never fishes from a motorized boat. Anyway, his sturgeon was the focal point of the three course menu. All the ingredients for the dinner came within 100 miles of the hotel, and a vast majority of those from within the county. It's not the type of refined food you're going to get in SF, but it's fresh, local, and seasonal. I don't remember the cost, but my guess would be $50-75, for a unique dining experience you might always remember.

Thank you. I was finally able to get in touch with them regarding my dinner reservation. I was informed that it is a 3 course pre-fixe with a $30 price tag. No wine included.