Mendocino is about 3 hours drive from San Francisco and is a great weekend trip! It’s not as well known as Big Sur but I think the coast is equally beautiful and, mostly importantly, home of amazing wineries!
Anderson Valley is a perfect stop to break up the drive to the coast from SF. Mostly family owned and operated, tasting rooms tend to be smaller with more affordable tasting fees ($10-30) compared to Napa and Sonoma. During my 3 different Mendocino trips in the last few years, I’ve visited more than 15 wineries and below are my top picks!
Goldeneye: Part of the Duckhorn family, they focus on Pinot Noirs. Love their expansive backyard vineyard, one of the most picturesque wineries in the area! Tasting fee is only $10 and waived with purchase
Twomey: Part of the Silver Oak Family, this location focuses on Pinot but you can also taste Silver Oak wines here as well. Setting here is also beautiful with an adorable flower tunnel and wall in to the tasting area. Tasting fee is cheaper than the Sonoma and Napa location, $15 for Twomey only and $40 for Twomey + Silver Oak, and waived with purchase
Navarro: Great place to picnic and stop by for a casual tasting. View is great, tasting fee at the bar is free, wines are great and affordable!
Roederer Estate: Yes, the same Roederer of the Cristal Champagne. Great flight of sparkling wines ($20) and you can also order food.
Lichen: Small family owned winery with an adorable tasting area and a unique view of the open road and mountains! Great Pinot (both red and white!) and sparkling wines. $15 to taste
Pacific Star Winery: This is technically not in Anderson Valley but if you are staying or visiting the Mendocino Coast/Fort Bragg area, amazing place to visit. It’s a winery right on the Pacific coast! The ground is expansive and the view is to die for. Casual wines, good to go with a group and picnic. $12 to taste
