I nland M endoc I no a nderson Valley Boon VI lle, naVarro, P h I lo & york VI lle

61Yorkville Highlands Appellation

Nestled between the beautiful Alexander and Anderson Valleys near Yorkville, the Yorkville Highlands Appellation offers enchanting scenery and excellent wines. The area stretches nearly 16 miles on either side of Hwy 128, with approximately 40,000 acres of excellent wine grapes that range from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon to Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Merlot. Over 40 wines are made from grapes from the Yorkville Highlands region, known for the passion and quality of the growers and winemakers who call it home. The wineries are all family owned and managed. Most, if not all, of the wines are made in small lots. The highland scenery is well worth the trip. See the sights and taste the wines!

MORE INFO: YorkvilleHighlands.org, see winery section starting on page 43.

62 Anderson Valley Museum

Intriguing artifacts from the area’s rich history await you at the Anderson Valley Historical Society’s museum. Located in a “little red schoolhouse” that was built in 1891, it is directly adjacent to Hwy 128 between Elk and Ukiah. Although the building is no longer used as a schoolhouse, as a museum it still teaches a great deal about the rich history of the Anderson Valley and Mendocino County. The museum showcases what life was like for those hardy pioneers who chose to settle here. Exhibits include a blacksmithing display, Pomo Indian baskets and basketmaking tools, historic timber equipment and fascinating photographs. Learn about “Boontling,” the whimsical local language once spoken widely throughout the valley. Bring your own lunch and enjoy an outdoor meal in the picnic area, sheltered in the shade of a redwood grove. The museum is open Saturdays and Sundays, 1 to 4 pm , from February through November.

WHERE: 12340 Hwy 128, Boonville, in the Con Creek “Little Red Schoolhouse.”

MORE INFO: 707-895-3207, AndersonValleyMuseum.org

63

Hendy Woods State Park

For an awe-inspiring experience, come experience redwood trees more than a thousand years old in Hendy Woods State Park. Located in the middle of the fantastic Anderson Valley Wine District, the park is noted for two breathtaking groves: the Big Hendy, which is 80 acres and includes a self-guided discovery trail, and the Little Hendy, which covers about 20 acres. The park’s Upper Loop trail, which winds through the center of the Big Hendy, is a particularly beautiful route that leads through a towering cathedral of old-growth redwoods. A day use area near the Big Hendy offers gorgeous views and picnic sites. There are picnic sites throughout Hendy Woods with access to the Navarro River, which runs through the entire length of the park.

The Navarro River is a popular destination of its own. Fishing is not allowed in the park, but permitted in the Navarro River watershed downriver from the bridge at the park entrance. In the late winter and spring, kayaking and canoeing are very popular because the park is less foggy than other redwood parks along the coast. Bikers and horseback riders enjoy the trails that meander throughout it. In the summer, Hendy Woods State Park offers great swimming in the river for a respite from the heat of the summer sun.

WHERE: Off Greenwood Road Scenic Byway outside of Elk.

MORE INFO: 1-800-444-7275, 707-895-3141 (seasonal), www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=438

64

Navarro River Redwoods State Park

After following Hwy 128 through the Anderson Valley, just west of Navarro motorists will find themselves suddenly entering an 11-mile-long tunnel of redwood trees that takes them all the way to the ocean. Welcome to Navarro River Redwoods State Park. The park’s redwood groves are home to raccoons, black-tail deer and other wildlife, as well as belted kingfishers and other river-oriented birds. Visitors to the park can enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and picnicking in and along the Navarro River. There are two campgrounds, although for the past four years the Paul M. Dimmick campground has been closed The Navarro Beach campground remains open, however. There are 10 primitive campsites available there on a first-come, first-served basis. Beach wheelchairs can be reserved at least a week in advance.

WHERE: On Hwy 128, 2 miles east of the junction with Hwy 1.

MORE INFO: 707-882-2463, 707-937-5804, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=435

Please say you saw

Although only a few blocks long, the town of Hopland packs a lot into its short length. Its primary attraction, however, is a host of great winery tasting rooms, with more just outside of town.

Hopland’s focus is wine, boasting the area’s top-awarded wineries. It is home to 18 wineries, and there are eight tasting rooms in downtown Hopland alone, with more along Old River Road and Hwy 101. You can also sample organic olive oils and wildflower honey. Local wines can be paired with delicious food made from the freshest, local ingredients. Visitors can share tapas-sized small plates or tasty pizzas and farm-to-table salads, or for that matter sample Mexican food from a taco truck.

Some local hotspots will waive the corkage fees on any wine bottle purchased from a Hopland wine tasting room. Several Hopland area winery tasting rooms offer special complementary food and wine pairings. Wineries in the greater Hopland area hold two great gatherings for wine and food lovers each year, a spring and a fall Hopland Passport event.

65 Premium Olive Oil in Hopland

1 Graziano Tasting Room

2 Brutocao Cellars

Room

3 Terra Sávia

4 Milano Family Winery TerraSavia.com

e vents & Fest I vals

MORE INFO: DestinationHopland.com

Also check the websites of Hopland’s wineries for events throughout the year.

• O ngoing: Second Saturdays Wine Event

• January: Crab Feast Mendocino; Barrel Tasting 101

• A pril: Hopping in Hopland — Easter Egg Hunt

Mendocino County offers some of the finest olive oils available in California. This is partly due to its great olive-growing climate, with somewhat chilly winters and hot summers, but also because of the high concentration of small artisan producers here who grow olives on their own or in their vineyards. The region lends itself lends itself to growing well-known olive varieties like Mission, but also such popular Tuscan varieties as Frantoio, Leccino, Pendolino, Maurino and Coratina. There are three attributes of extra virgin olive oil that are considered “positive”: fruitiness, pungency and bitterness. The last two are acquired tastes, and most people in this country prefer olive oils that are less pungent and bitter. Good producers will try to achieve a palatable balance.

In addition to the olive varieties chosen at time of planting, Mother Nature’s kindness plays a big role in the outcome. Rain, drought and frost can affect the quantity and quality of oil produced.

Are you confused when buying extra virgin olive oil? That’s because there are so many factors to consider. Much like wines, olive varieties largely determine the flavor profile. Nevertheless, Spanish and Greek olives tend to produce oils that are fruitier than Tuscan olives, which are more pungent and slightly more bitter, in part because the Spanish and Greek olives tend to be allowed to ripen longer.

Air, light and heat can affect how long the oil lasts. Unopened good oils can last up to two years. However, once opened they should be consumed within a month, since air will begin to oxidize them. Keep several oils on hand for different purposes, but not so many that they will go rancid in your cupboard. It is important to store them in a cool dark place, but not the refrigerator.

To learn more, tour the county’s first certified organic olive mill located in Hopland, Terra Savia. The facility offers olive oil tastings and resources for growing olives and crafting premium olive oil.

WHERE: 14161 Mountain House Road, Hopland

MORE INFO: 707-744-1114, TerraSavia.com

• M ay: Spring Passport

• Oc tober: Taste of Hopland

• N ovember: Mushroom, Wine & Beer Festival

66 Hopland’s Wineries

Hopland

Graziano Family of Wines

Whether you are discovering us for the first time or are a longtime friend, we invite you to visit our Tasting Room, located right on U.S. 101 in the beautiful village of Hopland in southern Mendocino County.

from classic Italian to unique old world varietals, all handcrafted with history, heritage and care.

Up to 25 different

JaxonKeys.com

When you pay a visit to the world-renowned wineries of the Hopland region, located in and around Hopland off Hwy 101, you will be treated to fantastic wines and delightful scenery. This region embodies everything that is the Mendocino wine experience. The Hopland wineries are famous for their awardwinning Rhone, Burgundy and Bordeaux varietals, and offer elegant tasting rooms presenting a variety of unique wine-tasting experiences. You’ll find live music, bocce courts, barrel tasting and organic gardens awaiting you in the distinct Hopland wine region. There are many different ways to experience the wineries and tasting rooms in Hopland. There is a convenient driving loop that you can enjoy at your own pace, and there is also a selection of more deluxe tours — something for every preference and price range. A trip to the Hopland Wine Region will leave you with delightful memories of picturesque hillsides and delicious wines.

MORE INFO: Mendocino Winegrowers Alliance, 707-901-7629, MendoWine.com

Courtesy of Brutocao Cellars

67 Schoolhouse Plaza, Brutocao Cellars

In 1997 Brutocao Cellars purchased the old Hopland High School from the Fetzer family and built a 7.5-acre complex dedicated to wine and food. The Schoolhouse Plaza is a prominent and historic (circa 1920) landmark travelers pass as they drive through Hopland on Hwy 101. There are a tasting room, gift shop and six regulation bocce courts on its premises. Take the time to participate in a spirited game of bocce ball (Italian lawn bowling), a Brutocao family tradition. The tasting room staff can explain the rules as well as provide you with award-winning handcrafted wines. Hopland Brutocao Cellars tasting room is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm

WHERE: 13500 S. Hwy 101, Hopland.

MORE INFO: 800-433-3689, 707-744-1664, BrutocaoCellars.com

Please say you saw it in 101 Things

Ukiah is the Mendocino County seat and its largest city. First settled about 5,000 years ago, people of European descent began to arrive there around 1845. It took the arrival of the railroad in 1889, however, for Ukiah to begin to really grow. Now its population is approximately 16,000, while that of the greater Ukiah area numbers about 35,000. Framed in a deep mountain valley (its name is derived from the word “yokayo,” which means either “deep valley” or “south valley” in the native Pomo tribal language), Ukiah is a beautiful destination that combines a wealth of natural resources with an independent character. Off the beaten path, Ukiah’s unique setting, spirit and people inspire you to explore further.

For those seeking to escape urban angst and experience life in a more relaxed environment, Ukiah offers a getaway rich with activity, creativity and small town charm. With countless opportunities for outdoor recreation, good food and drink, year-round events and cultural attractions, Ukiah has something for everyone. And, unlike any city named anything else, its name spelled backwards is “haiku.”

Things To D o

For musical enjoyment, Ukiah offers Mendocino Ballet, Ukiah Civic Light Opera, Ukiah Community Concert Association, Ukiah Symphony and the Ukiah Players Theatre. Mendocino College Center Theater also has a 400-seat theater in its stateof-the-art performing arts facility. Parducci Wine Cellars and Rivino Winery offer live music in the summer.

There are city parks within Ukiah with playgrounds, picnic areas and other services. Todd Grove Park, located on Park Boulevard, features a public swimming pool, playground and picnic areas amid tall redwoods.

Lake Mendocino is 5 miles north of Ukiah on Hwy 20, east of Hwy 101. Visitors to the lake enjoy wake boarding, water skiing, jet skiing, camping and fishing for bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish. Nearby recreational areas include Low Gap Regional County Park, Mill Creek County Park, Cow Mountain Recreation Area and Montgomery Woods State Reserve.

68 Ukiah Valley Wineries

Mendocino County is a wonderful grape-growing and wine-producing area. The county’s wine-growing areas can be divided into ten distinct regions, one of which is the Redwood Valley. Every June on Father’s Day weekend, A Taste of Redwood Valley brings wine, food, arts and crafts, and fun to the area. The region starts near the city of Calpella (north of Ukiah) and extends north between Potter Valley and the new Eagle Peak AVA. Here, many distinctive wines are crafted, from deep, rich reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfadel to crisp Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs. Organic vineyards are maintained throughout the area and produce unique, flavorful wine grapes. Small wineries produce their own specialty wines that you will enjoy sampling and tasting at the many different tasting rooms throughout the region. See our wine section starting on page 37, which includes Frey Vineyards, Rivino Estate and Barra of Mendocino in the Redwood Valley and Ukiah area.

MORE INFO: Mendocino County Visitors Center, 866-466-3636, VisitMendocino.com; MendoWine.com, 707-901-7629

VichySprings.com

• Year-Round: First Friday Art Walk, Downtown Ukiah, ArtWalkUkiah.org; Ukiah Farmers’ Market, Saturdays 9am-noon, MCFarm.org; Live music at Rivino Vineyards, Rivino.com, usually on Friday or Saturday night

• Various Dates: Ukiah Symphony, 707-510-1793, UkiahSymphony.org

• January: Mendocino Crab Feast; Lantern Festival for Chinese New Year in Alex Thomas Plaza

• M ay: Potter Valley Rodeo, PotterValleyRodeo.com; Pastels on the Plaza, 707-467-1855

• J une-August: Sundays in the Park Free Concert Series, Todd Grove Park; Moonlight Movie Madness at Alex Thomas Plaza; also First Friday Art Party

• J une: Gourmet Escape (Taste of Downtown and Blues and Brews)

• J uly-September: Nelson Family Vineyards offers music during the summer, NelsonFamilyVineyards.com/events/

• A ugust: Redwood Empire Fair, RedwoodEmpireFair.com

• S eptember: Car Show

• October: PumpkinFest

• November: Mushroom Fest (all over the county)

• December: Hometown Holiday parade of lights, ice skating rink, holiday trolley

69

Mendocino County boasts some of the best natural hot springs in the world. Particularly notable are the carbonated hot springs at Vichy Springs Mineral Hot Springs Resort and Country Inn, a unique 164-year-old historic hot springs resort only two hours north of downtown San Francisco. It has the only naturally warm and carbonated “Vichy” mineral baths in North America. Its soothing 90-degree sparkling waters have drawn famous names throughout the decades. Mark Twain, Jack London, Robert Louis Stevenson, Teddy Roosevelt and Ulysses S. Grant have all enjoyed the relaxing, therapeutic and healing properties of its unique “Vichy” waters.

Vichy Hot Springs is the best of two worlds, a country inn and a hot springs resort open every day for day use or overnight stays. Included with overnight rooms and cottages are breakfast in the morning, full use of the naturally carbonated mineral baths and hot soaking pool at any time, Olympic size pool in season, and 700 acres of hiking trails. Day use is available every day from 8 am until 8 pm and includes the naturally carbonated mineral baths, hot soaking pool, Olympic size swimming pool and the property, just as if one were staying the night. Massage therapy, facials and hot stone massage are also available from 8 am to 8 pm for both overnight and day use guests. WHERE: 2605 Vichy Springs Rd., Ukiah MORE INFO: 707-462-9515, VichySprings.com

70 Sundays in the Park Free Concert Series

2023 marks the 33nd season of Ukiah’s “Sundays In The Park” free concert series. Presenting performances by artists from a range of diverse genres, each of the summer’s six free concerts draws an average of over 3,000 music fans to beautiful Todd Grove Park. These shows feature artists from around the world and just down the road. Highlights of past concert series included performances by Marcia Ball, McKenna

Faith and Blues Hall of Fame veteran guitarist Elvin Bishop. Check the city of Ukiah’s website for this year’s lineup.

Pack a picnic, or indulge yourself with great food from vendors offering everything from barbecue tri-tip to sushi. Bring a blanket and gather with family, friends and neighbors to enjoy top notch performers while being part of the greater Ukiah community. Pets and smoking are prohibited within the main event area. Bring low-back chairs only, and personal BBQs are only allowed at the picnic table areas. Concerts begin at 6 pm

MORE INFO: 707-463-6231, CityOfUkiah.com/sundays-in-the-park

City of 10,000 Buddhas

TOMS • Frye • UGG • Born • Clarks Keen • Naot • Josef Seibel • Jambu Teva • El Naturalista • Arcopedico Rieker • Baggallini…and many find us on facebook

A gate of three arches located welcomes visitors to the City of 10,000 Buddhas. In the 1930s, this complex served as a state hospital and featured over seventy large buildings including three gymnasiums, a swimming pool, fire station, and incinerator with underground connections for electricity, water, and even air-conditioning. A severe drought in the 1970s forced a closure of the facility when all efforts to drill a well failed to find any water. After purchasing the facility, the Venerable Master Hua directed an effort to dig down more than 100 feet, and water was finally discovered. An elementary, secondary school and the Dharma Realm Buddhist University are now housed within the City. The Administration Building registers and welcomes visitors, and features an exhibition room, museum, and book and gift shops. Of all the treasures of the City, the most memorable is the Jewelled Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, which is where the assemblies of disciples gather to attend daily ceremonies. Although the hall was once an indoor basketball court, it now features a massive wooden Buddha with a thousand hands, and the walls are covered in compartments. These alcoves house 10,000 Buddhas, all created by Venerable Master Hua himself. Day visitors can enjoy the campus every day from 8 am to 6 pm; the restaurant from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm every day except Tuesday; and the gift shop and bookstore on Monday, Thursday and Friday from 1-5 pm

WHERE: 2001 Talmage Rd., Ukiah

MORE INFO: 707-462-0939, cttbusa. org/, cttbusa.org/visit_cttb/cttb.asp

72 Corner Gallery/ Art Center Ukiah

Corner Gallery/Art Center Ukiah opened in March 2008. Renovating a historic building just one block from the county courthouse, 24 local inland Mendocino County artists realized the dream of having a place to showcase their art. Featured theme shows, lectures and educational events for artists from childhood to the adult professional are supported by the Art Center Ukiah community gallery. The active Corner Gallery membership rotates its art frequently, and special guest artists are featured monthly. Visitors will find a refreshing selection of paintings in a variety of media and styles, ceramics, photography, fiber arts, wood crafts, jewelry, gifts and cards. Corner Gallery/Art Center Ukiah has evolved as the hub of the monthly First Friday Art Walk, an event of music, refreshments, artists and art. Local galleries and selected businesses are open till 8 pm . Writers Read is the literary companion to Art Walk, poetry readings hosted by the Art Center Ukiah every last Thursday evening. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday 11am to 5 pm and until 8 pm on the First Friday of each month.

WHERE: 201 S. State St., Ukiah MORE INFO: 707-462-1400, CornerGalleryUkiah.com for detailed event information.

CornerGalleryUkiah.com