Do you want to taste the finest wines in the Mendocino area? Northern California’s vineyards aren’t just found in Napa — you can enjoy delectable wines right here along the famous Highway 128 Wine Road! Go on an unforgettable road trip through the country as you drive along some of the best wineries in the region and stop for a tasting! In this blog, we’ll tell you about the main three stops we recommend. Read on, take notes, and plan your wine getaway today!
Find out about all the other wonderful things you can do in Mendocino when you access our free Vacation Guide! This great tool helps you find the area’s top local restaurants, events, shops, museums, and outdoor activities!
Your Itinerary Along the Highway 128 Wine Road
Stop 1: Yorkville Highlands
Yorkville Highlands is a beautiful area between the Alexander and Anderson Valleys. Imagine 40,000 acres of vineyards and renowned wineries! You’ll love driving through the hills and lush forests. Here are three of our favorite wineries to stop at along Highway 128:
Yorkville Cellars
Yorkville Cellars is a small, family-run business and a fabulous place to start your wine-themed road trip. They grow organic grapes, including eight of the main Bordeaux grapes: sauvignon blanc, semillon, malbec, cabernet franc, petit verdot, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and carmenere. Their tasting room is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Maple Creek Winery
You’re going to love the 180-acre ranch at Maple Creek Winery! Make your way up the winding road to their tasting room and get ready to fall in love with their chardonnay and merlot! The off-the-beaten path location is one of the quaintest around. You’ll especially love their scenic orchards and lush hills!
Meyer Family Cellars
Meyer Family Cellars is a family-owned business with several award-winning wines. It’s a perfect spot for a scenic picnic overlooking the vineyards (while sipping on a delicious glass of wine)! We recommend trying their dry rosé.
Stop 2: Boonville
Get out of your car in Boonville and take time to soak in the surroundings! It’s a beautiful place to walk around and discover the wonderful local wineries, but not only! Take a look at our recommendations below and add them to your bucket list.
Foursight Wines
Foursight Wines is one of the top Anderson Valley wineries, so you need to stop by! It’s also a small, family-owned business that has been in operation since 2006. Each year, they craft delicious pinot noirs and semillons, and you can regularly find them at Mendocino’s wine events year-round, (including Winesong and the Mendocino Mushroom Festival)!
Bee Hunter Wine
Bee Hunter Wine is a fabulous winery that aims to produce world-class wine from neighborhood vineyards. You’ll find some of their best varietals at their tasting rooms, and can even buy your favorites to bring back home with you!
Pennyroyal Farm and Creamery
Pennyroyal Farm and Creamery produces wonderful wines and delicious dairy products (thanks to their goats and sheep). You can even tour the farm! Tours run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. so it makes for the perfect post-lunch activity!
Stop 3: Philo
Philo—a prime spot for Northern California wines—is at the heart of the Anderson Valley. There are so many wineries that it can be overwhelming deciding which one to visit. Here’s a little help:
Goldeneye Winery
Goldeneye Winery is a perfect first stop in Philo. It produces some of the best Anderson Valley wines! It will only take one sip of their signature pinot for you to fall in love. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy an elegant happy hour.
Balo Vineyards
Do you want to taste excellent wines while enjoying breathtaking views of the Navarro River? Balo Vineyards is the best place for that. Picture yourself sipping on a glass of pinot noir under one of the red umbrellas as you breathe in the fresh air of the river.
The Madrones
You’ve already tasted some French-style wines along your journey, so how about some Mediterranean flavors? The Madrones winery offers sun-drenched vineyards, three beautiful tasting rooms, and a top-notch restaurant serving some of the best wood-fired cuisine in Northern California.
How to Achieve the Perfect Wine Getaway
Do you wish to discover more amazing wineries near Mendocino? We have just the package for you. Our Wine Tour Special takes you around some of the best vineyards in the Mendocino area, so you can sit back, relax, and sip on fine wines—all without the hassle of having to drive back! Mendo Wine Tour’s luxury vehicle (either S.U.V. or limousine) will pick your right at our inn. What are you waiting for? It’s the ultimate package for wine lovers!
Have a Scenic Mendocino Stay at Sea Rock Inn
Such a wonderful trip through Northern California’s top vineyards is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so why not make the most out of it? Stay in one of the most charming and relaxing inns along the coast: Sea Rock Inn. Unplug and let the beauty of the shoreline rejuvenate your mind and soul. There might not be a lot of cell phone service, but we offer plenty of connection!
Browse our selection of rooms today and pick your favorite. They all come with gorgeous views, and some offer private balconies (where you can gaze at the ocean with a cup of coffee—or glass of wine from Highway 128—in hand). Each room also comes with a delicious complimentary breakfast, so don’t wait another minute! Mendocino is calling.