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Posted August 2006
Rural and Slow Paced: Mendocino
Mendocino is a county of rural communities, miles of scenic coastline,
and intense natural beauty. When you visit Mendocino it is unusual
to do so in a hurry. The winding highways, whether wrapping along
the coast or between redwood forests and vineyards, are certain
to slow you down. But the attitude of the historic little towns
and even the larger community centers is one that is measured more
by the pace of the earth and less by the watch on the wrist.
Did You Know?
The world’s tallest redwood tree, at 367.5 feet, is located in Montgomery
Woods State Park on Orr Springs Road between the coast and Ukiah. |
There are five separate regions that are host to several different
AVAs (American Viticultural Areas). Two regions line the coast,
the South Mendocino Coast and the North Mendocino Coast; inland
regions are: Anderson Valley, Russian River Valleys and the large
North Mendocino county region. Climates range from cool, foggy,
and windy on the coast to inland highs of 90 in the summer to
winter lows in the 20s and 30s.
Less than 100,000 people live in the almost 2 million acres
that make up Mendocino County. Tourism, wine grapes, forest products,
commercial fishing, orchard crops, livestock and poultry production,
and government services drive the local economy.
The diverse growing region supports many grape varieties including:
Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignan, Charbono and Grenache;
well-known Pinot Noirs come out of the notable Anderson and Russian
River Valleys and prestigious sparkling wines also are celebrated
products of the region.
Wine tasting is a favorite visitor activity and the local produce
and fun-loving community make enjoyable times and delicious meals
(and picnics) part of that adventure. Before embarking upon your
tasting escapade, you should check the times and hours of the
winery tasting rooms, some open just on weekends during the off-season.
Before embarking upon your tasting escapade, you should check
the times and hours of the winery tasting rooms, to confirm off
season and holiday hours (especially of the smaller tasting rooms).
Start planning your visits to the areas' wine
tasting rooms by
using the listing on WineCountry.com |
