Make a Stop in Anderson Valley for Wine Tasting

Why Go

If you’ve driven scenic Highway 128 on your way to Mendocino, you know how beautiful Anderson Valley can be. So stop and stay awhile in this relaxing, pastoral setting and enjoy some wine and farm-fresh food. This destination is particularly ideal if you’re a fan of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. 

The best location in the valley for wine tasting is a small town called Philo. It’s a beautiful place surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. However, for being such a remote place, it has some outstanding wineries. Top wineries near Philo include Navarro Vineyards and Winery, Toulouse Vineyard, Goldeneye Winery, and Baxter Winery. 

There are a few ways you can explore these vineyards. First, you can do a self-guided tour if you have a designated driver in your group or plan to spit out the wine. Another great option is to take a wine tour. Mendocino Insider Tours is a well-regarded company providing wine tours of Anderson Valley.

Before the wineries arrived, apples were the dominant crop in Anderson Valley. As a result, fresh, ripe apples are abundant and delicious. And beer lovers should not miss sampling the beers at Anderson Valley Brewing Company.

You’ll find that the unique places to stay in the Anderson Valley are part of the fun. You can “stay and cook” at the Philo Apple Farm, stay at the Booneville Hotel (a modern roadhouse), or stay at the lovely Madrones Hotel (with its own tasting rooms).