Anderson Valley Travel Guide
If there’s one part of California’s wine country that’s highly underrated, it’s Anderson Valley. The people are laid back and friendly, there’s no traffic or tour buses, and most of the wine tastings are offered free of charge. It’s wine country in it’s purest form.
I had been wanting to visit this small stretch of Mendocino County for quite some time and the start of our road trip to Oregon seemed like the perfect opportunity. It takes about 3 hours to get there from San Francisco and the drive along two-lane Highway 128 is absolutely beautiful. The winding road takes you through oak-covered hills and past farms raising llamas, goats, sheep, and cattle. And if you’re not careful you could drive right past Boonville, the largest town in Anderson Valley, without evening knowing it.
It might be small and unassuming, but it’s rich with culture. We loved every second we spent exploring this cherished piece of land and are already planning to go back in the fall to do some apple picking at the local orchard.
Where to Stay
The Boonville Hotel. I can’t remember where it was that I first read about the Boonville Hotel but I know as soon as I did, I had my heart set on staying there. It’s a no frills kind of place with a down-to-earth charm in a gorgeous natural setting. There’s no television in the rooms and the beds and bathrooms are dressed with organic linens. They even have their own organic garden that they source ingredients from to serve breakfast and dinner at their restaurant every day.
We stayed in their studio which has it’s own gated yard right behind a small creek. It was so nice to let Coco have the freedom to roam the backyard while we sat by the fireplace and listened to the sounds of the water flowing and the nearby roosters crowing. The Boonville Hotel really is the perfect place to get away from it all.
Breakfast included farm fresh eggs, orange currant scones, rhubarb, and yogurt with homemade granola
Where to Eat
Stone & Embers. Located in a small plaza called the Madrones, which is also home to guest quarters and four wineries, Stone & Embers serves organic wood fired pizza and salads made with produce sourced from the restaurant’s own farm down the road. There’s a beautiful dog-friendly patio equipped with heaters, cold local cider and delicious fresh food. What more could you want?
Little Gem Salad
Smoked Potato Beignets with Créme Fraíche and Piment D’Ville
Pizza with Potatoes, Mushrooms, Rosemary, Lemon and Parmesan
Mosswood Market. This charming bakery is right in the heart of downtown Boonville. Stop here for coffee and a pastry or quick lunch.
Boonville General Store. Another great spot for lunch. Order a few sandwiches to-go and take them with you for a picnic at one of the nearby vineyards.
Table 128. This is a must-try when in Anderson Valley. It’s run by the Boonville Hotel which, as I said above, sources their ingredients from local farms in addition to their own organic garden. For that reason they only offer a seasonally inspired prix-fixe menu.
I was worried what that would mean for us seeing how we’re both vegetarians, however they were able to modify the meal and it turned out incredible. You could literally taste how fresh the ingredients were. Definitely one of the best meals of the entire trip!
Side note: I didn’t take a picture of the cheesecake because the lighting was so bad but it was surprisingly delicious, considering that I don’t usually like cheesecake. The texture was much lighter than most that I’ve tried and it wasn’t overly sweet.
Radicchio Salad with Savory Bread Salsa and Mustard Balsamic Vinaigrette
Mushroom Orzo Pasta with Asparagus, Mustard Caper Cream and Parsley Gremolada
Where to Play
Navarro Vineyards. This vineyard offers free tastings of almost every wine they make and they are all scrumptious. If it’s a nice day, this would be a great place for a picnic. The views are gorgeous. They’re also known for being super dog-friendly so be sure to bring your furry friend along, if you have one.
Lula Cellars. This vineyard was recommended to me by Kelli and it did not disappoint. The tasting room is small but welcoming and the pinot noir is delicious. We especially loved their friendly pup, Honey.
Other Vineyards of Possible Interest: Rivino, Goldeneye, Handley Cellars
Hendy Woods State Park. Just 8 miles from Boonville, this state park is home to eighty acres of ancient redwood forests. There are a few short hikes that are perfect for starting the day with a little activity before getting your wine tasting on.
Downtown Boonville Shopping. The downtown area doesn’t have a ton of shopping but I like to think that they focus on quality rather than quantity. Peruse the Vintage Antique shop and the Farmhouse Mercantile for housewares or pick up a jar of their locally produced Piment d’Ville red chile powder.
I’m so happy to read you love Anderson Valley. Then again, how could someone not? David and I have dreams about retiring out there some day. Mostly because we love how quiet it is out there and there is no traffic — YES!
I’ve been dying to stay at the Boonville Hotel. Hoping some day we can for an anniversary get away. I’ve only heard amazing things about the restaurant, too.
SO happy you guys enjoyed Lula. We loved how low key it is and that they allow dogs. When Ryder went he jumped into that pond and they didn’t even mind! :) He was in love with Honey, too but she didn’t really like his younger antics. ;) Navaro is really beautiful. We picnicked out there a year ago and it was great. I’d definitely go back. I’ve also enjoyed all the tastings in the Madrones Center, too. Drew is quite tasty and also really liked Bink. Stone & Embers is so delicious! I’m dying to go back there, too.
Your pictures are amazing! I can’t wait to read more of your travel posts that are to come! Yay!
It would be an amazing place to retire! It’s so peaceful. Thank you again for the recommendation to visit Lula! :)
What a beautiful, beautiful…relaxing location. I would love to visit there sometime. Your pictures are awesome, as usual! You made me feel like I was right there! Thank you…xoxo
I wish you were there with me! You can always come back in the fall! :)
Anderson Valley is so picturesque – so gorgeous! What a lovely stay y’all had – thanks so much for sharing it with us!
That place looks amazing! I would love that little hotel too. CA wine country is on my list of places I really want to visit.
You would love it, Kelly! I hope you get to come visit one day. :)
I was basically dying over your stories on Snapchat. I’ve never been to Anderson Valley, but holy snap does it look gorgeous. And I’m kind of obsessed with the fact that it’s a lot more low-key than touristy. Sometimes you just wanna go on vacation to get away from people and -not- deal with crowds. And also to enjoy good wine :)
I was amazed that it was so quiet! It’s hard to find anywhere that’s nice that isn’t crowded with people anymore.
Anderson Valley looks lovely! So many gorgeous photos as per usual, you talented photographer you! :) I love how you usually travel with Coco…. I always leave Harley at the pet resort because it’s easier – especially because she’s usually a pain in the butt in the car – but would love to bring her along on some of my travels.
Oregon is a state I’ve never been to and am hoping to plan a getaway to while I’m living in Cali. Looking forward to reading about your travels there!
In the 12 years I’ve had her, I’ve never left Coco at a pet resort so I worry how she would react. If she were younger I would definitely consider it because it adds a layer of stress traveling with her. We can’t do as much as we could without her. But it’s nice to be able to find pet-friendly hotels and restaurants. I’m so grateful for that! :)
Superb pictures! Thank you for visiting our Valley, and writing about it!
Thank you so much for the comment! :)
I’m in the beginning stages of planning a trip to California (I’m leaning towards San Francisco) so I’m definitely making note of Anderson Valley as a possible spot to visit – it looks amazing!
You should definitely come to the Bay Area! There’s so much to do and see here. You will love it!
Sarah… completely smitten and appreciative of this post. Could the Booneville hotel be any more charming… but everything looks so welcoming (and tempting). The Smoked Beignets with Créme Fraíche and Piment D’Ville (lord help me!). We are hoping for an autumn visit to Oregon and now via Anderson Valley me thinks :)
You would love it, Kelly! It’s such a peaceful and relaxing place!
Hi Sarah,
I don’t think I will ever be able to visit California but this post of yours allowed me to expereience the beauty of Anderson Valley. No dobut, this place is just like a heaven on earth and I think those who are close to it ( I mean the nearby states ) must visit it and experience the beauty of nature. Photos are amazing and hotel is beautiful too. By the way,what about weather condition ? I have visited some places that looks so beautiful and amazing but weather spoils the fun.
The weather wasn’t great but that’s because we’ve had more rain than usual thanks to El Nino. Summertime and fall are probably a better time to visit! :)
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Amazing! what a lovely place! and the food looks delicious salad are the best. Thanks for the post!
Thanks Steve! :)
You missed a few gems that must be noted:
Wine:
Penny Royal (also includes goat cheese tastings)
Golden Eye (in the Duckhorn portfolio known for Pinot Noir)
Roederer for bubbles
Bee Hunter tasting room (downtown Booneville – look for the yellow Porsche)
Beer:
Anderson Valley Brewing Company (has an 18 hole disc golf
Course)
Best sandwiches on planet earth + provisions:
Lemon’s Market in Philo
Stay:
Camp at Hendy Woods
Madronas Inn – soooo comfortable
Take 128 West and hit the coastal town of Mendocino