Escape to Anderson Valley plotted out for weary friends by Modesto wine columnist
A friend and Wine Line reader called and said he needed to get away. He had just finished six weeks of harvesting almonds and needed some peace, quiet and wine. I gave him information on Mendocino’s Anderson Valley. He and his wife left the next day. Here is a brief summary of their three-night stay. They tasted and purchased wine at 10 wineries, most had no tasting fees and all had knowledgeable and friendly hosts. They experienced no traffic jams or crazy drivers or crowds or noise. One day was a leisurely drive up the coast to Mendocino and Fort Bragg. They enjoyed a fresh fish dinner at the harbor. Most of the time was spent relaxing in the Boonville Hotel and soaking up the laid back Anderson Valley vibe. After the holiday frenzy the Navigator and I plan to follow in their footsteps.
Lunch in Paso Robles
If you’re heading to Pismo Beach or staying in Paso Robles and your hotel room won’t be ready until 3 p.m., try Cass Winery for lunch. The winery was named Winery of the Year in 2015 and 2018 at the Central Coast Classic Wine Tasting. The winery is easy to find, just load 7350 Linne Road in your GPS. Cass Winery recently opened a beautiful Barrel Room with an enormous kitchen to allow space for the executive chef and four full-time sous chefs. The food there is taken seriously, as is the wine. Lunch is offered daily and is very popular. Cass is also building an eight room B&B out of shipping containers. Yes, shipping containers. All eight rooms (containers) are elevated overlooking the lush vineyards. They were about 80% complete when we visited and we look forward to seeing them finished. Schedule a visit and taste the award winning wines, the amazing food and spend the night in a shipping container. I love it!
Thanksgiving Wines
If everything is set for tomorrow’s feast except the wine, don’t panic. Here are some reliable brands that are readily available at your local market. Look for Barefoot, Sutter Home, Smoking Loon, Livingston Cellars and Trader Joes’s Moon Series or Charles Shaw, all under $7. In the $8 to $12 price range you can’t go wrong with Bogle, McManis, SeaGlass, Castle Rock, Cupcake, Columbia Crest and Chateau Ste. Michelle. A few splurge Pinot Noirs you might consider are 2017 Laetitia Santa Barbara ($22), 2017 Raeburn Russian River Valley ($20), 2017 Siduri Santa Lucia Highlands ($27) and the 2017 Siduri Willamette Valley ($27). Have a wonderful 2019 Thanksgiving. I suggest you eat and drink early in the day. This way, you can feast again in the evening. Cheers!