After driving around for three weeks in my homeland of England in the fall, I was ready for a mini-break when I got back – part of that due to covering close to 900 miles and driving a car with a stick shift!
So off we went to Mendocino for a few days – one of our favorite coastal getaways famous for its superior Anderson Valley wines. There are so many wineries on the stretch of Hwy 128 that it’s hard to choose, but one we found to be charming and un-glitzy is Lula Cellars. One of the wines that caught my attention is their 2021 Guntly Red ($32), a red blend primarily made up of Pinot Noir from the Anderson Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon from the Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak AVA. Rounding out the blend is a touch of Zinfandel from the Fashauer Vineyard on Mendocino Ridge.
One of our favorite places to stay is Brewery Gulch Inn. Not only is the place warm and welcoming, but the food prepared is outstanding – with the opportunity to try many complimentary local wines offered with dinner. Breakfast is cooked to order and service is excellent. Another place we love to stay is the Little River Inn, which lies smack on the coast and is an icon in the area – famous for its hospitality and stunning ocean views. We enjoyed a glass of wine on our balcony to the sound of waves crashing on the shore.
Lula Cellars, 2800 Guntly Road, Philo, 707-895-3737. LulaCellars.com
Upcoming Wine Events in Anderson Valley
White Wine Weekend will be held Feb.17/18 with VIP White Wine & Sparkling Wine Experiences. A Pinot Noir Festival will be held May 17-19 with winery open houses, raffle, auction, and much more. And now you know of two fabulous places to stay when you’re there! AVWINES.com
