Sonoma & Mendocino
Oh How You've Grown
As the Napa Valley became the viticultural golden seam that might be overworked and running out of interest to everybody but the hedge-fund hobbyists, my search moved to Sonoma, and then the Mendocino area.
The town of Sonoma is so picturesque that many films have been shot there. Whatever I visit, I always feel I'm not there long enough, and that a couple of years might just about cover it, but I doubt it.
Mendocino was a place I first went to in 2019, and the people and the wines were so welcoming that I always have to go back. If you also put in the miles and go over to the Anderson Valley, you'll come to an area where Napa residents visit and feel sad that their part of Wine Country no longer has that same quiet sparkle.​
Whenever I visit Sonoma I always have to take a picture of this cinema. I like this one because the light seems to bring the building to life. In the daylight it's so unassuming, and one can easily take it for granted.
The Cheese Factory is as much a Sonoma landmark as the Oakville Grocery in Napa, but I prefer this place because it doesn't feel polished (which is helped here by the missing 'C' in factory).
Last time I visited they wouldn't make me a simple cheese sandwich, which is odd in a place called, 'The Cheese Factory'.
The Ledson Winery typifies an attempt at French design that comes across as pure American, and should be celebrated as such.
Yet another shot of Ledson, but this reminds me of those enormous mansions that actors have in Beverly Hills. The difference here is that an armed response unit has not been called to see off a wine writer on foot.
This is the Ridge Tasting Room in Sonoma County, and it's a beautiful place to sit and let the heat of the day wash over you. This was the cover of the first 'proper' edition of Winefullness Magazine.
This was taken at the DeLoach Winery and I've not a clue what it represents, probably man's inhumanity to winemakers around the world!​
Vines at the Kistler Vineyard sweeping down to greet the visitor.
This is the Russian River Vineyard, and I seem to have a soft spot for old cars and trucks located in Wine Country. If you're looking to off-load one then let me know!
I was looking for a tasting room just outside of Ukiah, but because it was a public holiday everywhere appeared to be shut. I was turning the car outside a closed winery when I saw this line of postboxes opposite. This felt such an American scene that I had to capture it.
Vineyards are often prone to pests, and not just wine writers!
I was told that this was home to owls who paid for their lodgings by hunting vermin, and the odd wine journalist!
I'd chanced my arm at this particular winery, but the wine was no more than average and I was eager to visit somewhere else for something better.
Heading away I saw this beautiful picnic area and I couldn't resist the chance to stay a bit longer.
I'd wanted to take a picture of winery directions for ages.
Some of you might think I was a little tipsy because the sign is leaning, but once you see the fence you'll know it was the sign that had been tasting.
If you take the '101' north towards Ukiah you will find the Dancing Crow Vineyard, and I cannot recommend the location, the wines and the people enough.
I love these utilitarian French vans, and couldn't resist taking a photo to remind me of home.
Sometimes you see a thing, love it and just want a photo.
This is the vineyard next to Dancing Crow. It's called Saracina, and the flowing vineyard interested me because it looks like the vines are riding a wave. How very Californian!
Jaxon Keys specialise in Rhone varietals, which is usually the territory of Paso Robles and the Rhone Rangers.
If you follow the signs for the Nelson Tasting Room, just south of Ukiah, the road passes this beast lying still, it's best days long behind it.
Anderson Valley is a shortish drive from Ukiah, and if you want to visit Husch (this is just outside their small, but cute, tasting room) can I recommend that you take the direct road for a terrifying mountainous drive that will give you a nosebleed.