North Coast & Redwoods - California - page 581

Anderson Valley
Rolling hills surround rural Anderson Valley, famous for apple orchards, vineyards, pastures
and quiet. Visitors come primarily to winery-hop, but there's good hiking and bicycling in
the hills, and the chance to escape civilization. Traveling through the valley is the most
common route to Mendocino from San Francisco.
TOP ANDERSON VALLEY WINERIES
The valley's cool nights yield high-acid, fruit-forward, food-friendly wines. Pinot noir,
Chardonnay and dry Gewürtztraminer flourish. Most wineries ( www.avwines.com ) sit out-
side Philo. Many are family-owned and offer free tastings, some give tours. The following
are particularly noteworthy.
Navarro ( www.navarrowine.com ; 5601 Hwy 128; 10am-6pm) The best option with award-win-
ning Pinot Noir and a delicious Riesling, picnicking is encouraged.
Esterlina ( www.esterlinavineyards.com ) For big reds, pack a picnic and head high up the
rolling hills; call ahead.
Husch ( www.huschvineyards.com ; 4400 Hwy 128; 10am-5pm) The oldest vineyard in the valley
serves exquisite tastings inside a rose-covered cottage.
Bink (9000 Hwy 128; 11am-5pm Wed-Mon) Small-batch artisanal wines that get rave reviews
are served in the Madrones complex .
Sights & Activities
Boonville (population 1488) and Philo (population 349) are the valley's principal towns.
From Ukiah, winding Hwy 253 heads 20 miles south to Boonville. Equally scenic Hwy 128
twists and turns 60 miles between Cloverdale on Hwy 101, south of Hopland, and Albion
on coastal Hwy 1.
Philo Apple Farm FARM
( www.philoapplefarm.com ; 18501 Greenwood Rd, Philo; dawn-dusk)
For the best fruit, skip the obvious roadside stands and head to this gorgeous farm for or-
ganic preserves, chutneys, heirloom apples and pears. It also hosts cooking classes with