What’s New This Spring in Mendocino County, CA

MENDOCINO COUNTY, CA – (April 18, 2022) – Mendocino in spring is truly a treat, with mellow temperatures, restaurant gardens bursting delectable vegetables, young lambs frolicking in emerald green meadows, and majestic redwoods towering above it all.  Not to mention the 124 species of wildflowers that grow there – sure to be blooming in abundance after such a wet winter. At this miraculous time of year, before the summer crowds descend, fantastic deals at inns abound, nature begs to be explored, either on foot or from the confines of a super-stable canoe, and delicious vintages are ready to be poured at boutique wineries.

As winter wanes and green shoots poke up out of the earth, the much-lauded Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa is announcing a unique lodging deal and an exciting new menu for spring. Situated high above atmospheric Smuggler’s Cove, Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa is consistently named among the best hotels in the world. Constructed in 2001 from 150-year-old redwood reclaimed from the nearby Big River, it’s an architectural masterpiece that offers every modern convenience. The Chef’s new spring breakfast menu includes everything from a Morning Protein Bowl with Cannellini Beans, Carrots, Tempeh, Carrots, and Wilted Purple Kate in a Light Miso-soy Broth; to Hazelnut Custard French Toast served with Raspberry-Hazelnut Butter (among other accompaniments); or the delicious BGI Stacker with hashbrowns, two eggs (any style), a pan-seared batonet of ham and spinach layered inside Cheddar Cheese-Crusted Sweet French Bread.

In addition, the property is pleased to introduce The Pavilion, a new home for their spa services. Nestled beneath the trees on the Inn’s beautiful property, The Pavilion is an oasis of uplifting serenity, and services include seasonal offerings such as the Seaweed & Matcha Spring Cleansing Facial Rejuvenation, the Down to Earth Spring Massage package that includes hot stones, a foot massage, and homemade local cider; and the Nourish and Restore massage package which features a nourishing custom oil blend of rose, grapefruit and pine, and post treatment, an Elderberry & Rose Sparkling Lemonade refresher. To celebrate the opening of The Pavilion, guests who book a stay of three or more nights at the Inn receive 20% off spa services during their visit when they book anytime between now and June 30, 2023. Must mention promo code SPA20 at time of booking. Subject to availability. Brewery Gulch Inn, 9401 N. Highway One, Mendocino, CA 95460, (707) 937-4752, www.brewerygulchinn.com.

After all that indulgence, visitors will want to take to the gorgeous Big River Estuary to observe lazy otters, adorable seals, and the amazing variety of migrating birds. The best way to get on the water is with The Stanford Inn’s Catch a Canoe & Bicycles Too. They are known worldwide for their unique collection of Redwood Outrigger Canoes. New for spring of 2023, they have created the Carbon Cat series, using ultralight carbon fiber canoes joined together side by side as catamarans. The new boats have several advantages, they are easier to paddle, and catamarans have more space for a comfortable ride for kids, pets, and adults alike, with sociable side-by-side seating that and allows people to share the on-the-water experience. All Carbon Cats are equipped with a foot-controlled rudder and offer the ultimate in stability. Some models also have a fun and easy-to-use downwind sail, no prior experience needed. Carbon Cats and Carbon Outriggers will be available in late spring of 2023 while Redwood Outriggers and kayaks are available anytime. Catch a Canoe & Bicycles Too, located at The Stanford Inn, 1 S. Big River Road, Mendocino, CA 95460, 707-937-0273, www.catchacanoe.com.

To really soak up nature as she awakens, visitors should book the iconic Little River Inn’s Ultimate Adventure Package. The Inn itself is a charming retreat, with an award-winning restaurant, an Audubon-certified golf course, regulation tennis courts, and a day spa. There are 66 rooms and suites, some appealingly affordable and others that are downright luxurious, all of which have views of the ocean. The Ultimate Adventure Packages allows guests to immerse themselves in the Mendocino Coast and includes a three-night stay in room of their choice. Complimentary with the package is a Little River Inn backpack, with two Little River Inn Water bottles, sunscreen, dry bags for use on the water, and a snack, the better to enhance the experience. The adventures include tickets to the fabulous Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, with its stunning display of native plants, a ride for two along scenic Pudding Creek on the Skunk Train’s fun Railbikes, and a boating excursion for two at Catch a Canoe & Bicycles Too. Advance reservations of at least three days are required for booking. Call 888-INN-LOVE or 707-937-5942. This package requires a 3-night minimum stay. If for some reason one of the adventures are not available for your dates, you will be notified with alternative options. Little River Inn, 7901 N. Highway One, Little River, CA 95456, 707-937-5942, www.littleriverinn.com.

What better way to celebrate the longer days and warmer weather than with a wine tasting at Lula Cellars? They are an independent ultra-premium winery located in Northern California’s Anderson Valley, producing small batch award-winning wines made exclusively from Mendocino grapes. Their location in the “Deep End” of the valley, in the coolest climate where wine grapes can be commercially grown, has chilly morning fog that evaporates in the strong afternoon sun, ripening grapes slowly and paying dividends in the form of elegant wines with subtle yet concentrated flavors. This boutique winery boasts award-winning Pinot Noirs, among other offerings, as well as a welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for visitors and their furry friends. They offer a $10 tasting experience that includes a variety of current release wines, and the tasting fee is waived with the purchase of a bottle of wine or joining their popular wine club, which provides access to some of their most coveted and exclusive “club only” wines. As a highlight of the upcoming Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival, happening May 19-21, 2023, Lula Cellars will be hosting the Friday night opening BBQ and Sunset Event. This is an incredible opportunity to taste some of the best wines in Mendocino County (including some of Lula’s newest releases!) while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Anderson Valley. Lula Cellars, 2800 Guntly Road, Philo, CA 95466, (707) 895-3737,  www.lulacellars.com.

Also at this year’s Anderson Valley’s Pinot Noir Festival, Fathers + Daughters Cellars will be pouring their new releases of Pinot Noir (2020 Weir Vineyard and 2020 Ferrington Vineyard) and providing barrel samples of their 2021 Ferrington Vineyard Pinot Noir. Fathers + Daughters Cellars is the passion project of two dads and three daughters. Guy Pacurar and his wife Sarah started Fathers + Daughters with Sarah’s dad, Kurt Schoeneman, who is the owner of the Anderson Valley’s storied Ferrington Vineyard where the winery sources much of their fruit. The birth of Sarah and Guy’s daughter, Ella, in 2012, inspired them to create a label celebrating the special bond that exists between fathers and daughters. They have been producing award-winning wines ever since. Small batches, carefully crafted and fermented using old-world techniques, yield wines that are truly reflective of their terroir. Like the relationship between a father and daughter, these wines will continue to evolve as they mature. Fathers + Daughters Cellars, P.O. Box 29. Philo, CA 95466, (707) 813-1137, www.FandDCellars.com.

This spring, travelers are encouraged to take advantage of the incredible value and beauty that characterizes Mendocino at this time of year!