Looking for things to do while living your best life in one of our exquisite vacation rentals? Lying around 100 miles north of San Francisco, California’s beautiful Anderson Valley boasts no shortage of stunning scenery and engaging activities. It’s one of the country’s leading wine regions and is also home to a number of beer and cider microbreweries. Nearby you can explore stunning botanical gardens, museums, state parks and scenic trails.
The Anderson Valley is perfect for passing through on the way to Mendocino for a day filled with fresh farm-to-table food and some excellent Pinot Noir. Likewise, if you’re staying in Mendocino, the Anderson Valley makes a lovely day trip where you can explore the redwood forests and visit cheese and dairy farms that produce food for some of California’s finest restaurants.
To best position yourself for a vacation full of Anderson Valley’s best offerings, you’ll want to consider staying at a luxury vacation rental. Mendocino has no shortage of places to stay, but those with discerning taste will want to check out Chateau Frolic.
Go Wine Tasting at a Local Vineyard
Anderson Valley is home to some of the best wineries in the state, producing excellent Pinot Noir and sparkling wines. There are more than 30 wineries to choose from in the area so you can take your pick of the best. Some of the top choices are Baxter Winery, which offers wine tastings by appointment and a wine club; Navarro Vineyards, with outdoor seating for tastings where you can enjoy sweeping views over their vineyards, as well as their local store which serves up freshly barbecued fare made from local produce; and the popular Goldeneye Winery, offering tasting appointments where you’ll learn all about the making and history of wine, as well as being able to explore the company’s beautiful vineyard and surrounding countryside.
After your tasting or tour, many wineries have shops and restaurants where you can pick up produce grown on-site for you to take home with you and cook up something delicious, as well as a bottle or two to enjoy later at your luxury vacation rental. Mendocino is undoubtedly one of the best destinations in the U.S. for lovers of fine wine and food.
Sample Some Freshly Brewed Cider
This stretch of California is famous for more than one alcoholic beverage. If wine isn’t your thing, visiting one of Anderson Valley’s numerous microbreweries for a cider tasting might pique your interest instead. Most cider farms grow a variety of different apples, so when you book a tasting you’ll be able to try a selection of ciders. Tastings are typically set in a picturesque orchard setting and you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the brewing process.
During winter, cider farms also often serve up tasty alcohol-free hot cider to warm you up. On-site restaurants and shops often sell an array of delicious apple related treats such as apple pie. If you’re staying in a vacation rental Mendocino like Chateau Frolic, this tasty local dessert will make the perfect ending to your chef-prepared meal.
Experience True Farm-to-Table Food
If you want to see where the food you’re eating really comes from, as well as pick up some ultra-fresh products to take away with you, visiting a farmstead is a must. There are a number of working farms operating in the Anderson Valley and one of the most well-known is Penny Royal, a dairy farm, vineyard and creamery where you can shop for freshly made cheese and milk (and sample their signature Sauvignon Blanc). You can also take a tour to see the farm’s animals, including hundreds of lambs if you visit in-season, usually in early spring.
Then you’ll get to enjoy a board of made-on-site cheeses paired with complementary wines, or head to their restaurant to enjoy vegetarian food grown on the estate. The farm shop sells a fine selection of products so you can buy ingredients to enjoy your own cheese and wine pairing on your vacation rental’s picturesque terrace, or on a picnic in the nearby countryside.
Admire the Towering Redwood Forests
Anderson Valley is home to numerous redwood forests, where you’ll be amazed by the beauty of these ancient, towering trees that have stood for hundreds of years. Although there are more than 41 redwood forests in and around this area, the best park for seeing these giants is Hendy Woods State Park towards Mendocino. This park has excellent hiking trails through the woods, all of which are only a couple of miles in length so perfect for a half day trip.
This serenely quiet park allows you to experience the tranquility of rural California, perhaps while enjoying a picnic under the canopy of the towering redwoods. If you’d prefer a more relaxed experience or are simply short on time, you can also drive through the stunning and atmospheric Navarro River Redwoods State Park, located just outside of the Anderson Valley.
Where to stay in Aderson Valley?
For those seeking vacation rentals where they can enjoy the beauty of Mendocino all to themselves, staying at Chateau Frolic will meet all your needs. It makes the perfect getaway if you’re looking for a slice of luxury near the Anderson Valley. This ultra-luxury vacation rental Mendocino has everything you need for pure relaxation including one of the area’s finest oceanfront wedding venues, as well as plenty of opportunities to explore the breathtaking surrounding countryside.
Situated on the oceanfront with sweeping views, Chateau Frolic is one of the most luxurious vacation rentals you’ll ever stay at, boasting expansive living spaces, its own art gallery and a wine cellar. On arrival, you’ll receive a selection of locally produced goods, such as freshly baked bread and wine you can enjoy on your first night in the villa to give you a taste of Northern California. Inside Chateau Frolic you’ll also find two terraces and a spacious dining area with space for up to 10 guests, not to mention a private chef to cook you up anything you’re in the mood for, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
If you’re passionate about cooking yourself, the villa has a top-of-the-line kitchen where you can work your magic using ingredients from Mendocino’s local vineyards and farms. The villa is the ideal base for heading out to the Anderson Valley region where you can be taken by your private driver, whether you’re heading for a tasting at the vineyards, a picnic among the redwoods or on a windswept coastal hike. Whether you’re looking at oceanfront wedding venues or simply seeking a relaxing vacation, learn more about Chateau Frolic and start planning your luxury getaway today.
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