A Northern California Road Trip Worth Clearing Space in the Cellar For

It’s a journey built for the well-stocked cellar, unfolding one glass and one stop at a time. Travelers wind through cathedral-like groves of ancient redwoods, pass valleys quilted in sheep-dotted vineyards, and trace the iconic curves of California’s Highway 1 in search of Mendocino County’s most compelling pours. The itinerary spans private hilltop tastings and high-end whiskies, crisp Alsatian-style whites, and even a small-batch smoked salmon vodka. With 12 distinct AVAs, a sparkling wine trail boasting more than 25 venues, and the annual Winesong Grand Tasting and Auction, this crown jewel of Northern California, just two hours north of the San Francisco Bay Area, offers a tasting adventure with serious breadth.

Tasting the Terroir

Roederer Estate, Philo
The newly unveiled tasting venue alone could justify the trip, but the 2019 L’Ermitage Brut’s perfect 100-point score, a first for California-made sparkling wine, seals the deal. Owned by the storied Maison Louis Roederer Champagne family, this Anderson Valley property blends French pedigree with Mendocino soul. The new space is a study in understated luxury, outfitted with natural materials, Italian tiles, tabletops cut from Mt. Etna lava, and a striking red ceiling inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge. Alfresco seating invites guests to linger over a portfolio marked by rare finesse. Elevated offerings include the Cristal Champagne and Caviar Experience ($575 for two to four guests) or a more approachable Magnum Tasting ($125). The kitchen delivers playful yet refined bites, from prosciutto-draped “meat and potatoes” to house-made duck rillette. Tours are also available.

Website: https://roedererestate.com/visit/

Winesong, Fort Bragg
Now in its 40th year, Winesong remains Mendocino County’s signature tasting event and auction, returning September 5–6, 2025. The festivities open Friday afternoon with A Pinot Noir Celebration at Little River Inn, an elegant mingling of live music, passed bites, and world-class pours. Saturday shifts to the oceanfront Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, where 47 acres of blooms, including 150 varieties of dahlias, set the scene for the Grand Tasting. More than 75 purveyors of wine, beer, and spirits pour alongside 25 local chefs, caterers, and confectioners. Live music drifts through each tasting section, while a silent auction tempts collectors. The day culminates in a live auction and VIP luncheon featuring rare wine collections, large-format bottles, and regional treasures. Lots range from international getaways to original art, making it a weekend as rich in experiences as it is in pours.

Website: http://www.winesong.org/

From the cool-climate sparkle of Anderson Valley to the coastal charm of Fort Bragg, Mendocino County offers a tasting landscape as diverse as its scenery. It is a place where Old World craftsmanship meets West Coast creativity, where the road between redwoods and the Pacific is dotted with cellars worth lingering in. For those who crave both the romance of the journey and the satisfaction of a well-curated cellar, this stretch of Northern California pours an experience that lingers long after the last glass is drained.