At the end of October my husband and I will be taking his mom up to Mendocino County to celebrate her 80th birthday. We will be staying with my sister and her husband (they have a lovely home right on Highway 1 in Fort Bragg that we're visiting for the first time) and are looking forward to breathtaking beauty and friendly aging potheads, among other types of wildlife (apparently we'll see bears in the area). They LOVE it up there, although it's a bit far from, well, everything. We're prepared for the 3-hour drive from Sacramento (we got a deal on JetBlue out of LGB!) and are counting the days!

We're planning one day for winery visits. Maybe two. We like wine. Does anyone have experience with the wineries up in Mendo County? Any input regarding wine shuttle/limo service? Since this is my MIL's 80th, we want to kick up our heels some. And while I'm at it: Any restaurant recommendations for Fort Bragg and/or surrounding towns?

The photos we've been sent are incredible-- we are SO jazzed about heading up there!! Any advice is, as always, greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

We quite like Anderson Valley wines--I think you're in for a treat! And the scenery is, of course, breathtaking.

I think Roederer Estate for sparkling--who doesn't like sparkling?--is a must, and their location is very pretty. I bet they could uncork something special for you in light of your MIL's big birthday, if you call ahead.

I also think Goldeneye makes really gorgeous Pinot Noir--another must.

After those two, Toulouse is nice (and it's a stone's throw from Goldeneye and Roederer, and Hendy Woods State Park), and we like Navarro, too.

If you're interested in craft beer, Anderson Valley Brewing is well worth a stop.

I hope you enjoy your visit, we really feel in love with the area, and in fact, we're going back in December

On the subject of beers, in Fort Bragg, North Coast Brewing is excellent. I like the beers from Anderson Valley Brewing, but was less than thrilled with the experience of visiting the brewery. Its a cool location, but the people in the tasting room/bar weren't all that friendly. It was weird. I've been meaning to go there again and give them another try.

Back to wine...

I like the wines from Husch quite a lot - they are right on Hwy 128.

http://www.huschvineyards.com/

Some friends visited this winery and loved the setting. Cannot comment on the wines. Looks cool. Outside of Ft. Bragg

http://www.pacificstarwinery.com

I was going to mention Pacific Star -- MichelleY bbeat me to it.

The most gorgeous setting for a winery/tasting room you will ever see - plus some pretty good wines.

I visit most times I visit Ft Bragg/Mendocino. There is also a tasting room in downtown Ft Bragg - but I'd go to the winery instead.

Pacific Star wines are not great--not even good, IMO, but a lot depends how serious you are about wine. I wouldn't go just for the atmosphere, but there's no question, it's a pretty spot.

november, that's so weird about Anderson Valley Brewing, they were really friendly when we were there. North Coast makes great beer, for sure. SO loves their Old Rasputin.

http://www.avwines.com/anderson-valley-appellation-map/

We were in the Anderson Valley last September and were thrilled with the scenery, wine and overall small town friendly feel.

Goldeneye is truly a beautiful winery and their Pinot Noir is great. We really enjoy Russian River Pinot but after tasting in the Anderson Valley I prefer their wines.

Another couple of wineries we enjoyed were Handley, Drew, and Baxter.

We ate at a small restaurant right on the water near Mendocino called Wild Fish. It was really good. Highly recommended.

Enjoy your trip. Sounds amazing!

Thanks to all that have responded so far. We're not total wine snobs, BUT-- we appreciate the good stuff. We're members of Chandon's wine club (and LOVE their Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir varietals), so we're looking for nice stuff to complement all the bubbly.

Or add to it. Roederer is up there...? I LOVE their stuff. It's on the list. As is Goldeneye, if their Pinots are that good.

We will probably blow our diets and start with a stop by Mendocino Chocolate Company, which makes pretty damn good sweets. Dark chocolates and red wine-- mmmmmmmm, what a combo!!

Keep the comments coming, I appreciate them all!!!

For a good variety of apples and some cider and other apple products, take the turnoff to Hendy Woods State Park. You can't miss the apple farm a couple hundred yards from CA128. Pay is on the honor system.

Quick report back:

MIL fell ill and couldn't come with us (she's better now). We went anyway and had a GREAT time. Weather was rainy and cool, but a nice change from southern CA. A couple of nice sunny days allowed us to take in the incredible, stark beauty of the Mendocino County coastline.

We visited five wineries, all SUPERB:

-- Navarro
-- Foursight
-- Domaine Anderson
-- Roederer
-- Goldeneye

We were a party of four (me, DH, sister, BIL), and we ALL bought too much wine. We're getting the last shipment today. But oh, what a lovely area! We're already looking at moving there when we retire.

Thanks to everyone for the spot-on recommendations, they were quite helpful!!

Thanks for reporting back, cheers! We will be in Booneville the week after Christmas--can't wait