Taking my mom (86) in late July to Mendocino for two nights (Sunday and Monday) from the Bay Area and will head back via 128/101 South.

Would like to stop for lunch and possibly visit a winery. Mom may taste one small glass and I will not be drinking...therefore looking for the ambiance and not the wine.

Any suggestions for a nice stop not far from the highway for a bit of "wow". Not opposed to taking a deli/picnic lunch to enjoy the grounds if allowed by the winery. Will make a purchase to take home.

If you have a suggestion for a very casual lunch/dinner spot in Mendocino, please pass them on as well.

Thank you in advance.

De La Montayna winery in Healdsburg has it's small tasting room in an old barn, with a nice patio outside featuring shaded picnic tables and beautiful surroundings. A great stop for a picnic lunch.

A great little casual lunch spot in Mendocino:
www.goodlifecafemendo.com

Thanks Clark. Both are exactly what I'm looking for.

Francis Ford Coppola's winery in Geyserville has lovely grounds and a Movie Gallery featuring memorabilia from some of his movies.

www.francisfordcoppolawinery.com/

I was going to suggest the Coppola winery for Wow factor, and Diavola, in Geyserville, for lunch.