Just two hours north of the Bay Area, Mendocino is framed by the Pacific Ocean, California’s Coast Range and Redwood Valley, making it a stunning destination on the basis of its natural beauty alone. Awaiting the visitor is a wide array of charming inns and lodging, hospitable wineries, sumptuous dining locales and exceptional outdoor activities.

The beautiful Noyo Harbor at Ft. Bragg

Mendocino County has always attracted “pioneers,” whether they were miners, farmers or winemakers. Italian immigrants first planted the pristine land with winegrapes along the rugged hillsides and sun-exposed ridge tops in the 1850’s.  Today, Mendocino wineries and vineyards are thriving and have become well regarded for producing wines of superlative quality. The pioneer spirit of the wine industry is once again evident with the region’s dedication to biodynamic, organic and sustainable winegrape growing.  Mendocino is the U.S. leader of certified organic vineyards with nearly 18% of the total winegrape acreage—2,820 acres—certified organic. This out-paces regions such as Sonoma County with 1% and Napa County with 5% certified organic vineyards.  Furthermore, its approachable wineries provide a sense of discovery.

Mendocino Winegrape and Wine Commission (MWWC) brings together the talents and resources of its members, partners and community to promote and support the art, science and the business of wine grape growing and wine making.  Founded in 2006, the Commission is a non-profit organization representing over 70 vintners and growers in Mendocino County. 

In September of last year, a volunteer committee of business owners from the Mendocino County Lodging Association (MCLA) successfully created a new business improvement district to raise funds to promote the county. A warm welcome is guaranteed everywhere in this unspoiled region where most of the quaint hotels, inns, B&B’s, luxury resorts and vacation rentals are family-friendly, pet-friendly and just plain friendly.

The purpose of the Mendocino County Lodging Association (MCLA) is to provide a forum to define and promote the general interests of its members and the lodging industry in Mendocino County.

The Mendocino County Promotional Alliance (MCPA) is an organization of associations including, but not limited to, vintners and grape growers, restaurants, food producers, breweries, farmers and the arts focusing on creating a sustainable high quality of life in Mendocino County. This is achieved by providing a compelling story that promotes tourism, products, services and natural resources that makes Mendocino County one of the most desired destinations in the world.

Editor’s note: Next week Taste California Travel will bring you fresh reportage on a visit to a Mendocino County destination not yet as well known the quaint village of Mendocino. Meanwhile, to learn more about the area try visiting the North Coast listings our Resource Directory or any of the following:

Mendocino Winegrape and Wine Commission (MWWC ) www.mendowine.com.

Mendocino County Lodging Association (MCLA) www.mcla.info.

Mendocino County Promotional Alliance (MCPA) www.gomendo.com