Wine Tasting

The secluded Anderson Valley has always been known for scenic views, wildlife, redwoods, apple orchards and sheep farms. However, beginning in the late 1960s vineyards began to breathe new life into the Valley. Founded in 1971, Husch Vineyards was the first winery to open its doors in the Anderson Valley. Now the Valley supports over fifty vineyards and wineries, with one thousand acres of wine grapes produced in the area every year. Thirteen of those wineries have tasting rooms open to the public, all of which are within a 10-minute drive of the Anderson Valley Inn. Many of these wineries have lovely picnic areas where you can lunch or just relax in tranquil beauty. Near the Inn wine tasting is available at Navarro Vineyards, Roederer Estate, Brutocao Cellars, Christine Woods Winery, Claudia Springs Winery, Philo Ridge Vineyards, Esterlina Winery, Greenwood Ridge Vineyards, Handley Cellars, Husch Vineyards, Lazy Creek Vineyards, Raye's Hill Vineyards, and Scharffenberger Cellars, which is right across the street.

    Anderson Valley Brewing Co.

The Anderson Valley Brewing Company, home of the legendary Boonville Beer, is also within a 10-minute drive from the Inn. The Brewery opened its doors in 1987 making and selling its beer at the historic Buckhorn Saloon in Boonville. In 1996 it moved to its current location where it now produces over 15,000 barrels of internationally acclaimed beer per year. The Brewery has a tasting room and tours are offered daily.

Olive Oil Tasting

Tired of beer and wine tasting? Try olive oil tasting for a change. The Anderson Valley Wine Tasting Experience in nearby Boonville, offers olive oil tasting in addition to wine tasting. Their award winning Stella Cadente Olive Oil is made from olives grown right here in the Anderson Valley.

Old Growth Redwoods

Hendy Woods State Park, with its two majestic groves of old growth redwoods, is a wonderful place to visit that is within a few minutes drive from the Inn. A stroll through these giant redwoods is a glorious experience that should not be missed. Grandpa Hendy owned this area of Anderson Valley in the late 1800s and vowed never to let an ax touch his trees. But alas, when he passed away, most of the trees that were so dear to him were sold to the mills, but in his honor two groves of old growth redwoods were spared. Later Grandpa’s trees were sold to the State Park System. Thank Joshua P. Hendy for saving these trees for future generations by taking a walk through his beloved redwoods.

Hendy Woods State Park

            The Skunk Train

The Navarro River

Near the entrance to Hendy Woods State Park is the Valley’s most popular swimming hole. In the hot summer months the Navarro River flows cold and clear off the mountains and residents jump in to refresh themselves at this rare deep spot along the otherwise shallow river. Have a good time but be careful! This part of the river is not within the park and there is no lifeguard on duty, also it’s a very short but steep climb down to the river. Remember to bring swimsuits as there are always families with children swimming here, this is not a nude beach.

The Navarro river as it passes through the Anderson Valley also offers exciting canoeing, rafting, and kayaking during the months of December through April when the river is swollen from winter rains. Enthusiasts enjoy these activities throughout the year where the Navarro enters the Pacific Ocean, which is about a thirty minute drive from the Inn. There is also a secluded sandy beach at this location.

Drive a little further...

Within an hours drive from the Inn are the charming coastal towns of Mendocino, Fort Bragg, Little River, Elk, and Point Arena. Go shopping in quaint Mendocino or catch the Skunk Train in Fort Bragg. Also in Fort Bragg are the gorgeous Mendocino Botanical Gardens. The scenic ride from the Anderson Valley Inn through the redwoods and along the coast to these towns is among the most beautiful that California has to offer.