From Vineyards to the Redwood Forest, Mendocino County Is a Dream Come True
Take a weekend getaway with your partner and head to the one-of-a-kind Mendocino County wine country—the only place in the world where you can take in views of vineyards and redwood forests at the same time! Mix in some sparkling wine, caviar, farm-to-table cheeses and intimate five-star dinners, and you’re set for a full luxury getaway with your sweetheart. Mendocino County Couples Getaway
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“From walking the bluffs overlooking the historic village of Mendocino to scouting for seasonal mushrooms or a fine sparkling wine, Mendocino County offers an eclectic mix of adventures for couples,” says Travis Scott, executive director of Visit Mendocino County.
This Mendocino itinerary is designed to help you celebrate the beauty of this California enclave—so come along and let’s indulge in the finer things in life: wine, food and romance.
Stay: The Madrones
The Madrones is a centrally located, Italian-style hotel, making it an incredibly romantic place to stay in Mendocino County. This hotel has plenty to offer on-site: a decadent restaurant, a mystical shop at check-in, three wine-tasting rooms and a cannabis and wellness shop.
Grab a bottle of wine at one of the wine tastings on your trip and bring it back to enjoy in The Madrones’ garden. Take the path to find a quaint table and pop open a bottle as you enjoy quality time surrounded by roses. Stay in the Estate Quarters (Italian-style apartments), which feature staircases lined with vines or in the Garden Quarters in a condo-style room.
Mendocino County Couples Getaway
Taste: Phillips Hill and Goldeneye Winery
Make yourself at home for the afternoon at Phillips Hill—a preserved, rustic apple dryer barn turned winery. Opt for the Creekside Tasting in the apple dryer barn, or head upstairs to the balcony for a private table that overlooks the property. For a little extra romance, reserve a private picnic table ahead of time, and a picnic will be ready upon your arrival. You’ll get six samples of wine to enjoy in the orchard.
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Just a 5-minute drive away, head to your next tasting at Goldeneye. With breathtaking views of rolling hills, redwood forests and vineyards, this scenic spot brings the wow factor. Owned by Duckhorn Vineyards, Goldeneye offers plenty of luxurious packages to upgrade your experience, including a charcuterie picnic under an oak tree and a champagne and caviar tasting for two. If you aren’t able to get a tasting appointment or want something more intimate, grab a glass (or bottle) inside their check-in and go to the picnic tables to the left of the tasting area underneath the giant oak tree—no reservation is needed.
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Dine: Wickson Restaurant
Return back to your hotel for the evening, because you’ll want to have dinner at Wickson Restaurant on The Madrones property. This intimate, wood-fire restaurant feels like you are in someone’s luxury home with an expansive, open kitchen—so you can see the chefs work their magic as you dine. You can also opt to sit on the patio for fresh air while taking in the outdoor sights. The locally sourced menu is constantly changing but is guaranteed to be high-caliber. Wickson Restaurant is both a local and tourist favorite, so make a reservation to secure your spot. Some favorites to order (when they are on the menu) include the wood-oven roasted chicken, any of the pizzas and the onion fritters appetizer with cilantro sauce.
Mendocino County Couples Getaway
Do: Hendy Woods State Park Hike
In the heart of Mendocino’s Anderson Valley wine region lies Hendy Woods State Park. Take a brisk hike to witness the towering redwood forests before wining and dining. Walk the Big Hendy Long loop for a 28-minute, 1.5-mile hike that takes you through the main redwood groves of the park. It’s peaceful with relatively no elevation gain, immersing you in the majestic, natural beauty of the region. With trees more than 300 feet tall and 1,000 years old, it’s a gift to experience this beautiful park with the one you love.
Local Insight: Download this map on All Trails or bring a map with you because this area is not known for its cellular service.
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Breakfast + Coffee: Boonville General Store
Start your morning by sitting at the picnic tables out front of Boonville General Store, enjoying the fresh air with a 20-ounce coffee in hand. Or tuck away in a corner near a window to sit closely together, enjoying a slow morning before another day of exploring. From scones to breads, all of General Store’s baked goods are delightful and organic. They also serve heartier dishes, such as breakfast sandwiches and omelets.
Mendocino County Couples Getaway
Taste: Bee Hunter Wine and Pennyroyal Farm
Just down the street from Boonville General Store (a 1-minute drive or 3-minute walk) is Bee Hunter Wine, a family-owned and operated winery in the heart of Boonville. With a yellow Porsche out front, yellow umbrellas on the patio and green and white striped awnings, you can’t miss it. It’s fun, bold and bright—but it’s also a place to chill out in the afternoon. Cool down and enjoy their dreamy pastels of white, orange and rose-colored wines on the stylish patio while you people-watch and pet the pup that roams the property.
Another few-minutes drive down the road is Pennyroyal Farm. It’s not only a winery but a creamery as well. The cheese made on-site makes this place extra special, and their affordable wine and cheese tasting is priced at $25 per person. You can also upgrade to Farmstead Flights & Bites for a bit more substance with garden-fresh ingredients and farm-raised meats.
After a weekend of delicious food, multiple glasses of wine and exploring the beautiful County of Mendocino, you and your loved one will head back home feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and even more connected.
Alexis is a freelance travel and lifestyle writer based in Southern California. With a specialty in California, nature travel, and female empowerment, she works with publications, brands, and agencies to create content that engages and connects. When she’s not on the road, you can usually find her nose deep in a spiritual, self-development book, marveling at plants in the nearest garden and exploring to find the best scenic views.
