Winemaker, artist, and mushroom forager Tom Rodrigues of ARTEVINO and Maple Creek Winery has lived in Anderson Valley for 16 years. Here are his top Mendocino County picks.
WINE TASTING
“I send people who like sparkling wine to Scharffenberger Cellars or Roederer Estate. If people want to have lunch, they should taste at the Madrones and eat at Stone and Embers. Domaine Anderson Winery does a nice Pinot Noir.”
LITTLE RIVER INN
“Marc Dym at the Little River Inn is a great chef. If the lamb shank is on the menu, you should not pass it up. When Dungeness crab is in season, the Inn serves crab eggs Benedict for breakfast. It’s one of my favorites.”
CRAB, WINE, & BEER FESTIVAL
“Typically the [January] weather is gorgeous, and the festival has great food. All the chefs get crab from the same vendor in Fort Bragg, and they make their signature crab cakes. The wineries bring their best wines to pair with crab. It’s a fun event that kicks off the year in a great way.”
PATTERSON’S PUB
“If you’re up for a burger and a ballgame, maybe a good conversation with some locals, Patterson’s Pub in Mendocino Village is always a great spot.”
MENDOCINO COUNTY MUSEUM
“People can learn about the wine industry, the American Indians, and the great racehorse Seabiscuit.”
