Exploring Mendocino County

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson gets the locals experience in Mendocino County with three in-the-know guests.

First up, Johnson chats with Holly Madrigal, managing editor at Word of Mouth Magazine. Madrigal discusses the vast and varied culinary scene from Mendocino Village to Willits, including everything from trendy pop-ups to Southern vegan fare and classic seafood spots. She also shares where to head for a great pint of craft beer and the best fish and chips in town. 

Next, Johnson talks with Wendy Lamer, owner of the Disco Ranch wine boutique and tapas bar in Boonville. Lamer discusses Anderson Valley’s wine region, her go-to spots for tastings, and some especially fantastic local purveyors. The connoisseur also takes Johnson on a tour through her shop, calling out her best sellers and some local restaurants worth exploring nearby.

Lastly, Johnson sits down with Jacob Halverson, the general manager of Mendocino Grove. Halverson walks Johnson through the 30-acre glamping site, dotted with safari-style canvas tents, beds, and personal fire valets. With seven state parks nearby, Halverson also discusses outdoor adventures available around Mendocino Village, including some of the best beginner mountain biking California has to offer.

GUESTS

Holly Madrigal, managing editor at Word of Mouth Magazine

Wendy Lamer, owner of the Disco Ranch

Jacob Halverson, the general manager of Mendocino Grove

RESOURCES

Holly Madrigal is a longtime Mendocino County local and managing editor at Word of Mouth Magazine.

Mendocino County

Word of Mouth Magazine

B. Bryan Preserve

Point Arena

Mendocino Village

Fog Eater Cafe

Floyd and Connie's

Cafe Beaujolais

Noyo Harbor

Harbor House Inn

Good Bones Kitchen

Fort Bragg

Sea Pal Cove

Princess Seafood

Slack Tide Café

Noyo Center for Marine Science

Little River Inn

Willits

Northspur Brewing Co.

Ramen Cubed

Hatake Farm Kitchen

Shanachie Pub

Boonville Hotel

Taqueria Bravo

Mayan Fusion

Izakaya Gama

Wendy Lamer is the owner of Disco Ranch located in Boonville in Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley.

Disco Ranch

Boonville

Anderson Valley

Anderson Valley Brewery
Highway 128

Navarro River

Maggy Hawk

Witching Stick Wines

Minus Tide

Read Holland Wines

San Francisco

Lussier Wine Co.

Wickson

The Company Kitchen

Lauren's at the Buckhorn

Boont Berry Farm Store

Boonville General Store

Mosswood Market Cafe & Bakery

Hendy Woods State Park

Jacob Halverson, the general manager and chief champion of Mendocino Grove.

Mendocino Grove

Russian Gulf State Park

Spring Ranch Trail

Mendocino Headland State Park

Fort Bragg Cyclery

Ukiah

ABOUT THE HOST

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on radio station WNYC, moved from New York City to Davis in 2016. By combining his journalistic instincts with his personal curiosity, Johnson uses the California Now Podcast platform to develop a deeper understanding of his adopted home.