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Mendocino County's easternmost Ukiah Valley is home to the largest city in the county - Ukiah - as well as the county's seat of government. Physically, the region extends along the Russian River and US Highway 101 for about 20 miles, from the Sanel Valley in the south to Redwood Valley in the north.
It is also the largest, broadest, and most open area for growing grapes, making it one of the premiere areas in the county for wineries. Wine connoisseur magazines tout this Redwood Valley/Ukiah district as one of California's most promising regions for good-quality wines. Most experts note that the benchlands above the Russian River are perfect for producing excellent Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel and that the river plain is best for Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
While the Ukiah Valley is certainly an up-and-coming area for fine California wines, there are plenty of other things to enjoy here as well. The city of Ukiah itself is simply lovely and a great place to stop for some leisure time or even for an overnight stay. Ukiah is charming; its real estate mainly Victorian and its main streets strewn with enticing art galleries featuring works by the best local artists, antique shops, and yummy bakeries. Ukiah restaurants include some of the best dining establishments in Mendocino County.
If you like beer, don't miss making a stop at the Ukiah Brewing Company and Restaurant, where you'll be treated to a fine selection of micro-brews and a hearty pub-style meal. This was the first certified organic brewpub in the United States, established in 2001.
In June, the city of Ukiah is home to the Fête des Pères Concours d'Élégance, a unique festival blending vintage autos and incredible jazz.
Probably the favorite attraction in Ukiah is the Grace Hudson Musuem, which pays homage to the city's favorite daughter, the artist who gained notoriety in the early 20th century for her exquisite paintings of Pomo Indian babies. You can also tour her former home, Sun House.
Ukiah lodging is typical of most Mendocino lodging options. There are a number of charming B&Bs available, some small chain hotels, and the unique Vichy Springs Resort, a 150-year-old hot springs establishment where guests can rent rooms or cabins and enjoy Vichy Springs' famous 'champagne' baths and hot soaking pool.
South of Ukiah on Highway 101, you'll find another charming small town with a lot to offer. Hopland is comprised of a downtown area that's only a few square blocks but, nevertheless, this town of about 800 boasts a fine Victorian Inn, enticing galleries offering local art and Native American jewelry, gift shops, bocce courts, and the first post-prohibition brewpub in the state of California. Also check out the Solar Living Institute, a non-profit educational organization that promotes sustainable living through inspirational environmental education. They also sponsor the unique annual Solfest, with speakers and musicians touting environmental responsibility.
Hopland wineries strut their stuff at the annual Hopland Passport, which actually takes place twice each year - in May and October - with the whole town joining in for 2 days of fun, food, music and, of course, fine wine.
If you head in the opposite direction from Ukiah, you'll reach the small towns of Calpella, Redwood Valley, and Potter Valley. Both Potter and Redwood Valley are becoming quite well-known for the excellent wines produced there by small, family-owned wineries that are turning out products which rival some of the established growers of neighboring Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
While Potter Valley is best known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, there are a few other activities to enjoy during your drive through this beautiful region of the Ukiah Valley. You can learn a lot about raising butterflies at the Sweet Memories Butterfly Farm or perhaps hop on a horse and enjoy a ride through the thousands of acres of lush greenery here in Potter Valley. You might even find an art gallery or two, promoting the works of rising local artists.
Redwood Valley has become famous for its annual 'A Taste of Redwood Valley' wine festival. Each June, thirteen Redwood Valley wineries participate in a food and wine tasting extravaganza that draws visitors from all over the country and beyond.
The Coyote Valley Reservation, home to nearly 200 Pomo Native Americans, is also located in Redwood Valley, as well as the much-visited Coyote Valley Shodakai Casino.
Northwest of Redwood, the tiny town of Branscomb is located between Highways 1 and 101 and is an ideal place to stop for some piece and quiet or a picnic lunch.
Head to the northernmost part of the Ukiah Valley and you'll first reach Leggett, most famous for its 'drive-thru' Redwood tree. Designed to show the immensity of the giant Redwoods, cars can make their way through an arch-shaped pass cut out of the tree's trunk. Fun! The Smithe Redwood State Reserve and the Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area are also nearby.
Finally, the northernmost city in the Ukiah Valley is Piercy, the place where you'll really begin to enjoy the amazing Redwoods that line the road. The best reggae musicians in the world gather here each year for the Reggae on the River festival. Others stop in Piercy to visit Confusion Hill - where your car goes uphill while in neutral! Amazing!
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