Recap: Taste Of Mendocino

When is the last time you attended a wine tasting where you could actually buy the wine you liked on the spot, attend a farmers market at the same time, and watch circus acrobatics? My guess is never. But I did all that and more at the extrodinary Taste of Mendocino event at Fort Mason in San Francisco yesterday.

My palate was expanded, my imagination captured, my wallet was opened, and my mind was blown. Mendocino... who knew? Well I do now.

In addition to all the wine to taste, there was live music, flying acts by the Flynn Creek Circus, beer from Mendocino brewers, art, and a mini farmers market featuring chocloates, handmade soaps, sea salt and exotic seaweed too.

I plan to visit Mendocino wine land in person soon and make a full report on my findings. So stay tuned.

Mendocino Wine Country: Wine She Wrote

Mention Mendocino and most people will conjure thoughts of quaint B&B’s on the remote northern coast of California, or perhaps the popular TV series Murder She Wrote, since the fictional town of Cabot Cove, Maine, was actually filmed in Mendocino. If the series was still being filmed today, I expect it could now be called Wine She Wrote or better yet, Wine She Drank. Mendocino County is now home to over 12 AVA’s with over 90 wineries and hundreds of grape growers.

Mendocino Wine County is a perfect example of a great wine tourism destination. It’s more than just wine, the great local food, crafts and personalities give the region it it’s unique flavor.

It’s been a while since I’ve ventured up to Mendocino and I’m long overdue for a visit. But if you live in the Bay Area and can’t make it to Mendocino, no problem, Mendocino is coming to you this Monday, June 13, at the Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco from 5-7pm. It will be like stepping into the Star Trek Teleporter, but with out the messy rearrangement of your molecules.

The Taste of Mendocino will feature 60 wineries, local restaurants, organic beer-makers, artisan olive oil producers, cheese makers and ranchers as well as great artists from Mendocino. Plus you will be able to buy products too! This is a pretty great idea, since usually tastings are just that. Tasting only. But now you can buy what you like on the spot.

Yes I know it’s on a Monday evening, but so what? How do you ever expect to live long and prosper if you stay in on Monday nights? So get it in gear and get yourself a ticket to The Taste of Mendocino now.

DETAILS: 

Tickets are just $35 in advance and $45 at the door. Ticket Link: http://tasteofmendocino2011.eventbrite.com

Taste of Mendocino

Monday, June 13, 2011

5-8pm

Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco

www.tasteofmendo.com.

Twitter: @TasteofMendo

Facebook.com/TasteofMendocino