Nestled about two and a half hours north of San Francisco, there’s a charming wine region tucked away in a quaint valley. This hidden gem offers a relaxed yet subtly elegant vibe, complete with accessible wineries, affordable pinot noir around $40, farm-to-table cheeses, gourmet dining, apple farms, vineyards, and serene redwood forests. On a drive there in early November 2023, the vine leaves were a vibrant display of rasta hues—reds, greens, and golds—creating a picturesque welcome as the valley stretched out towards the Pacific. The landscape, dotted with evergreen oaks and majestic redwoods, occasionally showcased the bright yellows of alders and the towering presence of golden ginkgos.
In Philo, a quaint town just past Boonville, I discovered an intriguing spot called The Madrones. This place offers a unique blend of cannabis culture and hospitality, growing its own strains and selling them right on the premises. The check-in process leads you through a gift shop into the dining area, and adjacent to it is The Bohemian Chemist, a cannabis shop with a 1920s Art Deco flair.
What sets The Madrones apart is its casual approach to cannabis. Unlike the usual discreet sessions at other hotels, here, there’s an inviting courtyard for guests to enjoy their cannabis openly, reminiscent of the laid-back atmosphere of a winery tasting room.
In 2023, The Bohemian Chemist introduced its inaugural cannabis harvest celebration, inviting club members for a special weekend. Situated in Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, this locale marks the gateway to Northern California’s renowned cannabis region, the Emerald Triangle. The event is a unique opportunity for club members to collect freshly harvested cannabis and enjoy a weekend filled with harvest-themed festivities.
The interior of The Bohemian Chemist is thoughtfully designed, echoing an old-time apothecary. The harvest weekend is a fresh take on traditional wine industry events, kicking off with a Friday evening session that pairs cannabis and wine, hosted by Jamie Evans of The Herb Somm. The Anderson Valley’s distinct geography, nestled among redwoods and near the coast, creates an ideal microclimate for both vineyards and cannabis farms.
Evans emphasizes the role of terpenes in pairing wine with cannabis, noting their presence in both plants and their contribution to aroma and flavor profiles. The weekend’s pairings include a local pinot noir rosé with African Sherbet cannabis and an Anderson Valley chardonnay with Swazi Gold, highlighting the complementary flavors and aromas.
The proprietors, Jim Roberts and Brian Adkinson, share their journey from meeting in San Francisco to embracing cannabis cultivation and hospitality in Anderson Valley. Their dedication to quality and design shines through in their venture, from the high-end decor to the award-winning packaging of their cannabis products.
The harvest event also offers a glimpse into the lives of club members like Tom and Cristal Butler, who enjoy the unique blend of wine, cannabis, and natural beauty the valley offers. The Madrones and its sister property, The Brambles, provide a perfect backdrop for a weekend escape, combining the pleasures of wine, cannabis, and the great outdoors in a community-focused setting.
My visit to Mendocino County was a delightful exploration of the region’s culinary, vinicultural, and cannabis offerings, set against the backdrop of its stunning natural beauty. It’s a testament to the unique experiences that lie off the beaten path, waiting to be discovered by those seeking authenticity and a touch of adventure.
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