Surely, you’ve caught the buzz about the fabulous vineyards in Northern California, but did you know that Mendocino wine country is home to one of the country’s best breweries as well? Beer lovers, this is worth the trip! Anderson Valley Brewing Company, a nationally renowned craft brewery, operates out of a small town called Boonville, CA, located on Highway 128, most likely your route to Mendocino if you’re coming from the southern half of the state.
In addition to creating some of America’s favorite beers, Anderson Valley Brewing Company is special because they embrace the community in which they operate. Boonville is known for its unique jargon, known as Boontling, which has been used in Anderson Valley since the late 1800s. Anderson Valley Brewing Company acknowledges this facet of the community by naming many of their beers using Boontling words. For example, order a Huge’r Boont if you’d like to try a malty and sweet IPA/Amber blend, or try a Bahl Hornin Leeber Zeese Oatmeal Porter if you’re in the mood for something roasty and slightly chocolatey. Bahl Hornin is Boontling for “Good Drinking” and is used for “Cheers!”
A visit to Anderson Valley Brewing Company is not only fun for beer lovers – there is absolutely something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Even the family dog is welcome! As you approach the brewery, you might catch a glimpse of the sprawling hop fields located on the property. The grounds are beautiful, and feature plenty of peaceful spots for customers to enjoy a summer breeze with a Summer Ale in the shade. The grounds also include spaces for a more active approach to drinking – disc golf and other lawn games are available whenever weather permits. When the elements are not cooperating, or if you prefer a brain game, the Tap Room is well-equipped with plenty of board games to keep you entertained while you sample their impressive beer selection.
Tours of the brewery are offered daily at 1:30pm. If you plan to take a tour, make sure you wear close-toed shoes for safety. Tour participants will learn about the basics of brewing beer and some of the secrets that make Anderson Valley beers so delicious. Spoiler alert: the brew house’s beautiful copper barrels were once used in breweries in Germany. In addition to repurposing old equipment, Anderson Valley Brewing Company is committed to limiting their environmental impact by using solar energy, canning instead of bottling beers, and annually donating a literal ton of spent grain to local livestock farmers to use as feed supplement.
Once you’ve sampled their menu, you’ll probably want to fill a growler or 2 to bring back to Mendocino with you. Anderson Valley’s Mendo Mellow American Pale Ale, with strong herbal notes and a crisp bitterness, is brewed specifically to portray the relaxed, yet bold flavor of life on the Mendocino coast. One of their most highly rated brews, the Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout, is known for its smooth taste with hints of espresso and dried cherries. Finally, if you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser and you are lucky enough to be in town at the right time of year, the creamy, spiced, and caramel Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale is always a safe bet.
Great for Craft Beer, the Family, Dog-friendly
17700 Highway 253, Boonville, CA 95415
(707) 895-2337
www.mendocoastrec.org/facilities/c-v-starr-community-center/
Daily, 11am – 6pm