Day 20 – Anderson Valley Tour – 42km

After a 93F day of heat, bloody freezing last night ! We huddled for warmth in the tent, our first morning we could see our breath in there. We warmed up by slowly meandering along the Anderson Valley, famous for its Pinot Noir Grape.  The ideal combination of soil, climate (very hot days with cool(d) nights), and altitude make it one of the premier regions in the US.

With the metropolis of Boonville (300) marking the end of the valley we began to visit the wineries but not before finding some food and a café.  I tasted some flavorful beer at the Anderson Valley Brewing Company.  I was especially fond of the Oatmeal Stout that could give Guinness a run for its money.  A couple of small wineries were uneventful with their offerings but as always we learn a little more about viticulture.

Brian has graciously arranged a tasting at Goldeneye, Dee’s favorite winery in the afternoon and we were given the royal treatment.  Multiple tastings came complete with tidbits to cleanse the palate, more education, and a comfortable couch to sink in to laze the afternoon away. 

Somehow we pulled ourselves away but late afternoon, weighed down by a couple of bottles of the nectar.  Using the logic the soil must be similar here we wandered across the road to a charming new winery called Jim Ball vineyards.  Our host Lucille was local, young, enthusiastic, and generous with her pouring even offering to let us taste the wine in the Oak casks using this interesting device to protract the wine.

  

We were also treated to Dark Chocolate with Smoky Bacon nibbles that were tremendous!

Lucille recommended the Toulouse winery near our campsite as a final destination.  Here Larissa presented more very drinkable options sending us along with several stunningly fresh Tomatoes to enjoy with dinner.

Our late hunger got the best of however and we found ourselves in Libby’s, the local Mexican restaurant devouring enormous, and excellent tasting burritos.  The decision to dine in had dire consequences as we had to make a mad dash home by bicycle with nightfall pending.  Hard physical effort after Mexican is NEVER a good thing.  There is a reason why they siesta…