Driving along California hwy 128
California Perspective is determined to find coolest places around California for kids and parents to enjoy. This place is probably a bit-more adult friendly than kids-oriented. However we are all children to someone, despite our age. I’m hinting at the fact that you might enjoy California hwy 128 route with your parents, perhaps grandparents.
We’ve been coming here for years (3 years in a row counts as years, lol). Always had a fantastic time and enjoy the grapes from the Anderson valley. California hwy 128 stretches from Yolo to Napa to Sonoma to Mendocino County with multiple amazing wineries on its route. We are going to make an accent on our favorite winery in the region.
Today we’d like to focus your attention on the segment extending from Hwy 101 to Hwy 1 aka Pacific Coast Highway.
Recently renovated it’s simply an absolute pleasure to drive on. I mean the construction specialists did a great job. One of the most scenic drives on the west coast and most picturesque roads from wine to waves.
A road that runs parallel – Philo Greenwood road – is also in drivable condition. However, don’t even think about taking Mountain View road (Even locals try to avoid it). “A treacherous stretch of partially paved partially abandoned road is an absolute nightmare to drive on especially if you don’t have a 4WD”. (From our friend’s perspective – who actually survived driving through it).
Note: Avoid driving through on Mountain View Rd. If you are staying in Gualala, Point Arena, Irish Beach or any other coastal towns try to take California hwy 128 to Anderson Valley.
Quick guide to California hwy 128
While writing this article I stumbled upon this awesome website that has somewhat organized approach to all the best locations along California hwy 128. Visit 128 Website. Here’s a pleasant quote from their page that describes the road in a nutshell.
Quote:
Like no other place in the World, California is associated with a certain mentality. It’s a cool, relaxed, innovative place. Highway 128 is exactly that. Stretching from Yolo County in the Sacramento Valley, through the hills and valleys of Napa and Sonoma, to coastal Mendocino, California Highway 128 will take you to Michelin Star restaurants, World Class wineries, and California Redwood hiking. Join us on the road that has it all!
Toulouse Goose Winery in Philo
There’s about a dozen of wineries to choose from and even a brewery located on California hwy 128. Just plan strategically & attempt to visit at least two so you can compare your gustatory experiences. We highly recommend Toulouse Goose Winery in Philo! Check out their semiannual events! We always had a terrific experience at the free tasting. Usually we drive off with 3 cases of their Gewürztraminer & Pino Noir.
Toulouse Vineyards
We highly suggest joining the club subscription with Toulouse Goose vineyard. Why? Because their wine is simply the most flavorful libation you will ever have a chance to indulge in. Vern – the owner is an amazing host and always surprises us with a variety of degustation spreads. Here’s a short video of Vern serving delicious cheese !
Disclosure: No one asked to promote Toulouse Goose vineyard, I’m doing this simply because I have to share goodness like this!! As you probably figured, a glass of 2012 Estate Pino is igniting my memory as I’m writing this post about California hwy 128 and specifically the vineyard =)
Funny story: If you purchase a case of wine during one of the events you get a chance to spin a wheel with prizes. Our little guy’s first trip to Mendocino – he span the thing & got us, the parents, a case of delicious local Pino! Perhaps California hwy 128 is not a bad place to take your kids to afterall. In either case we really enjoyed this part of California and can’t wait to come back.
In conclusion:
We’ve been coming to Mendocino on California hwy 128 before we had kids, after we had kids and I believe will continue the tradition for years to come. Enjoy the wine country responsibly and always have a designated driver! All the best and that’s our California Perspective for today! Thank you for reading and see you our there!
Check out our explorations while in Napa, at the Oxbow market.
[…] are expensive and half decent. We had wine which was sub-impressive. Especially ever since we became Sonoma & Mendocino wine snobs. Food is – meahh; we had a some finger food and cheese, also not the best. The bar is totally […]