Visit Mendo (pt 1 of 3)
Visiting Mendocino County: A Hopland Weekend (Part 1 – Inland Mendocino)
Mendocino County is an easy weekend trip from just about anywhere. It’s about two hours north of San Francisco, two hours west of Sacramento, and a rewarding rest stop along Highways 1 or 101. Within the county’s nearly 4,000 square miles are strikingly different climates and cultures, from fog-covered redwoods to sunlit inland valleys. Each one offers something that will surprise or delight.
This is part one of a three-part series highlighting Mendocino’s most inviting corners. Wherever your travels take you, we invite you to make an appointment to visit Alta Orsa Winery in Hopland. Our mountainside estate offers a chance to slow down and connect with the land, the craft, and one another. We like to think of Alta Orsa as the perfect gateway into Mendocino County, and we would love to share part of your day.
INLAND MENDOCINO
STAY: The Thatcher Hotel
Address: 13420 S Hwy 101, Hopland, CA 95449
Hours: Open daily (website)
The beautifully restored Thatcher Hotel brings both history and ease to downtown Hopland. Originally built in the 1890s, this boutique inn offers thoughtfully designed rooms, a peaceful courtyard, and a lively bar that welcomes both locals and travelers. Whether you’re here for a weekend of wine tasting or just a quiet place to unwind, the Thatcher makes a wonderful home base.
Pro-tip: From the Thatcher, it’s only a few minutes’ drive to Alta Orsa’s vineyard estate. A morning or late-afternoon tasting pairs perfectly with the light that fills the valley.
SIP: Alta Orsa Winery
By Appointment Only
Location: 1850 Duncan Springs Rd, Hopland, CA 95449
At Alta Orsa, we craft elegant, regeneratively grown wines that reflect the rugged beauty of Mendocino’s highlands. Tastings are intimate and unhurried, offering a close look at the land that gives life to the wines. Our regenerative approach to farming invites guests to see how care for the earth shapes everything we do.
Pro-tip: Tastings are best scheduled in advance. If you are staying nearby, we recommend booking around golden hour to experience the vineyard at its most peaceful.
EAT: The Golden Pig
Address: 13420 S Hwy 101, Hopland, CA 95449
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. (website)
A longtime local favorite, The Golden Pig is Hopland’s go-to spot for fresh, seasonal food and local wine. Dine indoors under warm wooden beams or outside on the patio. The menu is hearty and thoughtful, just right after a day of exploring vineyards and backroads.
Pro-tip: Inside The Golden Pig you’ll also find a wine and meat shop with a curated selection of local producers. It’s a great place to discover new Mendocino wines to take home.
TASTE:
Saracina Vineyards, Campovida, Nelson Family Winery
A short drive north of Hopland, Saracina Vineyards offers a stunning estate with wine caves, gardens, and sweeping views. Just across town, Campovida combines organic farming and hospitality in a setting filled with gardens, orchards, and art. Nelson Family Winery is Family-owned and beautifully situated just north of Hopland, Nelson Family Winery offers a wide range of estate-grown wines and hosts frequent outdoor concerts during the summer months.
Olivino
Address: 14200 Mountain House Rd, Hopland, CA 95449
Olivino specializes in locally produced olive oils that capture the character of Mendocino’s Mediterranean climate. Tastings often include several unique blends and seasonal infusions.
Pro-tip: Try the lemon-infused olive oil from Olivino. It’s bright and aromatic, a perfect memento of Mendocino sunshine.
DINE: Ukiah and Cloverdale
If your travels take you farther afield, two nearby towns offer excellent dining. In Ukiah, both Patrona and Cultivo serve creative, locally inspired dishes that pair beautifully with Mendocino wines. Heading south, The Beet in Cloverdale is a hidden gem for fresh, inventive California cuisine and an easy stop before or after visiting Hopland.
EXPLORE: Montgomery Woods
Address: 15825 Orr Springs Rd, Ukiah, CA 95482
The drive from Ukiah to Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve shows the full range of Mendocino’s scenery, from open valleys to cool, shaded redwood groves. The trail is moderate and well worth the trip, offering an unforgettable immersion in one of California’s quietest old-growth forests.
Pro-tip: Cell reception fades as you approach. It’s a good excuse to unplug for a while and let the forest set the rhythm.
Travel Tip: A Scenic Route to the Coast
If you are heading to the town of Mendocino, skip the usual route up Highway 128 from Cloverdale. Instead, drive north to Hopland and take Mountain House Road. This winding, pastoral stretch leads through oak woodlands and quiet valleys, offering one of the most beautiful drives in Northern California.
Need more help planning your trip? Local resources such as Visit Mendocino and Visit Ukiah are excellent guides. And of course, we are always happy to help you build your itinerary around a visit to Alta Orsa Winery, the heart of Hopland’s quiet wine country.
