Great Activities for Guests Attending a Wedding Weekend
Great Activities for Guests Attending a Wedding Weekend at The Highlands Estate
Planning a wedding weekend at The Highlands Estate in Cloverdale, CA, offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings of Northern California’s wine country. Here are some great activities to keep your guests entertained and make the most of their stay.
1. Wine Tasting in Yorkville, CA
Yorkville is a hidden gem in Mendocino County, known for its boutique wineries. This unincorporated community is located 7.5 miles southwest of Hopland and sits at an elevation of 922 feet. The Yorkville Highlands AVA, established in 1998, is renowned for its unique terroir, producing exceptional wines, with The Highlands Estate growing exceptional Syrah. Guests can enjoy a delightful wine tasting experience at:
Artevino by Maple Creek Winery: This winery offers handcrafted, award-winning wines made from estate varietals like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. The winery was founded by Tom Rodrigues, Artist and Renaissance man, in 2001 and has been creating iconic and renowned art in multiple mediums for over 50 years. Tom brought his artistic approach to winemaking, blending his creativity with traditional techniques. Fun fact, Tom married his wife, Teresa, right here at The Highlands Estate! Visit their website at artevinowine.com or call (707) 895-3001.
Yorkville Cellars: Known for its organic certified grapes, this winery provides an excellent selection of Bordeaux varietals. Visitors can enjoy a serene tasting experience surrounded by the picturesque vineyards. Visit their website at yorkvillecellars.com or call (707) 894-9177 (by appointment only).
Meyer Family Cellars: Meyer Family Cellars is unique among California wineries in the range of its production, which is divided evenly between site-specific wines from both Mendocino County, where the winery is located, and Oakville, one of Napa Valley’s—and the world’s—premier growing regions for Cabernet Sauvignon. Within Mendocino, they access carefully farmed grapes from two sub-appellations: the Yorkville Highlands and Anderson Valley American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). Visit their website at Meyer Family Cellars or call (707) 895-2341, then Press 2.
2. Exploring Boonville & Philo, CA
A short drive from Yorkville, Boonville is a charming town with plenty to offer. Located in the Anderson Valley, Boonville is known for its unique culture and history. The town was founded in 1862 and has a population of around 1,018. Boonville’s warm-summer Mediterranean climate makes it an ideal destination for outdoor activities and exploring local attractions:
Pennyroyal Farm: Can’t say enough about this place and we always take friends and family here for an amazing tour and wine/cheese experience. They are a family-owned sustainable farm, dairy, and vineyard. All Pennyroyal Farm wines and cheeses are produced entirely from what they grow and tend. A goat and sheep dairy, creamery, and vineyard where guests can enjoy estate wines and handmade cheeses. We highly recommend booking a tour of their farm (reservations required) and getting to see their goat husbandry up close while getting insight into their sustainable farming practices and art of cheesemaking. Visit their website at www.pennyroyalfarm.com or call (707) 895-2410.
Anderson Valley Brewing Company: A must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts, offering a variety of locally brewed beers. The brewery is known for its innovative brews and commitment to sustainability, including solar-powered brewing operations. Visit their website at avbc.com or call (707) 895-2337.
Foursight Winery: Foursight Wines is a family owned and operated winery in the cool, coastal region of Anderson Valley. Founded in 2006 by Bill and Nancy Charles - long-time winegrowers - together with daughter Kristy Charles and husband Joseph Webb, they craft small lots of estate-grown Pinot Noir, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc each year. A must visit for sure. Visit their website at www.foursightwines.com or call 707 (895-2889)
Goldeneye Winery: Goldeneye Winery was founded in 1996, years before the Pinot Noir boom that has reshaped the landscape of California winemaking. The vision for Goldeneye was simple, though not easy, as they wanted to found a winery that could make a terroir-inspired expression of California Pinot Noir of equal stature to the acclaimed Merlots they had pioneered at Duckhorn Vineyards in Napa Valley. For Pinot Noir, the Duckhorns believed that true greatness would be found on the cool-climate edges of modern California viticulture and found what they were looking for in the Anderson Valley. Visit their website at www.goldeneyewinery.com or call (707) 895-3202
The Mercantile Shop: A quaint shop featuring local crafts, gifts, and unique items. It’s the perfect place to find a special souvenir or gift that captures the essence of Boonville. You will always find something unique here and lots of items are from local artisans. Visit their website at farmhouse128.com or call (707) 895-3996.
Hendy Woods State Park: When you get out of your car and all you smell is the aroma of the Redwoods, it is simply amazing. Hendy Woods State Park protects two groves of towering redwoods and is located about 10 minutes west of Booneville. Some of its trees may be more than 300 feet tall and 1,000 years old. Five miles of trails, including Big Hendy Grove’s wheelchair-accessible Discovery Trail, lead through the fern-filled forest. Directions to Heny Woods State Park: drive 8 miles northwest of Boonville on Highway 128. Turn left on Philo-Greenwood Road. In 0.5 miles, turn left at the Hendy Woods State Park sign and proceed 0.2 miles to the ranger station. Call (707) 895-3537 for further information.
Bonus Eatery: Jumbo’s Win Win - OK, so this isn’t in Boonville - it’s actually about 10 minutes further west in the town of Philo. But if you’re in the area, it’s worth the extra time to experience any of their well-priced offerings, such as the smash burger or fried-fish sandwich. Oh - did we mention they have soft-serve ice cream (cone or cup) with a variety of toppings? Yup - check it out. Check-out their website for further info.
3. Attractions in Cloverdale, CA
Cloverdale is a picturesque town with several attractions. Incorporated in 1872, Cloverdale has a rich history and a vibrant community. The town is known for its scenic beauty and welcoming atmosphere:
Cloverdale River Park: Perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic by the river. The park features walking trails, picnic areas, and access to the Russian River, making it a great spot for outdoor activities. Visit their website at parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov or call (707) 433-1625.
Cloverdale Arts Alliance: This vibrant arts organization offers a variety of cultural events, including art exhibits, live music, and workshops. It’s a great place to experience the local art scene. Visit their website at cloverdaleartsalliance.org or call (707) 894-4410.
The Beet Lounge: The Beet Wine Lounge & Restaurant is the proud creation of a dynamic team passionate about food, wine, and community. At the helm are Alessandra, Kristi, and Andrew, whose combined expertise and dedication have shaped The Beet into a beloved destination in Cloverdale, CA. What’s lovely about this place besides the food is they focus on local wines and they have a cute little gift shop which has unique finds from all over the world. Visit their website at www.cloverdalebeet.com or call at (707)-669-5080.
Wolf House Brewery: Our on-site 10-barrel brewing system allows us to create a unique taste for our craft beers and a great opportunity for you to see the behind-the-scenes action. Come in and check out our eclectic food menu, and current tap lineup, or get your Growler fills with friendly, extraordinary service. Visit the website at www.wolfhousebrewing.com or call (844) 942-2337
Plank Coffee & Roastery: A great place to meet friends and catch up. It specializes in small batch house-roasted coffee, espresso drinks, smoothies, seasonal drinks, 50+ organic loose leaf teas. Visit the website at www.plankcoffee.com or call at (707) 894-6187
Erin Mavis: Erin Mavis, a Sonoma county native, opened her flagship store in Cloverdale. After a 30 year long career in the women’s apparel industry which took Erin from San Francisco to Boston, New York to LA and back home to Sonoma County. Erin fell in love with Cloverdale and made it home base for her first self-branded store. Erin explains her latest venture as a “tiny shop filled with things I love”. Her goal is to create a space that eliminates the filler and focuses on what is really important. To Erin this means quality over quantity, well edited, long lasting pieces you will wear over and over again. Featuring clothing, jewelry, accessories and home goods, you will find a delightful selection of all of Erin’s favorite finds. This is definitely a gem of a place and a must visit! Visit the website at www.erinmavis.com or call (707) 894-6220.
4. Discovering Geyserville, CA
Geyserville offers a mix of wine tasting and outdoor activities. This small town, located in the beautiful Alexander Valley, has a population of around 862. Geyserville is known for its geothermal springs, which were discovered in 1847 and attracted early settlers to the area:
Francis Ford Coppola Winery: A “wine wonderland” with a pool, movie gallery, and tasting rooms. The winery offers a unique blend of wine, food, and entertainment, making it a popular destination for visitors. Visit their website at francisfordcoppolawinery.com or call (707) 857-1471.
Trentadue Winery: Specializes in red wine varietals and offers a beautiful setting for tastings. The winery’s lush gardens and historic buildings provide a picturesque backdrop for wine tasting. Visit their website at trentadue.com or call (707) 433-3104.
Lake Sonoma: Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, fishing, and boating. The lake is surrounded by scenic hills and provides numerous recreational opportunities. Visit their website at sonomacounty.com or call (707) 431-4590.
Geyserville Gun Club: A rustic-inspired bar and lounge offering classic cocktails, exquisite wines, and great food in a casual atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for a night out with friends. Visit their website at geyservillegunclub.com or call (707) 814-0036.
Diavola Pizzeria: If you are looking for a true Italian style pizza then this is your place. Add a farm egg to your Prosciutto/Funghi pizza and you are all set or try any of their amazing pizzas or specialty pasta dishes and you won’t be disappointed. Set in a historic landmark dating back to the 1900’s, Diavola celebrates the seasons of California with an Italian state of mind. Their rustic, daily changing menu features carefully sourced meats, fish & produce from local farms, ranches & fisheries guided by principles of sustainability. Visit the website at www.diavolapizzeria.com or call (707) 814-0111
Catelli’s: Such a gem of a restaurant with homemade pasta and many fantastic options. Catelli's is a landmark, third generation restaurant located in the heart of Sonoma County between the breathtaking hills of Dry Creek and Alexander Valley. Catelli's was originally opened in Geyserville around 1936 by Italian immigrants Santi and Virginia Catelli. The restaurant was originally known as Catelli’s "The Rex" (the "king" as translated from Latin). Third generation Catellis and siblings, Domenica and Nicholas Catelli, are now co-owners. Located in Geyserville in Sonoma County, the menu highlights ingredients from local and organic farmers as well as over 100 local wines. Led by executive chef, author, and media personality, Domenica Catelli, original items such as handmade ravioli are paired with new bright creations such as “The Pasta of the Moment.” Catelli’s has a rich history with the local community, where generations of families have eaten, celebrated, and created memories throughout their lives. Visit the website at www.mycatellis.com or call at (707) 857-3471
5. Enjoying Healdsburg, CA
Healdsburg is a vibrant town with a rich wine culture and numerous attractions. Founded in 1857, Healdsburg is centered around a 19th-century plaza and has a population of approximately 11,340. The town is known for its charming downtown area, which features shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms:
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve: A stunning park with towering redwoods and scenic trails. Visitors can explore the ancient forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature. Visit their website at parks.ca.gov or call (707) 869-2015.
Healdsburg Plaza: A charming downtown area with shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms. The plaza is the heart of Healdsburg and a great place to relax and soak in the local atmosphere. Visit their website at healdsburg.com or call (707) 433-6935.
Michelin Star Restaurants: One of the impressive facts about Healdsburg it that there are seven Michelin Stared restaurants in the town. Here’s a list, so make sure to check them out when visiting Healdsburg.
Silver Thread
Website: silverthreadinc.com
Phone: (617) 603-0075 or (800) 674-9366
Valette
Website: valettehealdsburg.com
Phone: (707) 473-0946
Dry Creek Kitchen
Website: drycreekkitchen.com
Phone: (707) 431-0330
Troubadour
Website: troubadour.com
Phone: (877) 435-9849
Molti Amici
Website: moltiamici.com
Phone: (707) 756-3169
The Matheson
Website: mathesongas.com
Phone: (707) 462-6651
BarnDiva
Website: barndiva.com
Phone: (707) 431-0100
Top Wineries in Dry Creek Valley
Dry Creek Valley is renowned for its exceptional wineries. This AVA is known for its diverse microclimates and soil types, which produce a wide range of high-quality wines. Some of the top picks include:
Unti Vineyards: Known for its Rhône and Italian varietals. The winery focuses on sustainable farming practices and produces wines that reflect the unique terroir of Dry Creek Valley. Visit their website at untivineyards.com or call (707) 433-5590.
Nalle Winery: A boutique winery famous for its elegant Zinfandels. Nalle Winery is one of the oldest family-owned wineries in the region and is known for its commitment to traditional winemaking techniques. Visit their website at nallewinery.com or call (707) 433-1040.
Dry Creek Vineyard: Love the experience here and you feel like you have gotten away from it all. Sit outside on their park like grounds enjoy their amazing wines and never leave. Offers a variety of wines, including Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. The winery is a pioneer in the region and has a long history of producing award-winning wines. Visit their website at drycreekvineyard.com or call (707) 433-1000.
Mazzocco Winery: Specializes in bold Zinfandels. The winery’s hillside vineyards produce intensely flavored grapes that result in rich, full-bodied wines. Visit their website at mazzocco.com or call (707) 431-8159.
Ridge Vineyards: Famous for its high-quality wines and beautiful tasting room. Ridge Vineyards is known for its meticulous vineyard management and innovative winemaking practices. Visit their website at ridgewine.com or call (408) 867-3233.
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery: Great thing about this place is they have two different areas for tastings, upstairs is fun and light and then go to the wine cave for their bigger wines which don’t disappoint. Located in picturesque Dry Creek Valley, this winery is home to world-class wines, award-winning gardens, and breathtaking vineyard views. Visit their website at ferrari-carano.com or call (707) 433-6700.
6. List of Establishments Mentioned
Artevino by Maple Creek Winery - artevinowine.com, (707) 895-3001
Yorkville Cellars - yorkvillecellars.com, (707) 894-9177
Pennyroyal Farm - pennyroyalfarm.com, (707) 895-2410
Anderson Valley Brewing Company - avbc.com, (707) 895-2337
The Mercantile Shop - farmhouse128.com, (707) 895-3996
Cloverdale River Park - parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov, (707) 433-1625
Cloverdale Arts Alliance - cloverdaleartsalliance.org, (707) 894-4410
Francis Ford Coppola Winery - francisfordcoppolawinery.com, (707) 857-1471
Trentadue Winery - trentadue.com, (707) 433-3104
Lake Sonoma - sonomacounty.com, (707) 431-4590
Geyserville Gun Club - geyservillegunclub.com, (707) 814-0036
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve - parks.ca.gov, (707) 869-2015
Healdsburg Plaza - healdsburg.com, (707) 433-6935
Unti Vineyards - untivineyards.com, (707) 433-5590
Nalle Winery - nallewinery.com, (707) 433-1040
Dry Creek Vineyard - drycreekvineyard.com, (707) 433-1000
Mazzocco Winery - mazzocco.com, (707) 431-8159
Ridge Vineyards - ridgewine.com, (408) 867-3233
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery - ferrari-carano.com, (707) 433-6700
With these activities and attractions, your guests are sure to have an unforgettable wedding weekend at The Highlands Estate! Whether they are wine enthusiasts, nature lovers, or simply looking to relax and enjoy the local culture, there is something for everyone in this beautiful region of Northern California.
