This weekend my friend and I explored the small community of Hopland with wine glasses in tow. I live in Cloverdale in the northern most portion of Sonoma County. Hopland is 10 minutes north in southern Mendocino County. I have driven through many times and even had a meal there a few times but never really got to know the town.
This last weekend they held their bi-annual Hopland Passport. Two full days of wine tasting and food at over 15 wineries around the valley. Quite a deal I thought. $50 for two days and at least 3 pours at every winery. Each stop had a stamp for your passport and free food for pairing.
Everyone we bumped into was smiley and warm and having a great time. The pretension level was much lower than what I would’ve expected. My friend Brynn and I could’ve easily spent an hour at each place, drinking wine outside in temperate weather in always beautiful settings.
My favorite stop was Seebass. It is open to the public only for this event and is just a working vineyard and winery the rest of the year. It was off the beaten path, quiet and so welcoming. The woman pouring owned the winery and her mother owned the vineyard. Everything bottled by them was grown on site. And they had to heeler dogs which of course were a hit!
It was a very nice was to be involved with our local businesses and agriculture. Many of the wineries were certified organic. There was an olive mill involved. It just felt good to support these local folks in doing something they love and participating in the community.
Be sure to put this in your calendar for next year if you are nearby. It won’t disappoint!
