Mendocino County wine country

Though I have been a resident of Mendocino County for over 2 years, I had never been to Redwood Valley. It turns out this little valley is situated just north of the largest town in Mendocino County (Ukiah) and just south of Willits: home of Seabiscuit! At any rate, I had the opportunity to attend one of the most highly acclaimed wine related events in Mendocino County: A Taste of Redwood Valley.
The Winemaker's Dinner was on a Friday at 6 pm, and I needed a few extra items to go with my little black dress. This made getting from work at 5pm to dressed, lovely and on time at 6pm a bit of a task. I ended up finding a store in Ukiah that met my needs, rushed to an atm for the entrance fee, and changed from my work clothes to evening wear in the women's restroom at Lucky's grocery store. A bit frazzled, but decidedly sharp looking, I headed north on Hwy 101 to Redwood Valley.
I arrived at the Thompson house at 6:15pm, not too late considering, and walked into a comfortable expanse with twin lit canopies, a swimming pool, and several party goers. After a quick look around I saw that I knew no one and that I was a bit overdressed. Always better overdressed than underdressed when it comes to first impressions, so I tried not to fret. Besides, a beautiful display of hour devours were laid out by The Sons of Italy: sausage, strawberries with goat cheese and a balsamic reduction, focaccia bread with blue cheese...delicious things. I walked up to the first of many booths bearing varied vintages and went for a Giuseppe Red Zinfandel. This vineyard won best Zinfandel in 2002 at the California State Fair, and I know why. This Red Zin had just a hint of edge to it. It didn't just lay back and disappear, but it was not at all harsh or acrid. It's dangerously drinkable, and I am happy to say that I drank it before anything else with a fresh palate.
After a few hour devours to go with my Guiseppe, I chose something completely different. I asked the Lolonis Winery representative for something sweet. She cracked a shy, knowing smile and filled my glass with a green-tinted white wine. I thanked her and began walking away when I tasted what she'd given me. "What is this!," I demanded. "Fume' Blanc. Do you like it?" It was a rhetorical question as it was obvious that I cared for it very much. The Lolonis Fume' Blanc is so gentle and sweet that a child would drink it happily, but it's sophistication is undeniable. It had nuances of current, strawberry, pear, and thyme; mmmmm!
My last taste of the evening went to Oster Wine Cellars. Their Cabernet/Merlot blend would accompany my dinner. This is a deep bodied wine with a texture like silk. Even it's finish is completely even. All ingredients are married so thoroughly that you must experience them all at once. It was the perfect dinner wine.
For dinner, The Son's of Italy prepared New York Strip Steak, Pesto Lasagna, and a number of delectable sides. My table mates were a couple from Anchor Bay who love to spend all 3 days of A Taste of Redwood Valley shuttling from tasting room to tasting room and have done so every year for the past 3 years. A retired Superior Court justice named Tim who was very down to earth, but whose knowledge astounded all he met. Tim's daughter and her husband of 30 years. She was a horse enthusiast, and her husband works for the VA in San Jose. And Laura; lovely Laura who befriended me due to my cute, new shoes. She is a contemporary of Tim's having worked as a legal secretary in Ukiah when he served a judgeship there. I was in good company and we all enjoyed our dinners thoroughly.
For dessert, we were blessed with the best apple brandy bread pudding I have ever tasted. I ate every last bite. While dessert was being enjoyed by many, pourers weaved through the tables offering port and apple brandy. It was as if Bacchus himself was standing over us plying us with the best libations that ever were. It was a fantastic evening, and had I a guestroom reserved at the Thompson household it would have been perfect. Alas, I did not get the chance to sample wine from every winery present, but if what I did taste is any indication of what Redwood Valley has to offer I must say that I'm impressed. I'm pleased that I had the chance to attend the Redwood Valley Winemaker's Dinner, but I would have liked to continue the following day and take part in the wine tasting in the actual tasting rooms. If you ever get the chance to attend A Taste of Redwood Valley, it's held in the middle of June annually. Next year will be the 20th anniversary of the event and is sure to be a must attend event. I know I'll be there.