During our stay at Inn of Newport Ranch we did some exploring around Fort Bragg including a visit to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden.  The Gardens include 47 acres with trails that reach to the nearby Pacific Ocean.   Thanks to its rugged, rocky shore line ocean side trails are especially dramatic and scenic here.
With names like Mediterranean and Big Leaf Rhododendrons, Heritage Rose, Heaths and Heather, the Gardens present an idyllic scene of beauty and serenity.
We thought it a wonderful place to sit awhile and enjoy the scene on what was a beautiful Fall afternoon, the air fresh after a recent rain.
Another day we took Highway 128 to the Anderson Valley and visited Lula Cellars.  Here we met Winemaker Jeff Hansen and discovered that he had spent some years in the San Fernando Valley, where we live.  While attending college in the Valley he worked at one of the most prestigious wine stores and so we had a good deal to talk about.
Lula was founded in 2010 after Jeff had spent many years in vineyards and winemaking, mostly in the Napa Valley.
The Anderson Valley Appellation is best known for its Pinot Noir and Jeff had made some that have captured Gold Medals at competitions.  He also produces two white wines, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurztraniner.
Lula has 22 acres of vineyards and most of the wines are estate grown.
Lula Cellars had a comfortable  Tasting Room located at 2800 Guntley Road just off Highway 128.  It is pet friendly and open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Adjacent is a large area for picnic, weddings and group gatherings.