Eat, play, stay… fall means fungi in Mendocino County and as the season turns so does the celebration. Long known as an outpost for off grid farmers, eclectic artisans and world-class winemakers, Northern California’s crown jewel adds another layer of exploration with Mushroom Feast Mendocino set for November 1 – 10, 2019. Only 114 miles/184 kms north of San Francisco, Mendocino County welcomes nearly 1.8 million visitors annually who explore its 90 miles of prime Pacific coastline, 90+ wineries and 10 diverse AVAs (earning the highest percentage of organic and biodynamic vineyards in the United States), 24 state/national parklands and 450+ unique accommodations.
From foraging adventures to cannabis pairings, the 10-day event packs plenty of punch. Mushroom Feast Mendocino features over 50 authentic mushroom-inspired experiences with 60+ restaurants and wineries rolling out the red carpet. This year, visitors can enjoy excursions via horseback, riding on the Skunk Train rails, plying the waves in a sea kayak or tapping into a mycologist-led fungi trek. The region’s liquid assets – a heady mix of 10 diverse AVAs, hard cider, brews and distilled spirits – will also be on tap!
FARM & FORAGE
Pack the hiking boots and a corkscrew for tours in the outback and the ultimate call of the wild. From Fortunate Farms to Pennyroyal Farm – flush with frolicking sheep and goats – and the 3rd Annual Mendocino County Homebrew Festival, options for farmstead cheese, fresh fungi or brew bouts are in full swing this season. Local farmers and resident mycologists lead the way, with a bevy of chefs pulling out prix fixe meals paired with Mendocino County AVA wines. Meet the minds behind Mendocino’s lush network of local products from an insider’s view.
ANCHOR EVENTS:
FARM TO TABLE DINNER WITH FLOW KANA
Discover a curated cannabis and mushroom inspired culinary event with like-minded lovers of both. Upon arrival, sip an infused welcome mocktail by Low Gap Distillery and a sampling of delicious, mildly infused edibles. Then take a seat in the refectory to indulge in a full spectrum four-course menu of non-psychoactive seasonal cuisine using farm-fresh, Mendocino ingredients to create the perfect pairings. Between each course, a sampling a carefully curated cannabis intermezzos from local Mendocino sun-grown farms round out the fete. November 1, 2019;
cannaisseurseries.ticketleap.com/mushroom-feast/details; $150.
3RD ANNUAL MENDOCINO COUNTY HOMEBREW FESTIVAL
Suds heads unite! Set for Saturday November 2, 2019, this is a one-of-a-kind taste adventure with top notch, creative home brews from the wilds of Mendocino and beyond. Spend the afternoon mingling with the brewmaster cognoscenti as the competition heats up for the coveted People’s Choice Award. A panel of beer experts will award the Brewers’ Choice winner with a coveted craft-brewing experience at Anderson Valley Brewing Company. Live music and food round out the day;
www.mendohomebrewfest.com; $35-$55.
WILLITS WEEKEND WALKABOUT
Hit the road for a weekend of fun in Willits. On November 9, 2019, roll up to the Fungi Fling tasting extravaganza where local chefs craft their favorite ‘shroom recipes and vie for top chef status. Alongside, enjoy delicious dishes, taste local wines, beers and a signature cocktails;
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/willits-mushroom-cook-off-tickets-69450208443; $45.
All aboard on Sunday November 10, 2019 for an adventure into the ancient redwood outback aboard the legendary Skunk Train to Crowley Meadow. Enjoy a brief roll along the rails to Crowley Meadow, accompanied by music and train songs galore from the one and only Train Singer. Sip some bubbles, enjoy a mushroom quiche and get ready to forage!
www.skunktrain.com; $75.
FORAGE, FORK & FRIVOLITY: Key Events
Stanford Inn’s Mushroom Exploration ToursJoin local mycological enthusiast Adrienne Long for an earthy exploration experience into the depths where fungi flourish. Held each festival weekend;
www.stanfordinn.com; $20-$45.
Noyo Meander with Liquid Fusion Kayak
Relax with a guided kayak adventure on the placid waters of the Noyo River where curious harbor seals, gigantic sea lions, quirky river otters and coastal birds vie for attention. November 2, 2019;
www.liquidfusionkayak.com; $60.
Farm to Table Luncheon at Jaxon Keys WineryA delicious four-course lunch showcases locally sourcedingredients along with masterful pairings of Jaxon Keys estate-grown wines.November 2, 2019.
www.jaxonkeys.com; $32.
Forager’s Dim Sum at Noyo Harbor Inn
Belly up to Fort Bragg’s newest luxe lodge – Noyo Harbor Inn – for a dim sum-style feast featuring farmed, foraged, fished and fermented foods. November 2, 2019;
www.noyoharborinn.com; menu pricing.
An Evening of Wild Mushrooms and Wine Pairing with Bee Hunter Winery
Go hunting with Bee Hunter Winery and Agate Cove Inn for wild mushroom pizzas paired with the perfect Bee Hunter wines. November 2, 2019;
www.agatecove.com; $30.
From Forest & Vineyard to Table: Stanford Inn and Yorkville Cellars
Join Yorkville Cellars and Stanford Inn for an incredible five-course dinner featuring Yorkville Cellars’ wine pairings and dishes featuring Mendocino County’s mushroom bounty. November 2, 2019;
www.ravensrestaurant.com; $95.
Hopland Research Center Harvest Celebration
Meet researchers and take part in hands-on activities on this unique 5,300 acre property stewarded by the University of California. Feast on a farm to table lunch accompanied by live music and an auction November 3, 2019;
hrec.ucanr.edu; $15-$75.
Farm to Table Experience at Fortunate Farm
Enjoy a full day experience out in the fields, tour the working farm, harvest fresh produce and mushrooms and cook a delicious masterpiece to enjoy. Camping options are available. November 3, 2019;
www.fortunatefarm.org; $20-$50.
Mushroom Brunch at Pennyroyal Farm
Meet the goats and enjoy foraged fungi paired with farmstead cheese and stellar wines in an outstanding setting. November 3, 2019;
www.pennyroyalfarm.com; $85.
Anderson Valley Brewing at Cucina
for the People! Enjoy a five-course meal from Chef Joe along with pairings from Anderson Valley Brewing Company’s artisan brews. November 3, 2019;
www.cucinaverona.com; $50.
BARRA of Mendocino Winemaker Dinner
BARRA of Mendocino and Crush join forces for a Wild Fungi Feast Winemaker Dinner at Crush Italian Steakhouse featuring a five-course mushroom inspired menu paired with BARRA and Girasole wines. November 6, 2019;
www.ukiahcrush.com; $75.
MacCallum House Restaurant Wild Mushroom & Winemaker Dinner
Now in its 19th year, this winemaker dinner spotlights the best in local mushrooms, the comedy and charm of mushroom expert Eric Schramm, and Greg Graziano’s fine wines. November 8, 2019;
www.maccallumhouse.com; $125.
Little River Inn Annual Mushroom and Belgian Beer
chef Marc Dym for a meal highlighting local mushrooms paired with Russian River brews, worthy of their cult following. November 8, 2019;
www.littleriverinn.com; $125.
Walk on the Wild Side
Head to Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center for guided mushroom identification walks with expert and “fun guy” Eric Schramm. Forays into nature will be led by local mushroom aficionados followed by delicious appetizers, drinks and desserts. November 10, 2019;
www.jughandlecreekfarm.com; $30.
STAY A NIGHT OR TWO OR MORE
Lodgings deals during Feast Mendocino run countywide. Tap into a romantic inn by the sea, coveted cabin tucked deep in a redwood grove or uber luxe lodge perched over the pacific; visit:
www.visitmendocino.com/see-do/deals-and-special-offers.
For more information: www.ilovemushrooms.visitmendocino.com