Take a North Coast Wine Tour

Trip time: 4 days

Day 1
Taste the wines of Southern Humboldt. Start at Briceland Vineyards in Redway (call ahead), then head north to Myers Flat. Tour and taste at the Riverbend Cellars , home to a 30-acre vineyard. Come try their Coquette (a white field blend of nine different grapes), Resolute Red and Merlot. Stay for a late lunch or an early dinner at the Groves Restaurant, which features wood-fired oven pizzas, salads and sandwiches, fresh seafood, delicious steaks and homemade desserts. Finally, visit the Avenue of the Giants for a scenic drive through the towering redwood trees.

Day 2
Visit the Art of Wine , in Old Town Eureka along the historic Eureka Waterfront. Spend some time wandering around Old Town and experience the historic architecture and beautiful waterfront views, then stop in for lunch. Drive north of Eureka to tour the Fieldbrook Winery (call ahead). For dinner, drive south to the university town of Arcata and visit the Arcata Plaza. Here you can experience a variety of dining options such as Tomo Japanese Restaurant , Folie Douce , Plaza Grill or Abruzzi Restaurant .

Day 3
For a taste of something a bit out of the ordinary, include a visit to Heidrun Meadery , which produces naturally sparkling honey wine (mead) using the traditional French Methode Champenoise. Drive south to Eureka and visit Old Growth Cellars , where you’ll find sumptuous wines such as the Vintage Red, a blend of three varietals. Enjoy an elegant dinner in Eureka at Avalon or Restaurant 301 , located in the historic Carter House .

Day 4
East on Highway 299 is the quiet town of Willow Creek, where you’ll find Winnett Vineyards and Dogwood Estates (call ahead for a private tasting and tour of the vineyards). While in Willow Creek, visit Cinnabar Sam’s for lunch and steak, seafood, salad, BBQ, and a glass of local wine or beer with your meal. Finally, don’t miss the China Flat Bigfoot museum to get a flavor for the area’s history and culture.