After spending the night in the little town of Garberville, I continued north on my trek up the 101.
Before long, I’d arrived at the Avenue of the Giants, where I exited and began a winding drive through the breathtaking Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Myers Flat was my destination, and when I got there, I saw that there was everything a wine lover needs: a winery tasting room and an excellent restaurant – as it turns out, owned by the same person.
If you’re into relaxation and total excess concurrently, this is the place to go. Stop for lunch and have a wood-fired pizza or a burger – both several steps above what you’d find at even the best fast-food joints – then taste some wine, take a leisurely stroll through the redwoods, and then return for a dinner of halibut or roasted duck.
Trust me – you won’t feel like you’re out in the middle of nowhere. You’d swear you were at an upscale…f somewhat eclectic… restaurant in the Napa Valley.
As for the wines at the adjacent Riverbend Cellars, I would describe all as well made and flavorful, but I was particularly impressed by the white field blend, which includes a few varietals not commonly encountered at the wineries to the south (or north, for that matter).
Riverbend Cellars is the only winery (that I know of) in Humboldt County that keeps daily hours. It’s open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. every day. If you’re planning a trip through the California redwoods, check out the winery’s Web site at riverbendcellars.com.
There are more than 20 other wineries in Humboldt County. Most of them are open to the public, but require a reservation to visit. Once you get to the county, pick up a copy of the publication, “101 Things to Do,” check out the listings, and then make a few calls. You’ll never know what you might find unless you make the effort.
Tomorrow: A grape glut in Oregon?
