MENDOCINO COUNTY’S 18TH ANNUAL MUSHROOM, WINE & BEER FEST SALUTES THE FORMIDABLE FUNGI WITH FORAGING TREKS, WINEMAKER EVENTS, FIELD-TO-TABLE MENUS & HOT HOTEL DEALS
Fall means fungi in Mendocino County. From the rolling hills of Yorkville Highlands to the Pygmy Forest of Van Damme State Park, the seasonal cache of prized porcinis, chanterelles and candy caps hits a high note as foragers comb the wilderness in search of these coveted gems. Straddling historic Highways 1 and 101 with nearly 2,500 sq. miles of oak and redwood forest, the region is a natural hotspot for some 3,000 mushroom varieties. Add a bevy of forage-to-table chefs, 90+ wineries, an evolving craft beer and hard cider scene and the annual salute to Mr. Fungi sprouts into actionNovember 4-13, 2016; http://www.visitmendocino.com/event/mushroom-wine-and-beer-fest/.
Pop off-grid for a Northern California getaway certain to inspire the senses. The bounty of the county rolls out with wild mushroom foraging excursions, mushroom-infused menus, athletic adventures and a signature festival and cook-off paired with a robust line-up of new release Pinot Noirs perfectly suited to the county’s secret season. Add a host of hot hotel deals from Ukiah to Mendocino and the season’s haul is nothing short of sublime.
KEY EVENT: MUSHROOM WINE & BEER CAMP – Wente Scout Reservation, November 5, 2016; 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. It’s adult-only day camp at this new festival location tucked seven miles east of Willits along Mendocino’s Inspiration Highway (101). Set on 2,200 acres of pristine old-growth Douglas Fir forests and golden oak-studded meadows – ideal breeding ground for the fickle fungi – this outback site is rife for a day of play with live entertainment, mycologist-led fungi treks, educational seminars and local craft beer and wine tastings. The afternoon culminates with the 18th Annual Mushroom Cook Off where local chefs pull out all the stops crafting everything from chanterelle consommé to porcini risotto and candy cap-infused ice cream. Following the tasting guests can delve into an organic-meats barbeque and off-grid hikes to work off a day of indulgence. Benefitting Mendocino County Museum, Willits; $90.00/$50.00 designated driver. Free parking and $10.00 optional shuttle; www.mendocinomuseum.org.
In addition to the Mushroom, Wine and Beer Camp, there are other amazing festival events
RIDE, KAYAK, HIKE & HUNT: FUNGI EXCURSIONS
Ride with the Hunt – Mushroom Sightings at Ricochet Ridge Ranch - “Mushroom Hunt”
Noyo Meander Kayak Tour
Mushrooms Walk at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
Pygmy Forest Ecological Staircase Hike & Educational
Mushroom Exploration Tours
B. Bryan Preserve Tours –
Ride the Skunk Train –
Horseback Treks at Ross Ranch
Migratory Bird & Mushroom Celebration
FUNGI-TO-FORK It’s a celebration of cepes throughout Mendocino County as foragers deliver and chefs devise. Thirty restaurants and 43 wineries and breweries are on tap with mushroom-infused menus, special repasts and tastings.
Check out Visit Mendocino for all of the information on the Mushroom, Wine and Beer Festival
