Husch by the campfire

I like Anderson Valley. Never heard of it? I bet you haaaaave! Ever drink Boont Amber Ale? It's from there. Ever tasted Scharffenberger Champagne? Also there. Roederer, Brutocao, Husch, Navarro, Greenwood, Standish- ALL there and all delicioso! I believe Sunset Magazine did an extensive article a couple years ago (but only about the provencial side) telling the world just how historical, delicious and um, different it all is. Don't try to just enjoy it Sunset-style. Please take your own spin on it. Golden Eye is wonderful, yes, but it is not the ONLY winery there. And it is just about the most expensive winery in the entire valley.
In my honest opinion, Standish and Husch are quite memorable. Standish is lovely in its rustic persona; it began by growing only pear trees, and now it grows wonderful hybrids, rare french varietals and unique-ly, has a sister vineyard on the east coast which brings depth to one of their lovely reds. I can't tell you everything, as their soulful and absolutely friendly staff will do that for me. I absolutely love Husch firstly because it was the first winery in the valley, way back in the early 70's, and it's initial tasting room (a cabin) still stands and functions, and secondly because they most definitely know their whites. In a valley that looks good in red, its refreshing to find a lovely white as well. Anderson Valley of course, isn't all about wine, oh yes, there's more!
In May each year the entire valley invites the world to it's Beer Fest; leading it to welcome all boozers, big and tall, to just grab a sleeping bag and sleep where they fall. I've only heard great things, one day I'll experience them too. Also, Libby's Mexican Restaurant is delicious, period. You must try it. Locals have told me that they make giant orders and stock up their freezers just before Libby's closes for the winter. If that's not enough to convince you, then you're just not salvagable and so there will be more left for me. ha.
There are two times of the year that I have experienced this great-escape location; summer and winter. In winter, the frost crystallizes on each grass blade, grape vine and roof top, while the redwood-shag hills exhale a majestic fog that dissipates throughout the day. In Summer, the baking heat is avoidable by running to the tasting rooms, but best dealt-with by jumping in the Navarro River; there are some great rocks to leap from and wonderful emerald-colored swimming holes. The water has been perfect since I first started jumping in at age 8.
My absolute favorite place to visit is Hendy Woods Campground; the redwoods sway in the filtered sunlight, the unique stories about the forest hermit are legendary and their campground staff is hands down, the most thoughtful and also kindest staff I've ever met.
The last time I was in Hendy Woods, it reached over 100 degrees during the day and was still 80 degrees until after dark. We set a fire merely for the purpose of lighting up the campsite. After our burgers and beans, we sat there, throwing marshmallows into the flames to watch them explode and told each other ghost stories from our childhood. Just as the first cool stream of air began to settle around us, we began drinking our Husch. There is something about fog settling in summer-dried California grass that goes hand in hand with the flavor in our Northern California wines. Just like the sun, it was light and delicious and then, similar to the fog, it settled nicely in my mouth and rolled slowly behind my tongue. A feeling and flavor I don't plan on forgetting. It was an experience only Anderson Valley could provide.
Lastly, I do want to add that no matter what the season or number of times you've visited, Brutocao Winery never fails to take a nice long pause on their final taste of a port or late harvest Zin (thick and yummy) and hand you a chocolate to emphasize the pleasure of their flavors.
With a place like Anderson Valley, you never really have to leave California for a damn good escape.