From Pinot to Porcinis, Harvest Mendocino kicks off with new fungi trek aboard the mushroom train,
wine events, seasonal ’shroom menus and hotel deals

The annual Harvest Mendocino kicks into gear November 4-13, with a focus on the region’s top seasonal gem: mushrooms. An ideal time to savor a taste of place and cash in on a variety of hotel deals, take to the trails, belly up for mushroom-laced menus or tie into a beer or winemaker dinner focused on Mr. Fungi. Straddling historic Highways 1 and 101 with nearly 2,500 square miles of live oak and stately redwood groves, this Northern California region is a natural hotspot for some 3,000 mushroom varieties, 500 of which are edible. On tap are a treasure trove of coveted candy cap, chanterelle, porcini and hedgehog mushrooms making the annual haul is nothing short of historic. Visit www.harvest.visitmendocino.com.

SIGNATURE EVENTS

Mushroom Train
Saturday, November 12, 11:30am, Fort Bragg, $150
Take a magical mushroom ride back in time through old-growth redwoods and pristine wilderness with an optional whiskey tutor-tasting aboard the historic Skunk Train (1885).  The 14-mile loop departs from Fort Bragg traversing Pudding Creek Estuary before landing front and center at the new trestle pavilion at Glen Blair Junction. On tap will be 20+ wineries pouring Mendocino AVA’s award-winning juice, a cache of local chefs crafting mushroom-infused edibles and network of nature trails to trek and treasure the annual haul.  An add-on program featuring Master Distiller Crispin Cain will showcase regional award-winning libations including a selection of Low Gap whiskies and Mendocino Spirits bourbon and rye.  Add $50 for whiskey upgrade.
www.skunktrain.com
 
Taste Mendocino
Saturday, November 5, 1-4pm, Redwood Valley, $65
It’s a party for the palate at Barra of Mendocino, where visitors can swirl through the county’s diverse showcase of fine wines, brews and artisanal foods. Take a deep dive into epic Pinot Noirs, skirt the rich cache of regional sparkling wines or dig a bit deeper into the signature CORO blend crafted only in Mendocino. It’s the ultimate trial by flair as 28+ vintners uncork the magic that makes Mendocino County’s 12 AVAs so diverse. Ukiah Brewing Company unplugs with a selection of handcrafted, unfiltered beer for suds heads and a variety of local chefs will be offering everything from barbeque to ceviche.
www.eventbrite.com/e/taste-mendocino-tickets-379948505207  

Mushroom & Beer Dinner
Friday, November 11, 6:30pm, $150 +tax
 Pull up a seat for six-course fungi-forward repast at the legendary Little River Inn. A fixture along the Pacific for 80 years, the inn is the ideal outpost for savoring the exotic flavors of the season paired with a thought-provoking line-up of brews from Russian River Brewing Company. Chef Marc Dym will drive the stoves in an epic gastronomic adventure certain to sway the senses.    
tastemendo.com

Left Coast Seafood Winemaker Dinner
Sunday, November 6, 6-9pm, $130
Celebrating the seasonal harvest, Ukiah’s Left Coast Seafood joins Greg Graziano of Graziano Family of Wines for an evening of fun and frivolity. Chef Julian Sandoval will craft a five-course repast showcasing foods freshly-harvested from farm, land and sea paired with a line-up of accompanying wines. If this meal were any fresher, it would have to be slapped!  
left-coast-seafood-marketplace.square.site

Hotel Steals & Deals
From the newly retooled Mar Vista Farm + Cottages to the retro Andiron Inn or luxe Inn at Newport Ranch, hospitality deals abound during mushroom season. Visitors can glamp out at Mendocino Grove, tap into the scenic Heritage House Inn or drop anchor at Noyo Harbor Inn.  More than 25 hotel properties are offering value-oriented pricing for visitors fixated on Mr. Fungi.  
www.visitmendocino.com/see-do/deals-and-special-offers