Located along twisting Route 128 in the Anderson Valley, Boonville is a stop you won't want to miss. This tiny town, located north of Yorkville, is a fun place to explore. You'll find a number of interesting attractions here, from Anderson Valley's only museum to vineyards and breweries.
Boonville is home to about 1,400 residents, several of whom still speak their very own language, fondly known as 'Boont', a dialect created approximately 100 years ago by locals trying to keep information from nosy outsiders. This is the largest community in the Anderson Valley and pretty much the focal center of the valley as well. Once an agricultural area full of orchards and ranches, the residents of Boonville and surrounding areas have gradually seen their apple trees being replaced by grapevines as the Anderson Valley becomes one of Northern California's premiere wine-growing regions.
Wine isn't the only alcoholic beverage that's made a name for itself here in Boonville. The local Anderson Valley Brewing Company, established in 1987, offers some of the best microbrews in California. Brewery tours are offered daily and guests can also visit the pub/tasting room for a wee taste of these excellent ales. The Brewing Company also sponsors the annual Boonville Beer Fest, which happens each May at the local fairgrounds. Beer flows freely throughout the festival and local and regional musicians keep the crowds tapping their toes.
As a matter of fact, Boonville is quite famous for a variety of annual festivals, like the much anticipated Pinot Noir Festival, held every May, which educates would-be grape growers as to the fine art of winemaking and offers tasting events to the general public.
Looking for an old-fashioned country fair? Don't miss the Mendocino County Fair and Apple Show, held every September to celebrate the upcoming harvest. Wine tasting championships occur in July, and each June, the Wild Iris Folk Festival features 'great folk artists in a small, friendly setting.'
As the only museum in the region, the Anderson Valley Historical Museum is housed in the old one-room Con Creek Schoolhouse and displays vintage farm equipment and memorabilia. Redwood groves around the museum provide a shady and pleasant place for a picnic lunch. You might even learn a little 'Boont' while you're sipping your cup of zeese (coffee) under the trees!
Another good Boonville location for a picnic is nearby Faulkner County Park, located about 3 miles northwest of the town and boasting groves and lots of pretty Anderson Valley scenery.
If you'd like to spend a night or two in the Boonville area, you'll find a handful of small inns or hotels here as well as some vacation home rentals. Opportunities for meals or purchasing food include a saloon and café, a few general stores, an ice cream parlor, a coffee shop, and a taco stand.
Learn more about this city.
City of Boonville, CA official site
City of Boonville, CA Chamber of Commerce
City of Boonville, CA newspaper
County of Boonville, CA official site
State of California official site