Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa
Mendocino, CA
www.brewerygulchinn.com
Nestled along the captivating Mendocino coast Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa stands as a testament to contemporary luxury seamlessly woven into the region’s rustic heritage. Architect Caroline La Pere’s visionary design, coupled with a two-year renovation in 2011, transformed this 10-room inn into a coastal haven offering breathtaking views of the Pacific. As a nod to Mendocino County’s historical roots as logging and fishing communities, the inn stands as a testament to the timeless allure of this coastal region.
In the nearby sister cities of Mendocino and Ft. Bragg, a rich history has inspired a vibrant community of artists, craft breweries, and wineries in Anderson Valley. Visitors to Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa can immerse themselves in a plethora of activities, from beach outings and whale watching to hiking, biking, and horseback riding, promising an unforgettable escape into nature’s embrace. Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa, elevated through a meticulous two-year renovation in 2011, epitomizes forward-looking design with its vaulted great room and a lobby lounge featuring a stunning 3-story glass wall. The centerpiece — a visionary glass and steel wood-burning fireplace — creates a cozy atmosphere, complemented by a nightly wine tasting, a library, and a gift center.
Brewery Gulch Inn offers a culinary experience rooted in organic and locally-sourced products. Guests are welcomed each morning with personalized breakfast choices and evenings with wine and an array of appetizers served in a Mendo (Bento-style) Box made of reclaimed redwood — all prepared with farm-to-table freshness by Executive Chef Stephen Smith and his team. With a focus on wellness, the new onsite Spa Pavilion, opened in Spring 2023, offers services such as traditional massages as well as seasonal treatments like the Seaweed & Matcha Spring Cleansing Facial Rejuvenation. Private yoga, Shinshin (or forest bathing), and sound healing therapy are also available for those looking for the ultimate immersive experience.
Recognized by Travel and Leisure for many years as one of the top 500 hotels in the world, Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa boasts several eco-friendly practices. Luxurious accommodations include gas fireplaces, plush feather beds, Sferra fine linens, and opulent bathrooms stocked with Le Labo toiletries. Select ground floor rooms cater to ADA accommodation The grounds of the property feature climbing roses, lavender, rosemary, daffodils, passion flowers and native berry bushes, creating a haven for vibrant birds and butterflies. Guests can wander through the gardens, visit the lily pad ponds, and envision the clandestine landings of smuggler’s boats during Prohibition, immersing themselves in the region’s colorful history amidst the legendary redwood forests.
The heart of Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa lies in its Great Room, anchored by an iconic four-sided glass and steel fireplace. Crafted by a local shipbuilder, this gathering place is bathed in natural light from a three-story high skylight and 13-foot high, redwood-trimmed French doors overlooking Smuggler’s Cove. Guests can relax in Gustav Stickley-style overstuffed furniture or sample the chef’s creations at quarter-sawn oak tables. Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa beckons as more than a luxurious retreat; it invites guests to be part of an immersive experience along the Pacific Coast. The inn’s commitment to sustainability, coupled with its rich history and scenic beauty, promises a tranquil escape, creating memories that linger far beyond the visit. Seize the opportunity to discover the scenic beauty of Highway 128 through Anderson Valley wine country to the Pacific Coast, all from the luxury vantage point of Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa — an extraordinary 10-room property with roaring fireplaces, flower-inflected gardens, a creative culinary program, and dazzling views of the coast. Your escape awaits on divine Ocean-sidewalks, promising tranquil moments on the wild, untamed Mendocino Coast of Northern California.
NEARBY ACTIVITIES
Creative Playshops at Stanford Inn & Resort
Let by Stanford Inn co-owner Joan Stanford, who is also a certified Art Therapist, Creative Playshops encourage self-expression through painting, drawing, and/or collage. Guests are encouraged to create in different media without judgement. They learn to regain the love of creation that they once had as children, and through this act often come to realize truths about themselves and answers to questions they might have about their lives, relationships, and family. Guests are encouraged to play and tap into their own creativity and inner wisdom, using expressive techniques including collage, art making, writing, and role-playing. Non artists will experience delight as the inner critic is banished and your playfulness arises. 2 hours standard session. Available September – June.
Lula Cellars
Lula Cellars is a boutique winery located in the revered “Deep End” of the Anderson Valley, whose handcrafted Pinot Noir wines receive high accolades and devoted fans. Lula’s focus is on world-class Pinot Noirs from our Estate and Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs and other single-vineyard offerings from the greater Mendocino County. In addition, we’re proud to produce a variety of wines that complement today’s diverse wine enthusiasts. The goal of Proprietor Ken Avery and Winemaker Matt Parish is to produce delicious wines that are as approachable as they are memorable. Our customer-friendly philosophy is echoed in every aspect of our business. Guests can enjoy personal wine tastings in our outdoor tasting area with their four-legged friends happily milling at their feet. Lula’s home is on a 22-acre property in Philo, just 2 1/2 hours north of San Francisco. For festival-goers or travelers to Mendocino County, our property offers a unique experience for wine tasting. The welcoming Lula team are all knowledgeable about our wines and growing regions and will happily share stories about the local history. Located on Hwy 128 at 2800 Guntly Road (next door to Handley Cellars), our pet-friendly tasting room offers stunning views of the surrounding property and the lauded Pinot Noir growing area in the “Deep End” of the Anderson Valley. We’re open for tastings Thursday through Monday from 11am to 5pm (last seating at 4:15pm) and recommend reservations but walk-ins are welcome (space permitting). We are closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Father + Daughters Cellars
Fathers + Daughters Cellars, a small label in the Anderson Valley from the family of Ferrington Vineyard, celebrates the love between a father and a daughter, and is the passion project of two dads and three daughters. Guy Pacurar and his wife, Sarah, started Fathers + Daughters with Sarah’s dad, Kurt Schoeneman, the owner of the Anderson Valley’s storied Ferrington Vineyard where F+D Cellars sources much of their fruit, and Guy’s older daughter, Taylor. The birth of Sarah and Guy’s daughter, Ella, in 2012 inspired them to create a label celebrating the special bond that exists between fathers and daughters. With winemaker Phillip Baxter, they have been producing award-winning wines in small batches ever since, carefully crafting and fermenting each wine using old-world techniques. Like the relationship between a father and daughter, these wines will continue to evolve as they mature.
TASTE AT THE TOP
Arranging a private tasting at Ferrington Vineyard seems like a truly unique and immersive experience, allowing guests to connect with the land and the people behind the wines. The opportunity to engage in conversation with the winemakers and learn about the process from start to finish adds a special touch to the tasting experience. It’s clear that a visit here promises not only great wines but also a deeper appreciation for the craft and the place they come from. The added charm of a cart ride to the top with their beautiful dog running along provides a memorable and picturesque journey through the vineyards.
