Today was a travel day – so we backed up and headed out from Beth’s home in Sonoma heading north – to Fortuna. As we had lots of time, we hooked a left on route 128 at Cloverdale and wound our way through the coastal mountains, past redwoods and a BUNCH of different wineries. The views were wonderful and the cooling winds delightful. The only winery we decided to stop at was Roederer – they make sparkling wine. 
Roederer Estate Brut is the first sparkling wine to be produced by the French Champagne house of Louis Roederer. With a 200-year tradition in France, it seemed like a good idea to start a project in the ‘new world’ and they purchased land, planted grapes and started the process in 1982. Over the years various changes have occurred but in large part they have kept to the traditions of Champagne region. Now operated by the son of the founder, Frédéric Rouzaud, four basic sparkling wines are produced. As it was lunchtime, and warm, it seemed fitting to have a bottle of their Brut Rosé Multi Vintage with our cheese, crackers and fruit.
The setting on the patio was nice with a bunch of lavender blooming near us that was alive with bees.
After finishing our lunch, and picking up a couple of extra bottles for later, we got back into the car and headed to Route 1 and the coast. Along the way there were of course large trees, tunnels of trees over the road, beautiful sights to see for sure.
Once going along the coast, again the views were spectacular with clear beaches, rocky shores and cool breezes. Not sure I’d want to be here in the winter months but right now it was lovely.
We are now in our hotel for the evening (altho I think we might go get something to eat) and tomorrow will explore the area around Fortuna and Ferndale.