Mendocino Film Festival playing May 31 – June 2

This year’s independent films will screen in the Mendocino village at the Festival Tent (across the Hill House Inn, Mendocino), Matheson Performing Arts Center (Mendocino High School) and additionally, in Fort Bragg (Coast Cinemas), Point Arena (Arena Theater), Willits (Noyo Theatre) and Anderson Valley (Balo Vineyards), 

This year the Mendocino Film Festival’s TAKE 8 KICK-OFF EVENT will be at the MacCallum House on Wednesday, May 22, with dinner beginning at 5:00 pm. Located on Albion Street in Mendocino where dining on Executive Chef Alan Kantor’s delicious meals has become an annual tradition for the Mendocino Film Festival kickoff. Dine in the comfy cafe, have libations at the Grey Whale Bar, or in the dining room. Proceeds benefit the Mendocino Film Festival. Tickets to the Festival’s films will be available for early purchase at the kickoff event. For reservations call 707-937-0289.

Enjoy wine tasting Event & Special Screenings with Jason Wise’s film, SOMM, which is a documentary following four friends quest to pass one of the most difficult and secretive tests on the planet: The Master Sommelier exam. Fewer than 5% have passed the infamous exam in its 40 year history. Wise’s film follows the four across the globe as they prepare for the most difficult challenge of their lives. 

 Mendocino Event: Wine tasting & screening of the film SOMM wine tasting, Saturday, June 1, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm., at Glendeven Inn, 8205 North Highway 1, and in Mendocino on Saturday, June 1 at 8:00 pm., at the Festival Tent, with Goldeneye winery pouring prior to the screening. Tickets $35 wine tasting and film screening ( in advance only; no passes ) or $11 film screening only ( in advance ). Winemakers from Bink Wines, Drew Family Cellars, Knez Winery and Signal Ridge will be pouring their wines. Both the Sommeliers and winemakers will be having fun with their evaluation notes. In addition there will be sweet and savory bites from local purveyors. 

 Anderson Valley: Will also be doing wine tasting & screening of the film SOMM on Sunday, June 2, at 3:00 pm., at the Balo Vineyards, 9001 Highway 128, in Philo, California. Balo Vineyards will pour wine prior to screening. Post-screening tasting reception, Sunday, June 2, at 5:00 pm., at the Madrones, 9000 Highway 128, Philo, California. Tickets $35 wine tasting and film screening ( in advance only; no passes ) or $11 film screening only ( in advance ). Winemakers from Bink Wines, Drew Family Cellars, Knez Winery and Signal Ridge will be pouring their wines. Both the Sommeliers and winemakers will be having fun with their evaluation notes. Attendees get to match their wine sensory evaluation skills for prizes. Food will be provided by The Madrones new restaurant, Barlow, by Chef Patrick Meany. 

Special Invitation: In honor of the Mendocino Film Festival’s first foray into the Anderson Valley, The Madrones Vintners, Balo Vineyards and Goldeneye Winery will be hosting open houses on Sunday, June 2 from noon to 4:00 pm. 

Opening Party: Will be on Friday, May 31 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm., at the Hill House Inn, Mendocino. They will kick-off the 8th Annual Mendocino Film Festival immediately following their first screening at 6:00 pm. in the Festival Tent. This party will bring together Mendocino Film Society Members and our talented filmmakers and industry guests over Blue Angel Vodka cocktails, brews from North Coast Brewing Company and wines from Jeriko, Patianna, Breggo and Roederer Estate. 

TICKETS for this party are not available for purchase. The opening night party is one of the benefits of the Mendocino Film Society membership. 

Click here for the list of the 2013 selected films.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

EMAIL

MAIL
Mendocino Film Festival
P.O. Box 1843 
Mendocino, CA 95460

PHONE
707-937-0171

Stevenswood Spa Resort is only 2 minutes south, of Mendocino. Plan on coming to the coast and enjoy one of our suites, dinner and relax and get pampered in our spa.

For dinner phone 707-937-2810 or online at urban spoon.

For lodging phone 707-937-2810 or online at reservations.

For spa reservations phone 707-937-2810 or online at Indigo Eco-Spa.

May 17-19, 2013

Pinot Noir Technical Conference

It’s time for the 16th Annual Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival starting this year on Friday, May 17, starting at 8:00 am till 4:00 pm. enjoy a full day of educational seminar’s about winegrowing and winemaking at the fairground’s Apple Hall. A light breakfast & lunch is included.

While exploring the intricacies of the noble fruit, Pinot Noir, you will have the opportunity to interact with grape growers and winemakers, plus members of the media. Topics will include watershed issues, winemaker panel discussions and vineyard focused tastings. Also enjoy a white Pinot Noir and a special comparative tasting featuring Riedel Glass. The cost of this seminar is $95.

 Friday Night BBQ at Scharffenberger Cellars

On Friday, May 17 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm there will be a casual BBQ at Scharffenberger Cellars filled with great food and wine. Everyone will be talking Pinot Noir and guests are encouraged to bring a bottle to share. The menu will include BBQ chicken, ribs with all the sides. Scharffenberger Cellars in located at 8501 Highway 128, Philo. The price for this event is 45.

 Grand Tasting at The 16th Annual Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival

On Saturday, May 18, with more than 40 producers from around California introducing their Pinot Noir’s from 11:00 am till 3:00 pm. at the Goldeneye Winery located at 9200 Highway 128, Philo, California.

Talk with the winemakers and enjoy music in the Grand Tasting tent in the center of the beautiful vineyard at Goldeneye Winery. There will be a delicious array of small plates that will include lamb, artisan cheeses, hand thrown pizzas, handcrafted wine based truffles and a silent auction. This price for this event is $105.

 Visit Winery Open Houses Throughout The Valley

On Sunday, May 19, from 11:00 till 5:00 pm., you will have the opportunity to sample barrels, taste select older vintages and enjoy many creative food and wine pairings, and the sounds of live music.

Click to purchase tickets for any or all events.

Make your plans for this event and join us here at Stevenswood Spa Resort, for lodging, fine dining and pampering yourself to spa treatments.

For dinner phone 707-937-2810 or online at urban spoon.

For lodging phone 707-937-2810 or online at reservations.

For spa reservations phone 707-937-2810 or online at Indigo Eco-Spa.

                               Author Janet Fletcher                                Brewmaster Mark Ruedrich

Mark your calendars for April 27 from noon – 3:00 pm at the North Coast Brewing Company’s store on the northwest corner of Main & Pine Streets, Fort Bragg, for this benefit hosted by Author Janet Fletcher of Cheese & Beer and Brewmaster Mark Ruedrich.

Then at 3:00 pm “Beer Meets Cheese” moves across the street to North Coast Brewing’s Sequoia Room in the Brewery Taproom for a “walk around” tasting of beer and cheese pairings designed by Janet Fletcher and Brewmaster Mark Ruedrich.

While Janet continues signing her book, guests can move from table to table, tasting the recommended pairings and talk with North Coast Brewing knowledgeable staff about the qualities that make the pairings so compatible. In addition, Janet and Mark will be delighted to answer questions and share their knowledge and insights. 

Cost is $40 for pairing and signed copy of Cheese & Beer, or $25 for pairing only. Make your reservations to “Beer Meets Cheese” at the Mendocino Music Festival office, 707 937-2044. Accepted Methods of Payment:  Cash, Visa, MasterCard.

 Janet Fletcher is the author or co-author of more than two-dozen books on food, beer and wine, including Cheese & Beer, Cheese & Wine and Fresh from the Farmers’ Market. An internationally recognized authority on cheese, she writes a weekly cheese column for the San Francisco Chronicle and is the recipient of three James Beard Awards and the IACP Bert Greene Award. She teaches cooking and cheese-appreciation classes around the country.  For more information about Ms. Fletcher visit www.janetfletcher.com.

Stevenswood Spa Resort is only 15 minutes south, of Fort Bragg, and the North Coast Brewing Company. Plan on coming to the coast and enjoy one of our suites, dinner and relax and get pampered in our spa.

For dinner phone 707-937-2810 or online at urban spoon.

For lodging phone 707-937-2810 or online at reservations.

For spa reservations phone 707-937-2810 or online at Indigo Eco-Spa.

BEER – WINE – FOOD – CRAFTS – MUSIC – FUN

Well we all survived last years 16th Annual Legendary Boonville Beer Festival with the theme of Zombie Apocalypse…….or it’s the last year we’re going to be alive, you might as well make it to the greatest beerfest of all time! WELL GUESS WHAT? The 17th Annual The Legendary Boonville Beer Festival, hosted by the Anderson Valley Brewing Company is here and this year it will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville.

One low entry fee gets you admittance to the festival, a sampling glass, music and all the samples you care to enjoy during the four hours the taps are open. No sampling tickets needed or pay per sample arrangement. $55 at the gate or $41.50 bought online.

Times: Taps are from 1:00 – 5:00 pm.

Music: until 6:00 pm.

Place: Mendocino County Fairgrounds, 14400 Highway 128, Boonville, Ca.

Phone: 707-895-3011.

This is a 21 and older event. I.D. required. No children and no dogs allowed in fairgrounds.

Stevenswood Spa Resort is only 45 minutes west, on the coast. Plan on coming to the coast and enjoy one of our suites, dinner and relax and get pampered in our spa.

For dinner phone 707-937-2810 or online at urban spoon.

For lodging phone 707-937-2810 or online at reservations.

For spa reservations phone 707-937-2810 or online at Indigo Eco-Spa.

Come celebrate Earth Day, Mendocino County-style. This will be the 2nd Annual starting on Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 28. This county wide event from the North Coast, South Coast, Anderson Valley, Upper Russian River Valley, and North county, you’ll have the opportunity to understand what makes Mendocino county such a special place to live and visit.

Did you know that Earth Day 1970 in Philadelphia gave birth to Earth Week, April 16-22. The Earth Week committee of Philadelphia concluded that devoting only one day to the environment would not provide enough time to paint a comprehensive picture of the environmental issues confronting the earth and marked Earth Day as “the largest secular holiday in the world”, celebrated by more than a half a billion people every year. In celebration of Earth Week,  here is the current scheduled list of activities for the 2nd Annual The Earth is First Festival Mendocino style, with more events being scheduled leading up to the week of the festival.

CURRENT FEATURED EVENTS:

• Olive Oil Festival & CSA Open House April 20, from Noon to 4 pm

Think you know what Extra Virgin Olive Oil is? Now’s the chance to test your knowledge at this hands-on event at Olivino in Hopland. Mendocino County olive oil producers will team up with the Olivino olive press to provide an educational and entertaining afternoon featuring olive oil tastings, People’s Choice blind olive oil tasting, local breads and cheeses, wines, olive press tours and demonstrations. This is also an opportunity to learn about what CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) initiatives are and how you can support them. Meet local farmers, learn about sustainable agriculture, taste locally grown foods, sign up for organic, locally grown veggies, fruits, and meat… get involved in your food! This is a unique opportunity to understand how local agriculture and products sustain and support us all. 707-744-1114.

• First Annual Maker Faire April 19 through April 21 from 10 am to 5 pm. 

The perfect opportunity to show off what you can make! Maker Faire offers the opportunity for participants to experience homemade innovation and experimentation across the spectrum of science, engineering, art, performance and craft. Friday, April 19 will be open to school-age children to develop projects based on their own interests and ideas. The Saturday Maker Faire is open to all. 707-459-2736.

• All Aboard the Skunk Train! Starting April 19 through April 29. Every day except Tuesday and Thursday.

Leave no footprints… climb on the back of the Skunk for a ride in its natural habitat and celebrate Earth Day the Skunk Way! One kid, age 2-12, rides free with one paying adult; free activities sheet. Departs Fort Bragg Depot, 4-hour roundtrip. Every day except Tuesday and Thursday. Starts at 10 am. 707-964-6371. Visit the website.

• Husch Vineyards Everyday from April 19 through April 28 from 10 am to 4 pm.

As Fish-Friendly farmers, Husch Vineyards will be celebrating Earth Day throughout the festival with a complimentary tasting of our sustainably farmed wines. We are open daily throughout the Where the Earth IS First Festival. Husch Vineyards is a small, family owned and operated winery and is the oldest winery in the Anderson Valley. FREE complimentary wine tasting daily. 800-554-8724. Visit the website.

• Seussical the Musical, Jr. April 19 through April 22 Fridays/Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sunday at 3:00 pm

Gloriana Musical Theatre’s Young Performers have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination—Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. 707-964-7469. Visit the website.

• Ukiah Farmers Market & earth Day Seed Exchange. April 20, from 9:30 to 12 pm.

In addition to the usual Farmers Market goodies, the Transition Ukiah group will be holding an Earth Day seed exchange at the Ukiah farmers market to honor Earth Day. This is your chance  to buy and exchange seeds that have not been treated or genetically altered in any way. A great way to start your spring garden! 707-485-0917.

• 10th Annual Whale & Jazz Festival Main Event

The main event for the Whale & Jazz Festival is the perfect excuse to visit the South Coast and get in the swing of things! Jamie Davis (formerly with the Count Basie Band) and a quintet of veteran jazz musicians will share the stage for an evening of fabulous jazz. April 20 at 7:30 pm. 707-884-1138. Visit the website.

•  Campovida Private Tasting & Garden Tour

Tour the spectacular gardens with our very own “voice of nature,” Ken Boek. Immerse yourself in our organic gardens for a unique, not-to-be missed experience. This tour caters to the five senses and is an educational experience through the earth’s plant and insect diversity. As you explore the grounds with ken, you will have the opportunity to taste 7 of our organic wines with edible flowers and herbs from the garden. Cost:  $35 per person or $25 if you participate in our volunteer day or are a wine club member. April 21 at 2 pm. 707-400-6300. Visit the website.

• Noyo Food Forest 7th annual Earth Day Festival

Don’t miss the Noyo Food Forest’s Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 27 at The Learning Garden at Fort Bragg High School. This cornerstone North Coast community event offers live music and entertainment, a Culinary Showcase featuring local chefs, a spring plant sale, hands-on workshops and inspiring speakers, kids’ activities, local food, pedal powered smoothies, and more! This free, all ages, drug and alcohol free event supports the Organic garden and Farm to School program at Fort Bragg High School. This event will be held between noon to 6 pm and is FREE. 707-964-0218. Visit the website.

For dinner phone 707-937-2810 or online at urban spoon.

For lodging phone 707-937-2810 or online at reservations.

For spa reservations phone 707-937-2810 or online at Indigo Eco-Spa.

Photograph taken by Ian Keenleyside

The whales are jumping for joy with the upcoming 31st Annual Mendocino Whale Festival

As Mendocino is gearing up for the upcoming whale festivals currently scheduled this year on March 2 & 3 hosted in the village of Mendocino and March 9 & 10 in Little River and March 16 & 17 in Fort Bragg. Each weekend offers fun and excitement in small town fashion. 

The inspiration started in June 1975, when a Greenpeace Foundation patrol boat located a Russian whaling fleet killing sperm whales off Cape Mendocino. They captured dramatic film footage of a canon-fired explosive harpoon flying over their heads and striking a whale. When the film was broadcast on national TV news, some Mendocino locals were inspired to get involved in stopping the whale slaughter off our shores. Byrd Baker, a local wood sculpture, was probably the one who came up with the name “Mendocino Whale War”. Byrd and friends began campaigning to save whales, and many other locals joined in on the effort. Byrd with other locals formed the Mendocino Whale War Association in December 1975, with Byrd as one of the founding trustees.

Major coverage began early in 1976 with a big feature in the Detroit Free Press which hyped the idea of Mendocino, a small coastal town in California declaring war on Japan and the Soviet Union. This was especially important since this was the height of the Cold War. The Mendocino Whale War Association organized the 1st Whale Festival in Mendocino in March 1976. The goal was to make the public aware that the whales were still being hunted.

Several years after the first whale festival, it was decided to continue on the efforts of the founding members to educate and keep the public informed on the ongoing situation of the whales.

Here is a list of activities of the upcoming whale festivals:

Mendocino (March 2, 3)

Wine Tasting (Saturday Only)
Taste some of Mendocino county’s finest varietals! Purchase advance tickets

Chowder Tasting (Saturday Only)
Sample chowder from some of the best chefs on the coast! Purchase advance tickets

Wildlife Art Exhibit at the Mendocino Art Center
Experience the talent of a variety of artists in one room!

Plein-air Display – (Weather permitting)
See artists in their natural habitat and in action!

Point Cabrillo Light Station The Coast Guard Auxilliary will give lens tours, on-site docents will be available to answer questions, help visitors find whales and tell stories about the Station and its history.

Whale Watching Docent-led whale watch walks are scheduled at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 2nd, and 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 3rd. A limited number of binoculars and spotting scopes are available. Meet at the Ford House.

Little River (March 9, 10)

Whale of a Deal! Stay two nights during the Little River Whale Festival at any Inn in Little River and get the third night free.

Taste of Little River: (Saturday only, 1 – 4) Discover the many flavors of Little River as local gourmet chefs show off their specialties paired with local wines. Advance tickets available at Little River Inn and day of the event at the Andiron. Fundraiser for Mendocino Area Parks Association and the preservation of the Spring Ranch Barns at Van Damme State Park. $25, includes Whale Festival Commemorative wine glass.

 Little River Improvement Club presents “Tales from Little River”
(Sunday only, 11:00 am.)

Kayak Mendocino Sea Cave Tours: Paddle through sea caves and meet the harbor seals, sea stars, algae and shorebirds. Saturday & Sunday 11:30 & 2:00 pm., $50

Adventure Passport: Explore Little River’s classes, art studios, trails and tours collecting a sticker at each.     Attend three or more events for a chance to win a local prize.

Docent Led Whale Watch Walk (free)

Walking tour of Spring Ranch property (free)

Mendocino Rotary Club Hosts Vegas Night (Saturday only 6:30 pm) Crown Hall, Mendocino. Texas Holdem, Wheel of Fortune, Black Jack and more. Refreshments, music, silent and noisy auctions with great prizes.

Fort Bragg (March 16, 17)

Chowder Tasting $10 (Saturday only). Sample chowders from some of the best chefs on the coast! Tasting will be held at Town Hall (363 N Main Street) between 11:00 am–1:00 pm or until chowder runs out, so get there early! Purchase advance tickets

Passport Wine Tasting Event (Saturday only): $25 advance tickets and $30 at the door. Taste some of Mendocino County’s finest varietals in shops and galleries in Historic Downtown Fort Bragg. Purchase wrist bands and a glass from Town Hall beginning at 1:00 pm Purchase advance tickets

Microbrew Beer Tasting: $30 (Saturday only) Taste beer like you have never tasted it before, right here in your own backyard at Eagles Hall in Fort Bragg (210 N Corry); 12:00–4:00 pm.

Soroptimist of Fort Bragg Annual Whale Run Saturday, March 16, 2013 8 AM. 10K, 5K Run * 5K Competitive Walk * 5K Run Walk * Kiddie Race 7:40 am For more info and to register

Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park. The Coast Guard Auxilliary will give lens tours, on-site docents will be available to answer questions, help visitors find whales and tell stories about the Station and its history.

MacKerricher State Park: Scavenger hunt, paint the whale skeleton and more.

Whale slide show 7 pm (3/15) at the Mendocino Coast Photography Guild and Gallery in Fort Bragg.

Whale Festival Attractions THROUGHOUT THE MONTH:

Whale watching charter boat tours (Noyo Harbor, Fort Bragg)

Point Cabrillo Lighthouse

Horseback riding on the beach

MacKerricher State Park docent led whale walks 

Walking whale watching tours at the Botanical Gardens

“Whale Tales” Exhibit and whale watching tips from docents at the Ford House Visitor’s Center.

Stevenswood Spa Resort is only 2 minutes south, of the village of Mendocino, and 15 minutes south of Fort Bragg. Plan on coming to the coast and enjoy one of our suites, dinner and relax and get pampered in our spa.

For dinner phone 707-937-2810 or online at urban spoon.

For lodging phone 707-937-2810 or online at reservations.

For spa reservations phone 707-937-2810 or online at Indigo Eco-Spa.

The Mendocino Film Festival is pleased to announce the addition of Melissa Howden as the new Managing Director. She recently joined the Mendocino Film Festival Family, and she will be focusing on festival production and management for the next five months leading up to the Mendocino Film Festival scheduled for May 31 – June 2, 2013.

Melissa earned her Bachelor of Arts Degrees in both Art and Socialogy from Mills College, a Mater’s Degree from Washington University and a Master of Fine Arts from San Francisco State University.

As a filmmaker, her films, Ancestors and Miss Clairol, have been screened by San Francisco International Film Festival, Mill Valley Film Festival, and Los Angeles Independent Film Festival, among others.

She has also worked for San Francisco International Film Festival, Mill Valley Film Festival, and the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Film Festival screening films, writing program notes, and as the Manager of guest Services. 

Melissa recently produced and directed Be Home Soon: Letters From My Grandfather, an intimate personal documentary about war and faith, love and loss, family myth and legacy, which premiered in 2012 at the Mill Valley Film Festival. 

Melissa has also spent the last two decades creating and producing high level events and fundraising strategies for social change, culture , the arts, education and politics. In her credit on the political scene she has produced assorted events including Town Hall meetings, with then Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, and a nine city concert tour for Obama for President. She has also coordinated an event to stop violence against women and girls with Eve Ensler and Gloria Steinam. 

ALL WE NEED IS LOVE 

To start this years season will be 11 short films on Love. Join the Mendocino Film Festival for an encore screening of the wildly popular collection of short films on love from our 2012 festival. The date will be Saturday, February 16, with screening times at 2:00, 5:00, and 8:00 pm. at the Matheson Performing Arts Center, Mendocino High School. Tickets $10. Click this link for buying your tickets online.

Stevenswood Spa Resort is only 2 minutes south, of the village of Mendocino, and the Mendocino Art Center. Plan on coming to the coast and enjoy one of our suites, dinner and relax and get pampered in our spa.

For dinner phone 707-937-2810 or online at urban spoon.

For lodging phone 707-937-2810 or online at reservations.

For spa reservations phone 707-937-2810 or online at Indigo Eco-Spa.

Saturday & Sunday, February 9, 10, 2013

On February 9, from 8:30 – 4:00 pm enjoy both the Educational Session and the Alsace Varietals Grand Tasting. Listen and interact with the winemakers from around the world as they discuss winemaking and grape growing for Alsace varietals. There will be a continental breakfast served.

The Topics include:

• Botrytis in the Vineyard with the discussion led by Doug Gabler, Professor of Plant Pathology, UC Davis.
• A “Gastro Tour” of Alsace presented  by Mike Ramsey, teaching Laboratory Manager, Department of Viticulture and Enology, UC Davis.
• 30 years of Riesling – a restrospective tasting and discussion with Allan Green of Greenwood Ridge.

This will be followed by a food/wine pairing demonstration with author and master Sommelier, Evan Goldstein.

At the Grand Tasting you will  meet the winemakers and taste Alsace-style white wines from around the world, including Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Muscat! Enjoy perfectly paired bites crafted by  local renowned chefs.

Alsace varietals winemakers dinner with Chef John Ash

Enjoy a special menu created by renowned chef and author, John Ash. Dinner will feature 6 winemakers and you will have the opportunity to hear form Chef Ash about why he chose each wine/food pairing presented. Learn more about the wines from the winemakers themselves in the elegant private dining room at Scharffenberger Cellars.   

It’s an event that will brighten even the darkest winter month!.

Participating Wineries:  Breggo Cellars,  Chateau Grand Traverse, Claudia Springs Winery, Cutruzzola Vineyards, Elke, Esterlina, Foris Vineyards, Greenwood Ridge Vineyards, Handley Cellars, Husch Vineyards, Lazy Creek Vineyards, Londer Vineyards,  Lula, Navarro Vineyards, Philo Ridge Vineyards, Domaines Schlumberger, Toulouse Vineyards, Robert Sinskey Vineyards,  Stoney Hill, Thomas Fogarty Winery, Trefethen, Valckenberg and many more…

 Anderson Valley Winery Open Houses, Sunday, February 10, from 11:00 – 5:00 pm.

For tickets click 7th Annual International Alsace Varietals Festival

 For dinner phone 707-937-2810 or online at urban spoon. 

For lodging phone 707-937-2810 or online at reservations.

 For spa reservations phone 707-937-2810 or online at Indigo Eco-Spa. 

Enjoy Lots of Fresh Local Dungeness Crab at the 2013 Mendocino County, Crab, Wine & Beer Festival

Come to Mendocino county for our 14th Annual Mendocino County Crab, Wine & Beer Festival from January 18 through January 27. The fisherman from Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg, will be harvesting from the cold, clear Pacific ocean bounties of delicious Dungeness crab. And  every January, Mendocino county celebrates this delightful crustacean and locally grown and produced wines and beers with a festival that delights crab lovers, and wine & beer lovers alike!

The Mendocino County Crab, Wine & Beer Festival was named one of the top 10 Seafood and Wine Festivals in the country by Coastal Living Magazine. This 10 day county wide event will include the 14th Annual Crab Cake Cook-off & Wine Tasting Competition. Crab cakes and more crab cakes. Mendocino county chefs test their recipes and then each make 500 crab cakes for your tasting pleasure! Succulent, spicy, savory and they are all delicious. You will taste them all as you sip on Mendocino wines, from Americas’s greenest wine region. Participants vie for the People’s Choice Award and Professional Judges Awards. Cast your vote for your favorite crab cake.

This years Judges are:

Lauren Purcell: Every Day with Rachel Ray. Purcell is the Editor-in-Chief of Every Day with Rachel Ray and is responsible for overseeing editorial content for the magazine.

 Luke Sykora: Wine & Spirits Associate Editor on the west coast. He also serves on the magazine’s wine critic for California’s central coast.

Jenna Scatena: She is the Associate Editor of San Francisco Magazine, and is also a contributor to the Huffington Post’s travel section.

Gregg Glaseri: All About Beer. Since 1996 he has been the Competition Director for the Great International Beer Competition, the largest professional beer competition on the east coast. He is also Editor-in Chief for the Yankee Brews News.

Virginie Boone: Boone is a contributing reviewer of California wines for Wine Enthusiast with a focus on Mendocino, the north coast and many of the state’s interior areas. She also writes about wine, beer and spirits for the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. 

Heather Wyatt: Wyatt is the Communications Director for the National Geographic Travel Group, which includes National Geographic Travel Magazine, National Geographic Expeditions, Digital & Travel App Initiatives and National Geographic Travel Books and Maps.

Enjoy hand-crafted specialty wares from, Made in Mendocino food purveyors. Bid on extraordinary wines, destinations, and gifts in the silent auction and buy raffle tickets for a chance at the Lake Tahoe Get-Away Grand Prize! Look for the Big White Tent at the corner of Main & Spruce Streets, Fort Bragg. Tickets $75 online at www.mccinc.org. 707-961-3463.

This county wide event will also include:

• Lodging specials
• Winemaker dinners
• Climb Aboard The Skunk Train for the Crab & Wine Express
• 13th Annual Mermaid Carnival
• Coast Clinics Cioppino Dinner
• Knights of Columbus Crab Feed
• Mendocino Coast Sports Foundation & Fort Bragg Rotary Crab Feed
• Willits Rotary Club Crab Feed
• Pacific Star Winery Annual Crab & Wine Gala
• Crab feed at the Little River Inn
• Crab cruises on All Aboard Adventures or Noyo Fishing Center Crabbing Cruise or crab fishing with Telstar Charters.
• Precision whitewater kayaking

EXHIBITS / PRODUCTIONS / CLASSES

• Tango Workshop Weekend (January 26 & 27)
• Mendocino Stories and Music Series presents: Stevens Bates Trio (January 19) and Dan Newton, aka “Daddy Squeeze” (January 26)
• Ford House “Whale Tales”
• The World of Suzi Long Crab & Wine Travel Sketching
• Fort Bragg Center for The Arts with Internationally acclaimed Pianist Tanya Gabrielian
• Little River Inn Concert Series with Eric & Suzy Thompson
• Beal Art Gallery
• Collabarative Art
• Studio 391
• A Weekend of Felting
• Figure Drawing Workshop

Throughout the festival, stop in at one of the 36 wineries and breweries while you discover Mendocino county “America’s Greenest Wine Region” Get your passport stamped at each participating winery or brewery you visit. Collect at least three stamps to enter the drawing for a fabulous Mendocino County Grand Prize. Visit 3 or more wineries or breweries and your entries are doubled. Entries must be received no later than Friday, February 15. Drawing takes place in February and winners will be notified by email or phone. For a complete list of activities, times and dates click on the link Mendocino County Crab, Wine & Beer Festival.

For dinner phone 707-937-2810 or online at urban spoon.

For lodging phone 707-937-2810 or online at reservations.

For spa reservations phone 707-937-2810 or online at Indigo Eco-Spa.

This is the first big-picture exploration of the environmental movement-grassroots and global activism spanning fifty years from conservation to climate change. From halting dams in the Grand Canyon to battling 20,000 tons of toxic waste at Love Canal, from Greenpeace saving the whales to Chico Mendes and the rubber trappers saving the Amazon, from climate change to the promise of transforming our civilization.

A Fierce Green Fire premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival and has also been played at the Berkshire International Film Festival, The Newport Beach Film Festival, and Crossroads for Documentary Film in Australia, environmental Film Festival, DOXA Documentary Film Festival, Vancouver BC, Sheffield Doc Festival, UK, Criterio Ambiental Film Festival, Costa Rica, Human Rights International Film Festival, Mexico and the Chesapeake Film Festival.

The Critics Are Raving

“Oscar-nominated filmmaker Mark Kitchell (Berkeley in the Sixties) winningly spans the broad scope of environmental history in this comprehensive doc, connecting its origins with the variety of issues still challenging society today.” 
- Justin Lowe, The Hollywood Reporter

“The material is vast, and it’s an incredibly dynamic film. It’s shaping up to be the documentary of record on the environmental movement. 
I think it’ll be hugely successful.”
– Cara Mertes, Director, Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program

“The material is vast, and it’s an incredibly dynamic film. It’s shaping up to be the documentary of record on the environmental movement. I think it’ll be hugely successful.” 
– Cara Mertes, Director, Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program

“While it sounds like a tall order to encompass more than half a century of environmental activism history in one film, Kitchell somehow manages to do so in a way that feels comprehensive and vibrant enough to inspire new converts.”
– Basil Tsiokos, what (not) to doc

“Brilliant. Should be assigned viewing for all of us, especially those political leaders currently manning the helm of spaceship earth.” 
– Jay Meehan, Park Record

 “Sweeping and timely.” 
– Judy Fahys, Salt Lake Tribune

  “Inspiring. Stirring.” 
– Mina Hochberg
Outside Magazine ”Best of Sundance 2012″

“Historically significant.” 
— Naomi Wolf, The Guardian

 

Oscar-nominated Director/Producer Mark Kitchell will appear in person at all four coastal screenings. 

Friday, November 9 at 7 p.m. tickets here
Mendocino Film Festival will donate a portion of the proceeds from the Matheson screenings to the Mendocino High School Media Lab
 Matheson Performing Arts Center, Mendocino HS 

Saturday, November 10 at 11 a.m. tickets here
 Coast Cinemas, Fort Bragg 

Saturday, November 10 at 7 p.m. tickets here
Mendocino Film Festival will donate a portion of the proceeds from the Matheson screenings to the Mendocino High School Media Lab
 Matheson Performing Arts Center, Mendocino HS

Sunday, November 11 at 3 p.m. tickets here
 Arena Theater, Point Arena

Tickets $10, on sale now at Brown Paper Tickets.com 
and at the door.

FREE TICKETS FOR 50 MFF FRIENDS 
Respond before November 3 to receive 2 FREE tickets for the 
Coast Cinemas screening of A Fierce Green Fire 
on Saturday, November 10 at 11am. 

If you’re already a Friend of the Festival, send your email request for the free tickets here and include your full name and phone number.  If you’re not yet a Friend, please learn all about the benefits here.  You can join by writing to us at info@mendocinofilmfestival.org or call our office at 707-937-0171 or join on line with PayPal here.    

Stevenswood Spa Resort is only 2 minutes south, of the village of Mendocino, and the Mendocino Art Center. Plan on coming to the coast and enjoy one of our suites, dinner and relax and get pampered in our spa.

For dinner phone 707-937-2810 or online at urban spoon.

For lodging phone 707-937-2810 or online at reservations.

For spa reservations phone 707-937-2810 or online at Indigo Eco-Spa.