From redwood groves in the south to funky fishing towns in the north to mountain vineyards in the east, Humboldt can be navigated—and the wines that have quietly come on line here in the last 10 years can be tasted—in one grand 3-day weekend.
DAY 1: Southern Humboldt Redwoods overshadow pocket vineyards where Interstate 101 snakes in from Mendocino County.
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DAY 2: Northern Humboldt Happy cows graze around college and beach towns, where rich agricultural land meets the sea.
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The Lost Whale Inn The cove right below this Trinidad inn offers up your own colony of sea lions, and a good hot breakfast will make you forget that they barked all night. From $250, including breakfast; 2-night minimum; 800/677-7859.
DAY 3: Eastern Humboldt Mountainous Willow Creek is the only official AVA in this huge county.
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For more about Humboldt County wineries, go to www.humboldtwines.com.