Mendocino: August festivals for art, food and wine

When I think of Mendocino, I get a little day-dreamy: I think of skipping rocks (which I’m not very good at) on a creek near my oak-shaded tent; of picking wild blackberries during a stroll to a winery; of fog-soupy mornings and slow afternoons. There’s not a whole lot of edge there, which makes it a good region for a lingering retreat, especially if you like camping, hiking, coastal drives, hot springs and secluded wineries.

As extra incentive, during August, the area has a few fun outdoor festivals going. You’ll quickly sense a theme — this county apparently has a taste for food and wine.

17th Annual Art in the Gardens: This garden party at botanical gardens in Fort Bragg is — you guessed it — where to be for a day of artworks among foliage. A dozen local wineries will be represented as well.

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Aug. 9, 2008.

Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

Contact: Garden by the Sea, (707) 964-4352

Yorkville Highlands Wine Festival: Every summer, this area holds a festival at a different winery to celebrate the region’s reputation for fine vintners, and this year the party is at Meyer Family Cellars in Yorkville. Wine tasting, food, a silent auction and a grape stomp are among the day’s events.

When: Aug. 16, 2008.

Cost: $50 advance tickets.

Contact: Yorkville Highlands Growers & Vintners Association, (707) 895-2341

SolFest XIII: At the Solar Living Center in Hopland, SolFest is a popular two-day event focusing on renewable energy, environment and sustainability. There will be workshops on a variety of topics, including straw-bale construction, building with bamboo and socially responsible investing.

When: Aug. 16-17, 2008.

Cost: $45 two-day pass; $30 Saturday only; $25 Sunday only.

Contact: Solar Living Institute, (707) 744-2017

Pure Mendocino: In Ukiah, this three-day fundraiser for a local nonprofit organization will feature wine and organic foods, through a sit-down dinner on Friday night, a Saturday night food- and wine-tasting, and a Sunday afternoon farm tour and picnic.

When: Aug. 22-24, 2008.

Cost: Ticket prices vary; see website.

Contact: Pure Mendocino, (800) 449-6483