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The Mendocino County is known for its spectacular coast, seaside villages, picturesque vistas, parks, and award winning wines. As you meander toward the Mendocino Coast, you'll travel through sprawling wine country vineyards, wide-open meadows and into towering majestic redwood forests. Soon you'll come upon spectacular ocean views and charming Victorian Villages that dot the scenic Mendocino Coastline of Northern California.
You will stay in one of the top Mendocino inns and explore the beaches and Redwood forest on four exhilarating private riding days. We will custom tailor the package for any riding level. Add an afternoon of canoeing, biking, beachcombing and/or a full day of wine tasting. The Mendocino Wine Region begins about 90 miles north of San Francisco in the inland valleys of Mendocino County. Due to the varied terrain and expansive range of microclimates, Mendocino is able to produce an impressive variety of grapes that create superior wines. The first vineyards were planted here in the early 1850's, beginning a rich tradition of World Class Wines that continues to this day. Ricochet Ridge Ranch is happy to offer you coupons for free wine tastings at two local vintners, with special offers for shipped beverages and accoutrements.

"You really know how to plan a 5-star vacation from beginning to end: the horses... the trails... the weather (how'd you do that?!)... the Inns... the food... the entertainment (WOW!)... all were exceptional."
-- Susan and Don Katz, Monsey, New York
"Your horses are outstanding. Your terrain is spectacular. We thoroughly enjoyed the cuisine and accommodations throughout the week. We have ridden in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Portugal, Mexico and the Caribbean, and your ride is one of the very best."
-- Jery M. Lougheed, Jr., Ontario, Canada |
Itinerary
- Day 1: Check in at your inn in Mendocino. At 5 pm join us for wine and cheese happy hour. Overnight.
- Day 2: Full Country Breakfast at 9 am. Meet at the stables at 10 am in Cleone. After an introduction of the horses, tack etc. we saddle up and go on a 4 hour guided riding experience. It is your choice - to the beach or into the forest; or if you like we can do both. The afternoon is free for sightseeing, canoeing, or beachcombing. Meet for Happy Hour between 5 and 6.
- Day 3: Full Country Breakfast at 9 am. Meet at the stables at 10 am in Cleone. We saddle up and go on a 4 hour guided riding experience along the on the ocean bluffs, with phenomenal views over the Pacific and across vast cattle ranch lands into the forests. The afternoon is free for exploring Mendocino and the coast. Optional canoeing is available close by. 5 to 6 PM Happy Hour with wine and cheese. Overnight.
- Day 4: Full Country Breakfast and meet at the stables at 10 AM. Today is a ride through ancient redwood forests, with ample opportunity for long trots and canters along the Indian Springs Trail. Alternatively your adventure may trek to the river headwaters, exploring old ranches and game trails, and learning more about the conditioning of the sport horse. Those who choose engage in a mock endurance ride. 5 to 6 pm wine and cheese. Overnight.
- Day 5: After breakfast another day of riding fulfills a dream for many people, concluding a 4 hour morning ride in an hours long canter along the surf, while cormorants and osprey circle overhead, and seals and whales cavort off-shore. Check out from the inn at noon.
Subject to change
"Count on spending at least five ... hours in the saddle cantering along endless beaches, climbing through Redwood forests, and picking your way
along razor-backed ridges with views that, depending on which way you look, seem to go all the way to Nevada or Japan. Ricochet Ridge Ranch chooses the Inns on the horse trek by the quality of their hot tubs. The rational: 'We ride hard enough to deserve them.'"
-- DIVERSION Magazine |
Wine Tour Option:
Not too many people know that there are over 40 wineries and 16,000 acres of vineyards in Mendocino County. Mendocino produces more organic grapes than any other county in the United States. We have selected only the finest wineries of the Anderson Valley to showcase on our tours. One of California's grape-growing regions with the coolest temperatures, the Anderson Valley is the pathway for the Navarro River to the sea, with vineyards planted from Boonville to just beyond Philo.
Each tour showcases a select group of Mendocino's premium wineries. Your low-key tour guide will tell you as much as you want to learn about the history and future of viticulture in the Anderson Valleyor you can just kick back and enjoy the view. Our staff has close relationships both with the small family boutique wineries and the top-name estate cellars, affording us access and privileges for our clients that no other company can offer. Let our expert guides show you the best-kept secrets and hidden treasures of California's Other Wine Country.
Rates include:
Accommodations, four full breakfasts, fourriding days (4 hours) or 3 rides & one six hour wine tasting tour, happy hour at the inn each afternoon around 5 PM if staying at the Whitegate.
Packages and Options
PROTECTIVE RIDING HELMETS
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR ALL RIDERS
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