The next stop on the Heart of Green™ eco-travel summer was
Campovida, a bucolic paradise in Mendocino
County north of the Wine
Country. If you are looking to get back to the good things in life – organic
foods, wines, gardens, sun, stars – then step into this revitalizing Field of Life.
The first thing you notice upon arrival is the sense of
tranquility, but don’t be fooled, you can make your own festivities in this retreat
if you are so inclined. The view out the cottage windows is to die for. Picture
rolling fields for as far as the eye can see. The heritage oak trees on the
property are gorgeous.
Campovida is a feast for the senses. You can taste delectable
biodynamic wines from the local Magnanimus Wine Group. They make From Grape To
Glass look and taste good, and I was especially fond of the Talmage and
Mendocino Farms varietals. We began our experience in the Tasting Room and then
proceeded to the heart of the property – the Tuscan Organic
Gardens. For 13 acres,
these masterful gardens thrive and delight under the expert care of Ken Boek. Sampling
fresh herbs right off the vine and touring the butterfly-friendly garden with Monarchs are two unforgettable highlights not to be missed.
For parties, retreats, weddings and more, there is an
impressive Pavilion that looks like it was designed by Buckminster Fuller. Its
360-degree deck overlooks a far-reaching pond inhabited by beautiful birds and
foliage. It is the perfect place to partake in Magnanimus wine tasting and good
conversation at sunset. There is also a fantastic natural salt-water pool for
sunning and swimming.
Gourmet dining in the fields of Campovida was an
extraordinary experience. You take your seat at a long candlelit table under trellises
of grape vines. Our dinner was
prepared by Chef Bruce Riezenman and Park Avenue Catering, Sonoma’s longest-standing green-certified
caterer. Every course was mouth-watering and infused with local organic ingredients. The dinner was akin to Outstanding in the Field, except that
you can fortuitously spend the night afterward in a pretty cottage. The party
then took an unexpected twist – a campfire!
Singing songs with talented local musicians under the stars capped off a
magical night.
Campovida has an esteemed eco-history, beginning its life as
the historic Fetzer
Valley Oaks
Food & Wine Center.
Nurtured by the Fetzer family as an ode to organic and biodynamic stewardship,
the property was frequent host to culinary greats such as Julia Child, John
Ash, and Emeril.
The lovely new owners of Campovida, Anna Beuselinck and Gary
Breen, have restored the grounds in a sustainable way. They reclaimed and
repurposed over 90% of the center’s wood and materials. Solar hot water
heating, recycling, composting, eco-friendly paper products, and green cleaning
are in effect. Guests enjoy certified organic farm produce and one of
my favorite eco-conscious body lotions, 80 Acres by McEvoy Ranch in Verde and
Lavender. Campovida partners with Green Mary to make on-site events as green as
can be. And of course, there are the splendid gardens to behold and
savor. With natural pest control and no fences, these gardens also serve as a
wildlife corridor for friendly critters in Mendocino County
who need Freedom To Roam.
If you have time, there are many exciting eco-excursions in
the surrounding area. At the heart of the 12-acre Solar Living
Center in Hopland is one
of the greenest stores on the planet – the flagship Real Goods outpost. If you
are passing through Ukiah, don’t miss the secret City of Ten Thousand Buddhas. You
can then zoom up to the Humboldt
Redwoods State
Park and take in the most magnificent old-growth redwood
trees I have ever seen. One is forever transformed in the groves along Avenue
of the Giants.
So if you are feeling in need of a regenerating back-to-nature
getaway, head to Campovida for a new lease on life. Spend the night, spend the
week, or visit for one of their fun upcoming events like Gala on the Green. The
fields are waiting. www.campovida.com
