March 5-6, 2011 29th Annual Event in 2011 mendowhale.com

MENDOCINO, Calif. -- Wine tasting and whale watching are the buzz words at this unique annual event that combines the love of whales and love of local wines (both start with the letter "w"). Mendocino Whale Festival is an annual event along the beaches and northern coast of California to celebrate the whale migration. Several other whale festivals along the coast include a Whale Festival in nearby Fort Bragg and Festival of the Whales in Dana Point.

Wine stations located at inns, galleries and shops throughout Mendocino Village and Little River showcase the local winery favorites, as the region's chefs produce seafood chowders in a tasting event. A marine mammal art exhibit, plein-air (live outdoor painting demonstrations) and docent-led walks are all part of the two-day festival.

An estimated 20,000 gray whales migrate from birthing grounds in Mexico to their winter home in Alaska and Mendocino is considered one of the best locations to watch them. There is usually plenty of whale watching opportunity from Mendocino Headlands State Park, which surrounds Mendocino Village.


Major events include:

Wine Tasting in Mendocino Saturday 12 Noon to 4 p.m., $30. Registration takes place at Welcome Centers at Crown Hall-Main St, the Ford House-Main St. Age: 21+

Wineries

Barra of Mendocino - Claudia Springs Winery - Esterlina Vineyards - Graziano Family of Wines - Handley Cellars - Husch Vineyards - Jeriko Estate Winery - McNab Ridge Winery - Meyer Family Cellars - Navarro Vineyards - Philo Ridge Vineyards - Simaine Cellars - Weibel Winery

Chowder Tasting in Crown Hall, Saturday from 11am-till the chowder runs out, $10 allows you to taste each participant. Crown Hall located at 45285 Ukiah St., Mendocino. T-shirts and totes available during event.

 Whale Watching walks on the headlands and Gray Whale Exhibit at the Ford House Visitor's Center, Saturday and Sunday.   Ford House Visitor Center located on ocean side of Main Street, Mendocino.

 Plein-air Artists in the Village Weather permitting! See local artists painting on the Mendocino Headlands, Saturday