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Highway 128 is the best route to Mendocino, winding its way from Cloverdale to the coast, through the wine growing AVA (American Viticultural Association) of Anderson Valley.

As it is still somewhat sheltered from interstate commerce, older ways survive out here and one can find vineyards, ranches, farms & redwood trees sharing the land.

In an effort to promote locality we've chosen to use only local products for our wedding feast. Everything from flowers to wine to food. Considering the fertility of the land and the temperate Mediterranean climate, this is easier done in Northern California then some other places across the country, we are very lucky.

For the Vinophile, this was especially effortless as the region's wines are delicious!

The Pacific Ocean and the coastal mountain range create cool valley temperatures, which are ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Two of the primary grapes found in Champagne, which could explain why the Roederer Estate Sparkling Wines are so good.

Just after our vows, we are planning to toast each other, our guests and the beautiful Pacific Ocean with a glass of the Brut NV out of Magnum. Magnums (a double bottle) tend to be better vessels for Champagne as they are less fragile and less susceptible to oxidation.

The Brut NV is a full-bodied sparkling wine with notes of Yeast, Pear and Apple. In Manhattan a bottle will cost between $15.99 to $19.99 and is available at: 67 Wine (179 Columbus btwn 67th & 68th St.), Grapes The Wine Co. (11 Purdy Ave., Rye), Astor Wines & Spirits (399 Lafayette @ 4th St.), PJ Wine (4898 Broadway @ 204th St.), America's Wine Shop (398 3rd Avenue @ 27th St.).