MENDOCINO CO., 12/17/25 — Secluded in the Potter Valley mountains, on a bucolic piece of land along Powerhouse Road, McFadden Family Vineyard and Farm is a family business started by resident Guinness McFadden, who first arrived in Potter Valley in 1970.
“As he learned the ropes of farming, Guinness became convinced that he didn’t need, or want, the chemical pesticides and herbicides commonly used in modern agriculture,” says the farm’s website. “Instead, he pursued more natural farming methods and joined the California Certified Organic Farmers in 1991 to keep his small farm in tune with nature and ensure the farm was a safe place for our family and crops.”
The farm is certified organic and harvests grapes for wine, as well as rosemary, sage, bay leaves and other types of herbs. During the holiday season, the farm creates and sells wreaths and swags, which are basically tapered garlands, gift boxes and other locally grown items that reflect one of the best parts of living in Mendocino County: the availability of fresh, organic food.
“Everything is organic, and you can cook and eat all of the items on the swag,” said Andrea Caldwell, the bookkeeper for the farm, in an interview. “It smells great too.”
Caldwell said that during the holiday season, and through Valentine’s Day, the farm creates one-of-a-kind garlands and wreaths for local customers and online shoppers. She also said the farm sells organic culinary herbs for home cooks, everything from lemon pepper and chili flakes to oregano.
She stated that while each wreath is specially made and unique, the most decorative one is the three-herb wreath, a combination of rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and chili peppers.
“Those are gorgeous, so they are definitely the fanciest,” she said. “It is the prettiest one.”
In addition to the herbs and produce available at the farm, it’s also a spot where locals and visitors can book an event, request a guided tour, or take a stroll through the vineyard and surrounding grounds to see everything the farm has to offer.
“It is sort of nestled in the outskirts of Potter Valley, but it’s not hard to find,” Caldwell said. “Occasionally, people do want a tour, and if Guinness is here, he is happy to take people around. If people want to come and take a peek, they are welcome to do that.”
McFadden Vineyard & Farm is not open to the public. Tours are available by appointment. Wreaths, herbs and wine can be purchased at https://bluequail.com or by calling (707) 743-1122.
