Cloverdale CA Visitors Guide
Cloverdale is a sleepy town located in the northern section of the wine-rich Alexander Valley in Sonoma County, California.
Situated next to the border of Mendocino County, Cloverdale has a population of 6200 and an economy based on agriculture, tourism, and some lumber. The rolling hills around the town are dotted with oaks, madrones and some Douglas fir as the geography begins to make a transition to steeper, wetter areas in Mendocino County.
Cloverdale /Alexander Valley Region Highlights
- Alexander Valley Appellation Wineries – Chateau Souverain, Geyser Peak, Pedroncelli, Alexander Valley Vineyards, Clos du Bois, Trentadue and more.
- Cloverdale Certified Farmer’s Market – featuring fresh produce, plants, cut flowers, a coffee shop, craft vendors and occasional live music. On the plaza, every Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., June through October.
- Cloverdale Citrus Fair – Featuring a parade, wine, and beer tasting, daily entertainment, carnival rides and more. Citrus Fairgrounds, Cloverdale, February 18-21, 2000, (707) 894-3992.
- Cloverdale Historical Society Museum – Photographs, archives, memorabilia, 215 North Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, CA 95425, (707) 894-2067.
- Lake Sonoma/Warm Springs Dam – This 18,000-acre park has 3,600 surface acres of scenic recreational waters with a public boat ramp as well as the full-service Lake Sonoma Marina. Various activities include water sports, hiking, and camping. Call (707) 857-9483 for more information.
- Cloverdale Wine and Visitors Center – 105 N. Cloverdale Blvd., (707) 894-4470.
Cloverdale was founded by James Abram Kleiser who bought the land in 1859 for $6000 and had the town laid out. Kleiser was a successful businessman who manufactured olive oil from his olive groves. He was also superintendent of construction on the railroad that reached Cloverdale in 1872 and added greatly to the town¹s prosperity.
Visitors interested in the history of Cloverdale and the region can visit the Cloverdale Historical Society Museum, located at 215 N. Cloverdale Blvd. The museum is housed in a historical home and contains both Native American and pioneer artifacts, as well as a recreated general store.
Cloverdale is currently developing a 70-acre park along the Russian River with picnic areas, hiking, biking and equestrian trails, boat launch facilities, and fishing access. Phase 1 of the river park development is slated to finish in late Fall or early Winter of 2000. Phase I includes a picnic area, parking, and restrooms. Phase II, to be started in 2001, will include trails through the park. In the meantime, visitors can enjoy the picnic area adjacent to the First Street Bridge at the south end of the park. The recently completed Furber Park, located off Elbridge near Cloverdale Blvd., features a new Little League Baseball field with a concession stand and a picnic area. Future plans include a play area and barbecues.
Visitors to Cloverdale can attend the Cloverdale Citrus Fair if they are in town in May. This event celebrates the bountiful agriculture of the region and has been held since 1893.
Cloverdale has a few bed and breakfast inns that make great headquarters from which to explore nearby wineries.
There are over 40 wineries within 15 minutes of the new Cloverdale Wine and Visitors Center, which opened its doors in May 2000. The center offers visitors information on lodging, dining, winery directions and information and more.
For more information call the Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce or the Cloverdale Wine and Visitors Center at (707) 894-4470.