 Point Reyes NationalSeashore
One of California’s greatest and most outstanding scenic resources is its rugged and wild seashore. One of the most beautiful and best protected of those regions is located on the edge of one the state’s most highly populated areas and not far from one of its most celebrated wine regions. The Point Reyes National Seashore is within just a few miles out of the northern bay area cities of Marin County and is just south of the southern wine regions of the Sonoma Coast. It is a spot just made for the weekend warrior with a love of bike riding, kayaking, hiking, bird watching and of course, a bit of wine tasting. The region is home to an abundance of romantic small towns, large farms and incredible expanses of wetlands teaming with wild life. This seemed like the perfect spot for California Wine Magazine to take in some great bike riding and try out a new winery offering award winning Syrah, Cabernet and Pinot Noir.
 We headed out there for a winter weekend of exploration that included a stay in the coastal town of Point Reyes Station. This little town of just under a thousand people is an outdoorsman’s dream. It is situated on the threshold to the 70,000 acre Point Reyes National Seashore. The village residents are a unique combination of farmers, aging hippies and hip urban professionals and is home to not one, but two cheese factories. The Cowboy Creamery makes a number of artisan style cheeses and Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese specializes in Blue Cheese. There are several very good restaurant, a perfect example of which is the Station House preparing a wide selection of sea food daily. There are also a number of romantic European and country cottage style bed and breakfasts and inns located around the town. The stores located on the main street are eclectic and fun offering hand made unique gifts and treasures perfect for an afternoon of browsing. Point Reyes Station is bicycle central for this region, and there are several additional road bike, as well as mountain bike, trails available throughout the area.
About the Local Winery
Located just three short miles north of Point Reyes on State Highway 1 is Point Reyes Vineyards Winery and Tasting Room. Located just east of Tamales Bay, the estate has a view of the Inverness Ridge in the distance. The grounds include a picturesque pond that is home to a significant amount of water fowl during the wet season. Tasting is offered in an intimate mission style building with big windows with vineyard views. There is a $3 tasting fee that includes an introduction to their sparkling wines and six other tastes from their wide portfolio. The fee is refunded with the purchase of a bottle of wine.
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