Shasta Wines Map
The trip started at the little town of Freeport on the east side of the river. The area is full of wild fowl this time of year amidst the fallow fields and vineyards. This day was no different and we spotted egrets, cranes, herons and ducks a plenty. Even though it was warm, the sun was still low in the sky creating deep, rich colors and long shadows that can’t be found in the /burning sun of summer. As we headed down the beautiful tree lined roads we couldn’t help but be happy that such a great resource was close enough to see in a day trip.
Our first stop was at Scribner Bend. This is a fairly new winery having just opened its tasting room in November of 2004. Situated just 15 minutes south of Sacramento on Highway 160, the setting is one of manicured lawns, picturesque vineyards and a refurbished historic barn. The interior design is light and airy with high ceilings and a canoe that serves as a display area for their award winning wines.
The winery offers six wines for tasting; three whites and three reds all made from estate grown grapes. We started our tasting with a nicely crisp Pinot Grigio that had a distinct white floral aroma and tropical fruit finish. Next up was the Chardonnay that had great ripe fruit flavors followed by just a hint of toasty caramel and butterscotch and a great acid structure.
We tasted all three reds and were not disappointed. The first was the 2004 Tempranillo with a big nose of tart fruit that carried through to the palate with soft, rounded tannins and a very long finish of fruit and oak. This wine was worth the trip alone. Next came the Merlot with its big pepper and black cherry nose. The wine had a nice structure with a finish of spiciness and fruit. Last was the 2002 Syrah, a wonderful example of the varietal. The nose was spice and menthol with great pepper and black fruit on the palate. The wine had a nice well balanced tannin structure and a long finish that was a great follow through of the fruit and spice.
Next up was the Sugar Mill in Clarksburg. To get there we followed River Road back north to the Freeport Bridge and crossed the river to Highway 160. We followed 160 south about 3 miles to Willow Point Road. There are signs announcing the mill near the turn that are hard to miss. The Mill was built in 1935 as a processing plant at a time when sugar was king in this area. As imports from other countries made it economically infeasible to continue operating, the business closed in 1993. The property is in the process of being revitalized and currently offers a few gift and antique shops as well as two winery tasting areas. The tasting area is in the center as you walk through the doors and is highlighted with patio tables and several stories high windows with views out to the vineyards. As we understand it there are more shops and wineries planned for the facility which would make this a real hub to visit for an afternoon of tasting and shopping. We can only hope a restaurant or two will be added in the near future so you have something to eat at the inviting tables scattered around the inside and outside of the tasting room.
The first winery we tried was Heringer. The Heringers are an old Delta family, having farmed in this region for six generations. The vineyards for the winery are roughly 2 miles south of the Mill where the family farms 220 acres, 120 acres in vineyards, as well as managing another 375 acres of grapes for another winery located outside of the country. Heringer sells grapes to other wineries outside of the AVA as well as producing a limited run of premium wines themselves. Continued ...
