Okay, so maybe "spring" is pushing it a bit - but at least we have some days that feel like spring (at least until the next storm moves in). However, this "unsettled" weather does not deter the emergence of signs of spring in the Murphys/Calaveras wine region. It's a great time of year to plan a discovery tasting trip - or a return visit - to the Calaveras wine country.
Early March means the daffodils will be in full bloom, making this one of the most beautiful times of the year in Calaveras (and it smells really good, too). Start your day with wine tasting in Murphys, then take the drive "up the hill" to Ironstone Vineyards - the road and adjacent hillsides are covered with daffodils. Stephen Kautz, Ironstone's proprietor, says the peak of the season is a mere two to three weeks away, so make your plans now.
If you've not been to Murphys lately, it's definitely time to return. I know of no other wine region in the state (or anywhere, for that matter) with a greater concentration of superb tasting rooms in a very assessable space. In downtown Murphys alone, there are nineteen tasting rooms within walking distance of one another. Just park your car and enjoy. If there is a charge for tasting (and several tasting rooms are now charging), the charge is nominal and generally refunded with any purchase of wine. New spring releases are showing up in most of the tasting rooms. Plus, it's still a relatively quiet time of year so you'll likely be greeted by the winemaker or the winery owner who will take the time to explain their wines and their winery.
And don't forget the restaurants: Murphys continues to add superb dining for all tastes, from pizza and micro-brews to gourmet dining at its best (and the prices are much more reasonable than those you'll find in other wine regions).
Food, flowers, and wine...ah, spring in the Foothills. What are you waiting for???
If you have comments about this - or any - of my postings, please contact me at paladin.mod@gmail.com. I promise to answer all emails and will post comments that seem appropriate.
Early March means the daffodils will be in full bloom, making this one of the most beautiful times of the year in Calaveras (and it smells really good, too). Start your day with wine tasting in Murphys, then take the drive "up the hill" to Ironstone Vineyards - the road and adjacent hillsides are covered with daffodils. Stephen Kautz, Ironstone's proprietor, says the peak of the season is a mere two to three weeks away, so make your plans now.
If you've not been to Murphys lately, it's definitely time to return. I know of no other wine region in the state (or anywhere, for that matter) with a greater concentration of superb tasting rooms in a very assessable space. In downtown Murphys alone, there are nineteen tasting rooms within walking distance of one another. Just park your car and enjoy. If there is a charge for tasting (and several tasting rooms are now charging), the charge is nominal and generally refunded with any purchase of wine. New spring releases are showing up in most of the tasting rooms. Plus, it's still a relatively quiet time of year so you'll likely be greeted by the winemaker or the winery owner who will take the time to explain their wines and their winery.
And don't forget the restaurants: Murphys continues to add superb dining for all tastes, from pizza and micro-brews to gourmet dining at its best (and the prices are much more reasonable than those you'll find in other wine regions).
Food, flowers, and wine...ah, spring in the Foothills. What are you waiting for???
If you have comments about this - or any - of my postings, please contact me at paladin.mod@gmail.com. I promise to answer all emails and will post comments that seem appropriate.