Fruit of the Vine

All the words written about wine are not worth one sip of the wine itself

   

 

   

Emerald Empire Adventures has moved

We are now in our new location at 9001 North State St. in Redwood Valley on Hwy 101. We are in the big red and white quonset hut next to the Ukiah Antiques Mall on thh east side of Highway 101, the Redwood Highway. There's almost always someone here so stop by anytime. We are now renting bikes, rafts and inflatable kayaks for you self guided types, as well as providing a full range of guided Custom Adventure Experiences and many scheduled events.

Are YOU a Hidden Treasure of the Emerald Empire?

If you wish, we'll put up a profile of you on the appropriate Hidden Treasures page, our Partners Directory, where our Adventurers can add you or your venue to their Itineraries, as they customize their Adventure Experience. Our mission is to act as the string that ties together a unique necklace of all the Hidden Treasures concealed throughout our Emerald Empire, designed by and for each individual or group. By spreading the wealth we enrich ourselves and each other. This is the real hidden treasure of this Emarld Empire.

   

 

   

18th Annual A Taste of Redwood Valley, Father's Day Weekend June 19, 20 & 21

Hopland Passport Weekend

Friday night Vintner's Dinner

Saturday and Sunday all day

Private wine tasting at 9 local wineries and the world renowned Germain-Robin Craft Distillers.

Emerald Empire Adventures will provide safe comfortable transportation with a local docent/guide to let you in on the local culture, history and vintages. For details and booking information click here.
   

 

   

Emerald Empire Adventures has moved

We are now in our new location at 9001 North State St. in Redwood Valley on Hwy 101. We are in the big red and white quonset hut next to the Ukiah Antiques Mall on thh east side of Highway 101, the Redwood Highway. There's almost always someone here so stop by anytime. We are now renting bikes, rafts and inflatable kayaks for you self guided types, as well as providing a full range of guided Custom Adventure Experiences and many scheduled events.

Are YOU a Hidden Treasure of the Emerald Empire?

If you wish, we'll put up a profile of you on the appropriate Hidden Treasures page, our Partners Directory, where our Adventurers can add you or your venue to their Itineraries, as they customize their Adventure Experience. Our mission is to act as the string that ties together a unique necklace of all the Hidden Treasures concealed throughout our Emerald Empire, designed by and for each individual or group. By spreading the wealth we enrich ourselves and each other. This is the real hidden treasure of this Emarld Empire.

   

 

 

Meander through our favorite vineyards below or explore by Appellation.

 
 

All about the "Mendocino" wine Appellation;

Click here for the secret

Mendocino lies the Anderson Valley AVA and a group of smaller, lesser-known AVAs including Cole Ranch, McDowell Valley, Potter Valley, Redwood Valley, and Yorkville Highlands. Applications are in progress for still more appellations, with the most important being the widely planted Ukiah and Sanel valleys along the Russian River. While most Mendocino vineyards fall into one of the current or proposed AVAs, many small vineyards dot the hills and dales of the rugged region. These legacy vineyards from Mendocino’s immigrant past give the region its identity as a home to Mediterranean red varieties, including Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignan, Charbono and Grenache. Yet Mendocino’s Anderson Valley is also home to some of America’s most sought-after Alsatian whites, prestige sparkling wines, and high-octane Pinot Noir. Because of its low population, relative impassibility and distance from urban centers, however, Mendocino is home to far few bonded wineries than Sonoma or Napa. As a result, these grape-hungry counties scarf up more than half of Mendocino’s harvest each year and put it into wines labeled with other appellations.

~ Thom Elkjer, Mendocino Editor

Appellation America.com

For the Adventurer in need of directions;

Click here for hints

Please browse our selection of Vineyards and Tasting Rooms when considering where to wet your whistle at the end of a long day rafting, cycling or taking in the waters. Or, plan a whole day (or several) exploring in=depth this aspect of our unique culture, landscape and economy. Follow the links and you'll learn all you can without actually visiting.

There are MANY vineyards and if you are searching for a particular one or want to learn more about a local Appellation, use the menu at right.

Otherwise, please take the opportunity to wander through some of the finest, most intimate and out-of-the way Hidden Treasures of the Emerald Empire on the page below.

If you find yourself intrigued, enter a proposed date, the number in your party and click on "Add to Adventure". Each time you do, you'll have the option of removing items, proceeding to the Front Desk, or returning to browse for more Hidden Treasures to add to your list. Since we can't possibly list each one on our pages,if you find some place not on our list, Just let us know and we can add it to you Adventure.

In any case, no charges will be applied at this time. We'll respond to the email you generate when you Checkout at the Front Desk, and you can tell us then how and when would be most convenient for you. We'll also co-ordinate with the Purveyors to assure the best reception possible, local style.

If You are listed here (or would like to be)

Click here to get the skinny

and you see any errors, omissions or changes you would like to have made please let us know and we'll address the issue as soon as possible. If you would like see your business, service or personality presented here, please let us know as well. Being listed here implies no formal relationship with Emerald Empire Adventures.

 

Goldeneye Vineyard, Philo, CA

 
Goldeneye Vinyards

 

"With 2009 well on its way, we're proud to unveil our tenth release of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. While we hope you try all of our new wines, we are particularly proud to introduce our premiere bottling of Ten Degrees, which represents the pinnacle of Goldeneye wine making. More on Ten Degrees...

New Releases:
2006 Goldeneye Ten Degrees
2006 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
2006 Goldeneye Confluence Vineyard
2006 Goldeneye Gowan Creek Vineyard
2006 Goldeneye The Narrows Vineyard

2007 Migration Anderson Valley Pinot Noir"

Be sure to browse their site and let us know if you'd like us to take you by.

Cost; $10.00 contact fee

Number in Party:


Tenth Release
   

 

 

Jeriko Estate, Hopland, CA

 
jeriko Estate Vineyards

"Jeriko Estate produces hand-crafted artisan wines from 100% organically grown and certified grapes from our vineyard in beautiful southern Mendocino county.

Established in 1997, our vintner Danny Fetzer brought modern agricultural techniques and family wine making heritage to Jeriko Estate to create stunning wines that showcase the terroir and quality of the fruit grown on the Estate.

Today, Jeriko is proud to be a family-owned boutique winery that creates award-winning wines of exceptional quality. Practicing a tread gently upon the earth philosophy we use the latest in wine growing technology while respecting ancient cultural practices."

Please visit their site to learn more.

Cost; $10.00 contact fee

Number in Party:


A cewllar full of miraclesHow you'll know your'e there
   
 

Weibel Family Vineyards, Woodbridge, CA

"Through four generations, the Weibel Family has been producing California Champagne and premium wine, specifically Green Hungarian, for over 75 years, first in their native Switzerland, and then since 1939 after moving to California. When Fred E. Weibel, Sr. and his father Rudolf came to California, they brought with them classic, old-world wine making techniques and traditions, combined with a personal commitment to quality and excellence.

Today, the Weibel Family continues to make premium-priced California Champagne, and a variety of excellent wines under the Stone Creek, Knightsdale, Truscott, James Arthur Field, Road I, and Weibel labels, ranging from Pinot Noir grown in our H&W Estate Vineyard in Mendocino County to our popular Almond and Raspberry Champagne"

Please visit their site to learn more.

Cost; $10.00 contact fee

Number in Party:


   
 

Mendocino Wine Co., Ukiah, CA

"Paul Dolan along with Tom, Tim, and Tommy Thornhill Jr. have come together to create Mendocino Wine Company, which acquired Parducci Wine Cellars and is developing several new brands and wines consistent with a theme of sustaining what's best, and creating what's next. Paul Dolan, partner The Mendocino Wine Company wants to make a difference in Mendocino County.  Paul Dolan wants to make a difference in the world.

Paul believes that having the courage to challenge ourselves to do things differently causes change and allows us to make a difference.  

"Businesses should run in a broad-based, sustainable context," says Paul.  "We know what elements make a sustainable business work, and we plan to integrate those into our small, family partnership at the Mendocino Wine Company."

 

Please visit their site to learn more. Check out the video from Back Country Wines

Cost; $10.00 contact fee

Number in Party:


   
 

Marietta Cellars, Geyserville

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Discover Marietta Cellars

Marietta Cellars is located just outside the little town of Geyserville in one of California's premier wine growing regions, Sonoma County. Owner and winemaker Chris Bilbro initially founded Marietta Cellars in 1979 in an abandoned cow barn in the Dry Creek Valley. Over the past 28 years, Chris has developed a product of incredible consistency both in quality and price with relatively complete anonymity.

Winemaker, founder, owner, and nephew to Marietta, Chris Bilbro puts his life into his wine. As a child, growing up in his great aunt Marietta's kitchen and garden, Chris learned to make the most with very little. While the presentation was simple, the food was always the right temperature, the portions were plentiful, and flavors were exceptional. This standard still holds true today. Making all the wines himself, Chris painstakingly evaluates his releases, while at the same time "shooting from the hip." Chris's winery is in many ways operated in the style of Marietta's kitchen; just as Marietta wasn't afraid of garlic and rosemary, Chris isn't afraid of jammy fruit or ripe grapes.

Cost; $10.00 contact fee

Number in Party:


   
 

Black Kite Cellars, Philo

 

Artisan hand crafted pinot noir

Black Kite Cellars is dedicated to reaching the pinnacle of what Pinot Noir can be-a marvelously aromatic and flavorful wine. We are committed to quality and this is reflected in the limited number of cases released.

We're named for the beautiful but endangered Black Shouldered Kite that is native to the Anderson Valley. These incredible hawks can frequently be seen circling the skies over our vineyard.

The initial idea behind Black Kite Cellars began many years ago during a bicycling trip in the Burgundy region in France. We selected the Burgundy area because we liked the wines that came from the region, particularly the delicate and refined wines produced from the Pinot Noir grape. It took two weeks to explore this beautiful valley and to savor the wonderful food and wine that comes from the Cote d'Or. The impression that the Burgundy region left was very powerful. From small, carefully tended vineyards come some of the finest and rarest wines found in the world. The land and the vines are respected and revered. The entire region was focused on wine production. Families owned and tended the vineyards for generations. With the right land, with the right exposure, the right soil, the right climate, sustainable farming practices, detail oriented vineyard management and delicate and balanced wine making, we might be able to replicate the Burgundy terroir-oriented model in California.

 

 

 

 

Cost; $10.00 contact fee

Number in Party:


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Christine Woods Wineries, Anderson Valley

Christine Woods Winery

Discover Christine Woods Wineries

"Among the first settlers in the Anderson Valley, John and Elizabeth Gschwend gave birth to a daughter named Christine. Local legend has it that she was the first white child born in the Anderson Valley.

In her honor, the nearby grove of redwoods was named Christine Woods. When founders Vernon and Jo Rose first saw the property adjacent to Christine Woods, they were struck by its natural beauty.

The Roses originally intended to retire on the 1,200 acres that they purchased. But in 1976, the grounds were cleared, and Cabernet Sauvignon and Gamay Beaujolais vines were planted. This marked the end of their retirement, and the beginning of a new era in their lives.

Vernon Rose had been studying viticulture and wine making for 20 years previous to Christine woods’ first vintage. In 1985, the Roses released an Estate Bottled Cab and Gamay Beaujolais as well as a Merlot and Chardonnay from purchased fruit. The first vintage of Chardonnay took first place at the Mendocino County Fair.

Cost; $10.00 contact fee

Number in Party:


   
 

Lone Oak Estate Winery

 

First Crush 2007

 

Discover Lone Oak Estate Winery

Lone Oak Estate Winery is located in southern Mendocino County, California. We are the first winery of the five based in the Yorkville Highlands Appellation on the well traveled Highway 128 scenic coastal route.

vines to wine

It is our belief and practice that quality wine is produced by quality fruit. We continually strive to grow the finest grapes to produce award winning wines.

Merlot

A deep ruby red wine with notes of rich fruit, dark chocolate, floral, and light oak aromas. This medium body wine offers flavors of ripe fruit, currant, and blackberry, with a hint of dark chocolate. It has a long clear silky finish. 

Serenata

This bright plum red wine features aromatic notes of violets and dark ripe fruit, with a floral background. The wine bursts with the taste of black cherry, ripe plum, and dark chocolate. Its medium soft tannins mix well through a long light toasted oak and dried stone fruit finish.

Cabernet Sauvignon

This medium bright plum red wine has aromatic notes of currant, dry ripe fruit, and violets. It has a medium body and will delight one's taste buds with smooth nuances of dry fruit, black cherry, cedar, and plum. Well balanced tannins compliment this wine's varietal character, giving it a long clean finish.

Mariposa Rosé

A dry, bright raspberry wine. Before your taste buds detect fresh strawberries with citrus notes, your nose will discover the scent of strawberry and other ripe fruit.

 

Cost; $10.00 contact fee

Number in Party:


 

   
 

Route 128 Winery

 

 

 

Discover Route 128 Winery

More info coming soon.

Cost; $10.00 contact fee

Number in Party:


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Wattle Creek Estates, Cloverdale CA

Discover Wattle Creek Estate Wines

"We are a family owned winery producing small quantities from the very best of our Alexander Valley and Yorkville Highlands vineyards. From Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier to Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, we create wines that we are proud to share with our friends and family."

The Yorkville Highlands appellation consists of approximately 40,000 acres which straddle Hwy 128. It connects the Alexander Valley to the southeast with Anderson Valley appellation to the northwest. The cooling influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean along with moderate temperatures results in a long growing season. Some of the coldest evening temperatures on the North Coast are found in this region and those frigid conditions are essential for preserving grape acidity.

Yorkville Highland's fruit can ripen evenly, with acidity, structure and richness are well-balanced in the wines. The unique nature of the gravelly soil produces wines with mineral characteristics. The region has its largest plantings in Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Pinot Noir.

Be sure to browse their site and let us know if you'd like us to take you by.

Cost; $10.00 contact fee

Number in Party:


   
 

Barra of Mendocino

 

 

 

All BARRA of Mendocino wines are made from 100% estate grown, hand-picked certified organic grapes.  We believe that the combination of our organic viticulture practices, coupled with our unique geographic location in the Mendocino appellation, helps us deliver premium wines that are truly representative of their "roots".  We hope you enjoy the end results in the bottle as much as we've enjoyed creating it.

Please take a moment to review our ship to states before placing your order to ensure we can ship to your state of residence.

 

Cost; $10.00 contact fee

Number in Party:


   

 

 

   
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