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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | MENDOCINO/LAKE COUNTIES
Hawk and Horse Vineyards Welcomes Visitors
Hawk and Horse Vineyards welcomes visitors this summer at its
historic ranch and tasting room at 13048 Highway 29, Lower Lake,
eight miles beyond Middletown in Lake County.
The winery tasting room is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and
Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. or by appointment. Tasting is $10
per person, which includes tasting the winery’s current releases, the
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($65) and 2006 Latigo (a Cabernet-based
Port-style dessert wine, $85 for a 750 ml or $45 for a 375 ml bottle).
Reservations are not required for tasting during hours of operation;
phone ahead for tour information and reservations. Another option is
an extended ranch and vineyard tour, including a tasting, for $45.
A visit to Hawk and Horse Vineyards is a step back in time, to
white-fence-bordered pastures full of horses, a charming hometurned-tasting
room with an antique Victorian bar, historic photos of
the property and local memorabilia. Visitors are welcome to bring
picnics to enjoy as well; the winery provides snacks to share with
Jeweled Wonder, Suzy, Poco, Cache, Crunchy, Gift of Diamonds, Miss
Georgia Pearl and Majestic Ransome (all American Saddlebreds and
Quarterhorses who live in the paddocks adjoining the tasting room).
Hawk and Horse Vineyards was founded in 1999 by Mitch
Hawkins, Tracey Hawkins and David Boies. The name refers to both
the plentiful Red Tail hawks on the property as well as the proprietors’
love of horses. Hawk and Horse Vineyards is a family-owned and
family-operated vineyard and ranch practicing biodynamic viticulture
on a historic property in the Red Hills AVA of Lake County, specializing
in estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Latigo (Port). The first
release was 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon.
The winery farms biodynamically as a way to work in harmony
with the land and nature. Hawk and Horse Vineyards has been
Demeter-certified since 2008 and California Certified Organic (CCOF)
since 2004. The ranch is the home to a small herd of Scottish Highland
cattle, three American Saddlebred horses, five American Quarterhorses
and an enormous range of wildlife---from Red Tail hawks to
bees, owls, bear, wild boar, bobcats, mountain lions and squirrels.
Bird-watching brings glimpses of woodpeckers, bluebirds, herons,
ducks and more. The ranch encompasses 1,300 acres, straddling
elevations up to 2,200 feet and slopes of 15% to 85%. Unusual for
most visitors to notice is that the soil literally glitters, due to the abundance
of Lake County “diamonds,” tiny quartz fragments which are
the remnants of volcanic activity from nearby Mt. Konocti, a now
dormant volcano.
Lake County Wine Auction, Sept. 17
The Lake County Wine Alliance will hold its 12th annual Lake
County Wine Auction, a gala benefit for the arts, health and community
of Lake County, on Saturday, September 17, at Ceago Vinegarden,
5115 East Highway 20, in Nice.
This annual gala is a must-attend event with live and silent
auctions, wine and gourmet foods from local purveyors and music.
This year’s event is chaired by Bill Brunetti, a prominent Lakeport businessman;
the evening’s auctioneers will be Shaun Hornby and
Stephanie Green. The attire for the evening is Wine Country Chic.
Attendees must be 21 years and older. Music will be provided by
Twice As Good. U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson will be an
honored special guest.
Two ticket prices will be offered at this year’s auction. The Grand
Tasting ticket will include an afternoon of wine and food tasting in the
Ceago gardens, a commemorative wineglass and tasting plate and
participation in the silent auction for $75 per person. This portion of
the event will begin at 3 p.m. and conclude at 6 p.m. The Grand
Tasting and Auction Reserve ticket will include all of the items listed
for the Grand Tasting ticket as well as a gift tote, reserved seating for
the dinner, the live auction and dancing for $150 per person. This
portion of the event will start at 3 p.m. and conclude at 9 p.m.
For information and tickets to the Lake County Wine Auction
contact (866) 279-WINE, www.winealliance.org
Taste Zins and other specialty wines in our
historic farmhouse overlooking the vineyards
12 New Releases
Open Daily 10-5
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