2 minute read
Vineyards & Wineries
It may come as a surprise that the UpStateCA region is home to a plethora of awardwinning estate and family owned vineyards and wineries. The unique spectrum of soils, micro-climates and varying elevations provides the conditions to grow a wide variety of grapes, thereby producing a wonderfully diverse selection of wines. You won’t find commercial, mass-production here. With only small pockets to plant vineyards, one-of-a-kind wines are produced with outstanding depth of flavor and complexity.
Although UpStateCA has only recently been recognized as a respectable wine-making destination, some of its vineyards date back to the California mission era of the late 18th century. Father Junipero Serra can be credited for generating the first varietals in the Northern
California regions. The Catholic Church used these grapes originally to make communion wines.
The Shasta Cascade viticulture area spans the vast region from southernmost Tehama County to the Siskiyous northward. Over 30 vineyards and wineries, many with intimate tasting rooms that capture the ambiance of what Napa and
Sonoma used to be, dot the north state. Chico,
Oroville, Redding, Cottonwood, Vina, Manton,
Yreka, Trinity Center and others in between these communities are home to charming wineries nestled in the picturesque countryside. There’s even an off the grid winery in the charming mountain valley near Trinity Lake – Alpen Cellars has been making award-winning wines for over 3 decades, relying primarily on hydroelectric power. But if you don’t want to venture to the wineries themselves, most major retailers and local wine bars and restaurants proudly feature Shasta Cascade regional wines. Discover your favorite wine, either red or white, from Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel to Chenin Blanc, Viognier and Reisling to name just a few. Shasta Cascade may surprise you, by becoming your favorite wine-tasting destination.
Alpen Cellars
Award-winning winery and vineyards located in a scenic mountain valley. Tours, tastings & retail sales. Picnic Facilities. Open daily by appointment for tours & tastings.
2000 East Fork Rd., Trinity Center, CA 96091 530-266-9513 www.alpencellars.com email: alpencellars@tds.net
Shasta-Cascade Viticulture Association
With over 35 member wineries. Visit our web site for links to regional premium wines.
P.O. Box 352, Palo Cedro, CA 96073-0315 www.shastacascadeviticultureassociation.org
Alpen Cellars Photo: Rob Crenson Photography
UpStateCA Wine & Beer App
UpStateCA offers a booming wine culture in the Shasta Cascade region. Enjoy beauty by the glass in a natural wonderland loved by outdoor adventurers. Download the free app: UpStateCA Wine & Beer.
www.shastacascade.com/account/upstateca-winebeer-app e-mail: admin@shastacascade.org