Alpen Cellars Offers Fine Wines, Surroundings
REDDING RECREATION
August 1st, 2009
I couldn’t help myself as we headed home from a Trinity Alps camping trip when the sign said winery-this way! Located in a remote valley at the east edge of Trinity County is this fabulous treasure of a spot to enjoy delicious wines while overlooking the lush green grounds from a picnic table. I’m familiar with their Chardonnay which is available at Costco, but had no idea they produced so many varietals.
You can reach the winery via French Gulch if you don’t mind miles of dirt road or you can take Hwy 3 north of Trinity Center to the paved road on the west side of Trinity Lake. I believe the winery is about 13 miles southeast of Hwy 3. Despite the remote location, the wines and scenery are well worth the drive. The winery is open 7 days week through Labor Day.
Cross the steel bridge over a branch of the Trinity River past the vineyards up a windy drive to a farm house surrounded by lush green pastures and several small warehouse buildings. Behind the home are large trees shading the picnic area where the wine tasting takes place. From this vantage point, you can see the valley, river and mountain ridges to the south. A small pond is crowned with a water wheel surrounded by pasture with several horses and a mule. Even as Redding sweltered under record heat, we sat comfortably in the shade enjoying a gentle breeze and one great wine after another. Our grand kids made their way to the swing set and entertained themselves while we tasted away.
Keith Groves hosted our tasting as well as injecting some history about the winery started by his father. Alpen Cellars produces about 5000 cases per year. They grow grapes on-site and on nearby property and buy grapes from other vineyards to make other varietals.
We started with a dry White Riesling that was not too sweet. This was followed with a crisp Gewurztraminer, lemony Pinot Gris and two different Chardonnays. Reds offered for tasting included two Merlots, a Pinot Noir (my favorite varietal) and Sangiovese. Unlike most wineries I vist, all of these wines were well made and very reasonably priced. We bought and stuffed a case in our station wagon overloaded with camping gear and headed over the mountain toward Redding via French Gulch glad to have made a jaunt to this hidden jewel!
This winery is a true asset to the north state. If you are looking for a great road trip, give this winery a try. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
