Discover Award-Winning Wines in the Redwoods

• 
  SAVE
• 
  SHARE
• 
  TEXT SIZE
• 
  PRINT
• 
  COMMENT
• 
  PDF

. October 14, 2008

HUMBOLDT COUNTY, CA, December 28, 2005. Looking for that perfect bottle of wine for your holiday parties and get-togethers? Consider an off-the-beaten-track bottle from California's newest wine producing region, Humboldt County on the scenic north coast. With wines ranging from big, confident cabernets and zinfandels grown in the warmer mountainous interior, to very approachable pinots and chardonnays that thrive in the cooler coastal regions, over 20 Humboldt County winemakers are constantly experimenting and exploring the potential of the Redwood Coast's many micro-climates.

In 1983, Willow Creek, known as the "Bigfoot Capital of the World," became an American Viticultural Area, which is a recognized region for growing wine grapes. In order to become AVA recognized, Willow Creek wineries had to show that their soil and climate imparted a distinctively different taste to their grapes. One of the winemakers in this area is David Winnett who, with his wife Sharon, grows grapes on the rugged side of a mountain. Winnett boasts some truly unique wines because of his location, saying, "When you drink our Merlot, it is going to be fruiter and more crisp on the pallet."

As the wineries in the area grow in size and quality, so do the wines. "I think our wines are going to be distinctive and extremely food friendly," Winnett said adding that there would be many refreshing fruit flavors and a better taste from the organic grapes that many winemakers are now using.

Mark Carter, owner of the famous Restaurant 301, which received a grand award, one of only 88 in the world, from the Wine Spectator for his phenomenal wine list, agrees that Humboldt County is becoming a unique destination for wine lovers. "When a winery starts out it's fun to follow them," Carson said noting that he bought many of the wines on his award-winning list before they became famous for their subtle nuances in taste and texture, and as such advocates searching out and discovering new wineries.

There are numerous other reasons to consider Humboldt County in wine travel. One is that Humboldt County offers a personal wine experience. "When people come here, we give them personalized tours and we get to know them one on one. It may be small scale but the quality is still there," said Bob Hodgson, owner of the oldest Humboldt county winery, Fieldbrook Winery.

Winnett agrees, "When you come to Humboldt County, you won't just taste the wine, you'll taste the grapes and shake the hand of the maker." Another stark difference is the motivations of winemakers. Many small wineries are making wine for more humble reasons then fame and fortune. "It is completely genuine. They are doing it for passion. They are not doing it for the money," said Carson. "They are pioneers and all they need is recognition."

Finally, Humboldt County is a beautiful region where redwoods and the ocean collide. It is a place where the wine connoisseur can enjoy fine wines, at reasonable prices, and surrounded by natural beauty. "We are more of a rustic experience. It is about embracing nature, and our wines reflect our love of nature," Winnett said.

Wineries:

FIELDBROOK WINERY was established by winemaker Robert Hodgson, a professor emeritus of Humboldt State University. For 30 years Robert has produced 1,200 cases annually. Fieldbrook is the oldest winery in Humboldt County and has received winning medals in some of the toughest wine competitions. Robert and his wife Judy produce eight premium varieties including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel from select growers in Trinity, Humboldt and northern Mendocino Counties, and have expanded into the Italian varieties of Tocai Fruilano (a white grape), Barbera and Sangiovese. The winery hosts quarterly Wine Club events and semi-annual sales, and the tasting room is open by appointment at www.fieldbrookwinery.com or (707) 839-4140.

WINNETT VINEYARDS was founded when retired educators David and Sharon Winnett fell in love with Northern California on summer trips from the prairies of Illinois. It was here that they decided to bring their dream of creating excellent wines to life. The Winnett's are very proud that their vineyards are USDA certified "organic" and that all wines are estate bottled. Winemaker David Winnett invites you to call for an appointment for a private tasting and tour of the vineyards and the oldest bonded winery in Willow Creek. David and Sharon Winnett, Priorietors, 655 Peach Tree Lane, Willow Creek, CA. (530) 629-3478

Award Winning Wine Lists:

RESTAURANT 301 is located in the Carter House, a re-creation of a mansion, which was first built in San Francisco in the 1880's. The original structure was destroyed in the famous San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906, but Mark and Christi Carter gave the gracious 3-story mansion a new life in Eureka after discovering plans for it in an antique shop. Restaurant 301's menus are dynamic, changing with the seasons and based on an ultra-fresh garden-to-table philosophy. They have received the Wine Spectator Grand Award for the last seven years, a prestigious honor that is only bestowed upon 88 other restaurants in the world. 301 L St. Eureka, CA. 707-444-8062 or 800-404-1390 email at [email protected]

BENBOW INN offers a Contemporary American Cuisine each evening where only the best locally grown produce (some from the gardens at the Inn), freshest seafood and choicest meats are brought to the kitchens. Menus are seasonal. Dessert includes fresh berries and fruits from the region, plus a wonderful selection of local and imported cheeses. They also offer an award-winning wine list, which features some of the best wines from California, the Northwest, and a sampling from Europe. A Wine Spectator award of Excellence recipient, they were heralded as "One of the Best Restaurants in the World for Wine Lovers." 445 Lake Benbow Drive, Garberville, CA; (707) 923-2124 or (800) 355-3301; [email protected]

AVALON RESTAURANT is a casual yet fine dining experience with an amazing menu of meals comprised of local foods grown in Humboldt County. They have received a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for two years in a row for their extraordinary wine list. Come and enjoy their incredible hospitality and old world food with a bold and delicious new American style. Third & G Streets, Eureka, CA, 707-445-0500, [email protected]