Wine Tasting Near Lassen Park
September 18, 2017 by: Sharon Roberts
California is a mecca for wine-lovers from all around the world. While Sonoma and Napa Valley reign as the King and Queen of Northern California wine-tasting, you may be surprised to find many excellent, lesser known vineyards near St. Bernard Lodge. The rich volcanic soils of Mt. Lassen and the unique climate of the region produce a distinctive, varied class of wines that might make Tehama County one of the next great destinations for oenophiles. Many vineyards are part of the Tehama Trail, a route of local farmers producing everything from walnuts to honey to olive oil. Here are our top picks for the best wineries in and around Mill Creek.
Manton is a quaint small town located about one hour outside of Chester or 45 minutes from St. Bernard Lodge. One of our favorite road trips is making a loop through Lassen Volcanic National Park on the way to or from Manton. This small town of about 350 people is home to six unique, family-owned wineries. In 2014, Manton Valley was proud to become part of California’s newest viticultural area, or AVA. Good wine, small town charm, and breathtaking mountain views make wine tasting in Manton a must-do experience. Part of what makes wine tasting special in Manton is that the actual winemaker may be pouring your wine. Our favorite vineyards in Manton include:
- Indian Peak Vineyards: Indian Peak Vineyards boasts 7 acres of vines producing some of the region’s best Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Malbec, and more. The winery also hosts live music, dancing, and other live events. Wine tasting is available 7 days a week 11am – 5pm. There is a $5.00 tasting fee for a flight of wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Take 5 (a Bordeaux-style blend) and Donna’s Dessert wine. St. Bernard Lodge has Indian Peak wines available for sale on our property. The winery has a special event on Sept. 23, 2107, featuring Chicken Caprese Salad and a glass of wine for $15. If you always wanted to know what it was like to stomp grapes, this is the day to visit! A barrel with grapes will be available for visitors to give it a try.
- Shasta Daisy Vineyard: A vineyard located at the Western base of Lassen Peak, Shasta Daisy gives you the opportunity to drink wine at an elevation of 3,500. Shasta Daisy prides itself on being 100% consumer direct, meaning they only sell bottles through their on-site tasting room and wine club.
- Cedar Crest Vineyards: Located in the beautiful foothills of Lassen Volcanic Park, Cedar Crest is the perfect place to sample how the unique volcanic soils of Lassen create delicious, distinctive wines. It is easy to spend all day at this peaceful winery, where you can explore a park, play bocce ball, or even barbecue on their grill. The tasting room is open on weekends from noon to 5pm or by appointment.
- Alger Vineyards: A mix of volcanic soil, sunshine, elevation, and snowmelt make the wines at Alger Vineyards exceptional. Alger Vineyards only uses the finest grapes, barrels, and wine making techniques to deliver some of the best wine you’ll taste in the region. Their tasting room is open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5pm. There is a $5.00 tasting fee that includes a complementary logo glass.
- Mount Tehama Winery: This winery produces delicious wine harvested in a sustainable environment. All grapes are hand picked from the rich red volcanic soil of the region. Specializing in Rhone varieties, Mount Tehama makes delicious, mountain wines using cutting-edge organic practices. Wine tasting is by appointment only.
A must-do on any California wine-tasting tour is New Clairvaux Vineyards, where you can enjoy wines made by the skilled hands of Trappist monks. It is the first Cistercian Monastery in the Americas to grow, make, and bottle its own wine. This winery has its roots in 12th century French viticultural practices and continues to make distinctive, award-winning wines to this day. A visit to New Clairvaux Vineyards is well worth a small detour when traveling between the Bay Area and St. Bernard Lodge.
When visiting Lake Almanor or Lassen Volcanic National Park, save time for wine tasting in Manton. After a day exploring Lake Almanor or Lassen Volcanic Park, nothing says relaxation quite like one of Northern California’s world-class wines. Come to Mill Creek and discover an up-and-coming destination for wine-lovers just down the road in Manton. The region’s unique volcanic soils, distinctive climate, and high elevation help to produce wines like nothing else you will taste in California.
Coming to Mill Creek to go wine tasting? Book a stay at the St. Bernard Lodge and you will have easy access to the region’s many excellent wineries.