Hawk and Horse Vineyards, one of the only biodynamic estate vineyard wineries in California, invites you to its first annual Wine Society Social, taking place on September 29th, 2013 from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm.
“Join us for a fabulous day of fun, food and relaxation,” says proprietor Tracey Hawkins.
As a guests at Hawk and Horse, you'll taste the winery's grand 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, a library reserve wine, as well as its current release, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon. Pre-release tastes of Hawk and Horse's 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2009 proprietary dessert wine, Latigo will also be at hand.
Take a horse-drawn carriage tour of the ranch, to meet a stunning herd of Scottish highland cattle and the ranches many beautiful horses. This exclusive winery is located at 13048 Hwy. 29, Lower Lake, eight miles north of Middletown.
This special, first-time wine country event includes a celebrity chef hosted BBQ lunch (tri-tip, baked beans, salad and all the fixings). Plus, Phill Burton, owner of Barrel Builders, will demonstrate how an oak barrel is made.
The winery’s Wine Society members will be able to take their fall wine selection home with them when they leave.
And while this event is free to members of Hawk and Horse Wine Society, you do have the option to join the Wine Society when you call to RSVP. Phone 707 942 4600, or click here for info. Email Tracey@hawkandhorsevineyards.com.
Tickets for non-Society members are $45.00 and must be purchased in advance.
“Our first Social will coincide with harvest, probably the most exciting time of the year,” adds proprietor Mitch Hawkins, who manages the vineyards. “Guests will have a chance to taste a ripe biodynamic Cabernet Sauvignon wine grape, not something you can do that often.”
The horse-drawn carriage features majestic Belgian Draft horses driven by Glenn and Dana Benjamin. Dr. Glenn Benjamin is also the veterinarian of Safari West, and can offer anecdotes about what it’s like to trim the hooves of a rhino or assist in the delivery of a baby giraffe.
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.
A visit to Hawk and Horse Vineyards is a step back in time, to the white-fence-bordered pastures full of horses, a charming home-turned-tasting room with an antique Victorian bar, historic photos of the property and local memorabilia. Recently the California State Fair awarded Hawk and Horse Vineyards a Certificate of Excellence in Viticulture. Proprietors Mitch and Tracey Hawkins are recognized as some of the leading biodynamic viticulturists in the state.
The winery farms its 18 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot biodynamically. Vineyards straddle slopes from a 15% grade to 85%, at elevations up to 2,200 feet, situated in the Red Hills AVA of California.” An unusual aspect most visitors comment on is that the soil literally glitters, due to the abundance of Lake County “diamonds,” tiny silica fragments which are the remnants of volcanic activity from the Mayacama and Vaca volcanic mountain ranges and nearby Mt. Konocti, a now dormant volcano. “Our family feels that a biodynamic approach brings you a wine which is a true expression of our sense of place,” explain the Hawkins. Hawk and Horse Vineyards has been Demeter-certified since 2008 and California Certified Organic (CCOF) since 2004.
The ranch is home to a small herd of Scottish Highland cattle as well as horses and an vast 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 property includes a plaque documenting the historical location of El Roble Grande, the largest Valley Oak ever recorded in California.
Hawk and Horse's current releases are the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($65), 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($65) and 2009 Latigo (a Cabernet-based port-style dessert wine, $85 for a 750 ml or $45 for a 375 ml bottle).
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