Thursday, May 31, 2012
Three Seasons in Two Hours
Don't you just love this time of year? The days are so long. It's light at 5 a.m., so it seems like, OK, it's time to get up, even for an early riser like me. Time for dinner already? You must be kidding... it's still mid-afternoon! My wife and I really enjoy our walks before work and now that it stays light so long, we sneak in a sunset stroll well after dinner. It's good for the digestion, don't ya know!
One really neat thing that occurs for only a few short weeks this time of year: you can actually be in three different seasons, all within a two hour drive. Let me explain. Today it's 95 in Redding, probably pretty close to that in Red Bluff and Chico too. The grass is bone dry and it's just plain hot. I'm starting to see the typical roadside burn patches from discarded cigarettes along I-5. Never happens in winter or spring, right? In the North Valley, it's summer.
But hop in the car and head up the hill. Could be 44 east out of Redding, 36 east out of Red Bluff, or even 32 east out of Chico. By the time you get to Shingletown on 44, Mineral on 36 or Potato Patch Campground on 32, you're back in Spring! The grass is green and lush, pink wild peas are bustin' out, and the cows are happily grazing in mountain meadows, already having been moooved up from the hot valley. Snow-fed creeks are running fast and cold.
Keep on truckin' up the hill and you'll soon find yourself in Lassen Volcanic National Park, one of the least visited but most interesting of them all. Last week you couldn't even drive through the park: too much snow and ice. They say it'll be open this weekend, but I would call ahead to be sure. Who wants to get stuck at Bumpass Hell? I can guarantee you, families with little kids will be sliding on wet butts down snow packs with gleeful shouts. Some of those "kids" look a lot like grownups to me.
So there you have it, traverse through three seasons of the year in only a two hour drive. You just have to feel pretty doggone lucky to live here. Like the black lady shouted to her friend outside the grocery store this morning: "Hey Baby, Have a great day and a wonderful life." Couldn't have said it any better myself!
Tom Knight, Broker
MANTON REALTY
May 31, 2012
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Cinco de Mayo in Manton: "Cinco de Wino" Celebrations
Today is May 5th, remembered in Mexico as the day, exactly 150 years ago today, that a small band of soldiers from the Mexican army defeated a much larger group of French soldiers in the city of Puebla, about 80 miles southeast of Mexico City. It's a "David versus Goliath" story, a demonstration of the lesson that "even though outnumbered, if your heart is pure and your cause is just, you can triumph over evil." In Puebla today there will be many celebrations of this auspicious sesquincentennial including bullfights, mole poblano cook-offs, an international music festival and a grand parade featuring Mexican President Felipe Calderon. After dark the fireworks and carnivals will continue well into the night.
In the United States, the Chicano Movement of the 1960s and 70s built up interest in this holiday as a way to encourage cultural pride in the Latino community. Soon thereafter is was co-opted by major alcoholic beverage producers as a way to sell more tequila, margaritas and cervaza, particularly to college students. Since then it has morphed into a major drinking holiday thoughout America, though much less so in Mexico. The name has even been modified to acknowledge more accurately the purpose, frequently referred to now as "Drinko de Mayo."
In our little community of Manton, several small family-owned and operated wineries have come up with the idea of "Cinco de Wino," as an opportunity to draw visitors to Manton to sample the outstanding award-winning wine produced here, now known as the "Manton Volcanic Wine Country."
To further promote visits to the area, a firm was hired to create a "brand" for all of Tehama County. "Reach Your Peak" is the slogan which captures enthusiasm for the area so recognized by the prominant shape of gorgeous snow-covered Lassen Peak and the many opportunities for recreation available. The catchy phrase applied to visiting our foothill town: "Come to Manton for An Altitude Adjustment." That's pretty cute, don't you think? And it's really true. You are likley to enjoy yourself here with the beautiful views, fresh mountain air and fine wines from local vineyards.
Manton wineries are all situated along Forward Road which begins at the historic Manton Corners Store and Saloon. You can't miss it. Heading up the hill on Forward Road, past the school, church and Grange Hall, the first tasting room on the right is Indian Peak Vineyards, open this weekend from 11 to 5. Fred and Donna will be providing complimentary Mexican food. There is also a special benefit Mexican dinner to raise money for Relay for Life, served at the Grange Hall next door from noon to 7 p.m. Alger Vineyards is next, on your left, 31636 Forward Road. John and Linda will also be providing Mexican appetizers to go with their excllent wine in the upstairs Tasting Room, definitely a room with a view and a lot of good vibes. Ringtail Vineyards is up the hill on Forward Road, where you will find local art, great food and big discounts on wine. This is definitely a "party place." On Sunday the added attraction will be horse drawn carriage rides.
All the wineries have prominant signs, so you just can't miss any of them as you travel along Forward Road. Cedar Crest Vineyards is hosted by Jim and Corey Livingston, my good neighbors, who will be featuring Chef Mark's famous San Felipe tacos which pair nicely with the fine wines Jim makes. From there it is a bit of a drive east on Forward Road to access Shasta Daisy Vineyards, hosted by Lorna Knedler, a member of the Forward family, and her husband Carroll. The drive is well worth the effort. Their gorgeous location and exceptional hospitality will be your reward. This weekend they feature local arts & crafts and food. Trust me, once you're there, you won't want to leave.
Have an enjoyable "Cinco de Wino" weekend in Manton and please drive safely.
Tom Knight, Broker
MANTON REALTY
May 5, 2012
In the United States, the Chicano Movement of the 1960s and 70s built up interest in this holiday as a way to encourage cultural pride in the Latino community. Soon thereafter is was co-opted by major alcoholic beverage producers as a way to sell more tequila, margaritas and cervaza, particularly to college students. Since then it has morphed into a major drinking holiday thoughout America, though much less so in Mexico. The name has even been modified to acknowledge more accurately the purpose, frequently referred to now as "Drinko de Mayo."
In our little community of Manton, several small family-owned and operated wineries have come up with the idea of "Cinco de Wino," as an opportunity to draw visitors to Manton to sample the outstanding award-winning wine produced here, now known as the "Manton Volcanic Wine Country."
To further promote visits to the area, a firm was hired to create a "brand" for all of Tehama County. "Reach Your Peak" is the slogan which captures enthusiasm for the area so recognized by the prominant shape of gorgeous snow-covered Lassen Peak and the many opportunities for recreation available. The catchy phrase applied to visiting our foothill town: "Come to Manton for An Altitude Adjustment." That's pretty cute, don't you think? And it's really true. You are likley to enjoy yourself here with the beautiful views, fresh mountain air and fine wines from local vineyards.
Manton wineries are all situated along Forward Road which begins at the historic Manton Corners Store and Saloon. You can't miss it. Heading up the hill on Forward Road, past the school, church and Grange Hall, the first tasting room on the right is Indian Peak Vineyards, open this weekend from 11 to 5. Fred and Donna will be providing complimentary Mexican food. There is also a special benefit Mexican dinner to raise money for Relay for Life, served at the Grange Hall next door from noon to 7 p.m. Alger Vineyards is next, on your left, 31636 Forward Road. John and Linda will also be providing Mexican appetizers to go with their excllent wine in the upstairs Tasting Room, definitely a room with a view and a lot of good vibes. Ringtail Vineyards is up the hill on Forward Road, where you will find local art, great food and big discounts on wine. This is definitely a "party place." On Sunday the added attraction will be horse drawn carriage rides.
All the wineries have prominant signs, so you just can't miss any of them as you travel along Forward Road. Cedar Crest Vineyards is hosted by Jim and Corey Livingston, my good neighbors, who will be featuring Chef Mark's famous San Felipe tacos which pair nicely with the fine wines Jim makes. From there it is a bit of a drive east on Forward Road to access Shasta Daisy Vineyards, hosted by Lorna Knedler, a member of the Forward family, and her husband Carroll. The drive is well worth the effort. Their gorgeous location and exceptional hospitality will be your reward. This weekend they feature local arts & crafts and food. Trust me, once you're there, you won't want to leave.
Have an enjoyable "Cinco de Wino" weekend in Manton and please drive safely.
Tom Knight, Broker
MANTON REALTY
May 5, 2012
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