2010 San Francisco Wine Competition: Manton Winners

"And the winners are..." With these words, wineries from all over the United States took home awards for their fine wines in the nation's most prestigious annual competition. It's a no-holds-barred blind tasting contest, which means the smallest family operation with just a few acres of vines can go head to head with the biggest and best known names in the business. Certainly Napa Valley wineries took home a hefty share of the medals, but many tiny vineyards also produced superior results. It is especially sweet when an unheard of community in an obscure corner of northern California can proudly boast three winners in the last few years, two of which won numerous awards this year. I'm talking about Manton, California.

Manton's first ever Gold Medal was awarded this year to Ringtail Vineyards for its red grape port style dessert wine "Sweet Petite," a particularly impressive feat given the fact that this was the very first year Ringtail entered the fray. Congratulations indeed! Ringtail also won bronze medals for its Petite Sirah and a Late Harvest Chardonnay. I might add that my wife loves the Ringtail Gewurztraminer. There's a bottle in the frig right now! The other Manton winery winner, Indian Peak Vineyards, won two Silver Medals last year and brought home four awards this year: Silvers for Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Bronzes for a Zinfandel/Abstract Red and another Cabernet Sauvignon. Locals just love "Donna's Dessert Wine," a port style after dinner treat which is flying out the door by the case.

Prior to this year's competition, Alger Vineyards won awards four years in a row for its Syrahs and Petite Sirahs. John and Linda Alger are eager to pour the award winners in their spectacular tasting room, featuring local handcrafted art and panoramic views of the vineyards which stretch towards the distant Yolla Bolly Mountains of the Coast Range. Truth be told, all the wineries in Manton are small family affairs. Fred and Donna Boots of Indian Peak Vineyards will host you most any time, against a backdrop of barrel upon oak barrel stacked to the rafters. Rob Carillo and Donna Delgado of Ringtail Vineyards have a tasting room in their home, with an elegant wooden bar and views of Lassen Peak.

Another winery which I expect to win awards soon is Shasta Daisy Vineyards, owned by Carroll and Lorna Knedler. Their Pinot Noir is well worth the drive and their tasting room overlooks the gorgeous meadow at Forwards Mill, as well as the remnants of the old lumber mill. They also have cabin rentals for those who want to enjoy the incredible serenity of the mountains and see the Milky Way from horizon to horizon. Jim and Corey Livingston expect to open their doors to Cedar Crest Winery later this year, and Alain Teuschmann of Mt. Tehama Winery can be reached by appointment only, see links below.

Visiting Manton is to discover old time hospitality, visit hard-working folks who will treat you right, and taste some very excellent award-winning red wine. Rollings Hills Casino in Corning has published a brochure which features a tour of local wineries. It describes this area as Manton Volcanic Wine Country, as it is situated just west of Lassen Volcanic National Park and has fabulous views of the snow-covered volcano most of the year. An area known for its apples and celebrated each year with the Manton Apple Festival (first weekend in October), Manton is now taking on a new identity: one of California's latest undiscovered award-winning wine regions. Watch out Mondavi, there's some great wine coming from the Cascade foothills!

Links to Manton wineries:

www.algervineyards.com Alger Vineyards (530) 474-WINE
www.indianpeakvineyards.net Indian Peak Vineyards (530) 474-5506
www.ringtailvineyards.net Ringtail Vineyards (530) 474-5350
www.mtwinery.com Mt. Tehama Winery (530) 474-3304
www.shastadaisyvineyard.com Shasta Daisy Vineyard (530) 474-5262
Site under construction Cedar Crest Vineyard and Winery (530) 474-1387

Retire to Manton Volcanic Wine Country

In a few weeks I will turn 65. Unbelievable! Retire? No way! I'm loving my real estate practice and plan to continue on for years to come. But for many Boomers the reality of retirement is looming large. After years of grinding out the mortgage and getting the kids through school, couples are looking forward to some very large lifestyle changes. Questions arise: where to live? what to do? how to afford? This New Year, 2010, will present many opportunities, possible new directions, great times ahead!



Some retirees will no doubt choose to stay put, having paid off the family home and developed local lifetime friendships. On the other hand, some will sell everything and purchase a home in a foreign land (check out the Living Abroad Guides published by my wife's company at http://www.moon.com/). I suspect quite a few folks will be ready to cash in their urban equity for a more relaxed, quiet and comfortable country lifestyle. Enough with mowing the lawn. Time to grow a few tomatoes instead.



Potential retirees in northern California who are seeking the country life may wish to consider the Manton area which hosts such "old time" events as the volunteer fire department barbecue in the summer and the annual apple festival in the fall. Current residents of Manton take a certain glee when telling people where they live, because most folks out there in the "real world" have no idea where Manton is. How cool is it to live in a yet undiscovered spot? Yet it's not that remote. You can be driving on the I-5 in 45 minutes or board a commercial aircraft in less than an hour. But who would want to leave a place with numerous wineries, a wild horse sanctuary, and a dramatic view of a snow-covered volcano? Want to camp with the grandkids in an uncrowded national park? It's only 45 minutes to the fabulous Manzanita Lake Campground in Lassen Volcanic National Park.



Pulling up stakes after many years in the same place is a daunting task for the future retiree.
Perhaps the best way to scope out a potential new home is to actually go there and spend some time. In a rural area with no hotels or motels, this can be a challenging proposition. The solution: http://www.vrbo.com/, vacation rental by owner. The are currently four listings in the Manton area and several more in the Lassen vicinity. I would recommend vrbo #14909 at Shasta Daisy Vineyards. Your hosts Carroll and Lorna Knedler are as gracious as you will find anywhere and have great knowledge of the area history, flora and fauna. Don't miss the dozens of hummingbirds on the tasting room deck! If a bed and breakfast is more to your liking, the Weston House (http://www.westonhouse.com/) in Shingletown has an incredible view overlooking the entire Manton area.



For guided tours of the Manton wineries, contact Donna at Ringtail Vineyards (http://www.ringtailvineyards.net/). If you are ready to view properties for sale or get the insider info on the various features of Manton, I would be delighted to give you a personal tour. Make your appointment in advance by e-mail: mantonland@frontiernet.net. Tom Knight, at your service.



It's a great time to lock up that perfect country home for your retirement years. Prices are fair once again, interest rates are at historic lows for those who might need a loan, and Manton still is the "secret" hideaway with undiscovered family wineries. How long hidden? Our award-winning wines are sure to attract attention sooner or later. An article in VIA or Sunset, and the prices will be going one way: UP! Way up. Retirees may find the perfect home in Manton. It's worth a visit!

Harvest Time in Manton

I picked merlot and cab grapes at Indian Peak Vineyards on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend with about 49 other volunteers who enjoyed this year's cooler weather, comraderie and lunch. Friendly banter rang out from amateur pickers in neighboring rows with such comments as "I thought that was you... I recognized the butt." A wonderful tradition at Indian Peak, this year's pick was far more bounteous than last year's when a severe late frost in April greatly reduced the yield. Fred Boots, Indian Peak owner, further rewarded the work crew this year by serving up his excellent homemade meatball and spaghetti dinner that evening, with plenty of wine and beer to go around. This event has become so popular that reservations must be made in advance to work! Go figure. No pay, but excellent fringe benefits do apply. Fred and Donna Boots have turned a backyard hobby into a career and shown us all how to "follow your dreams."

Most of Manton's other small family owned and operated vineyards are currently picking, and when not picking they are serving the ever-increasing number of visitors at local tasting rooms. I was quite surprised to turn in Rob Carrillo's driveway last Tuesday with the intention of picking up a couple more bottles of his tasty gewurztraminer (my wife's favorite after work summer wine), but a huge tour bus was disgorging passengers at 11 in the morning. "What is Manton coming to," I thought. Later, I made the rounds to the four tasting rooms open every Saturday and Sunday: Indian Peak Vineyards, Alger Vineyards, Ringtail Vineyards and Shasta Daisy Vineyard, all on Forward Road. I left my business cards at each for those visitors who decide after a couple glasses of wine they would like to move to Manton (Tom Knight-Manton Realty). Little by little, wine lovers are discovering Manton's award-winning wines, wine competing successfully against the "big boys" in the prestigious Chronicle Wine Competition.

One giant boost to Manton's recognition as a wine-producing region is the just-published brochure available from Rolling Hills Casino (on I-5 in Corning) called Tehama Trail, An agricultural journey through Northern California's Tehama County, also available online at www.tehamatrail.com. The map and info included is an excellent guide to what is now being called "Manton Volcanic Wine Country." For those who have never been to Manton, one look to the east tells the story: a splendid view of Lassen Peak, over 10,000 feet in elevation, the southern-most Cascade volcano, complete with bubbling mudpots, sulphur works, boiling lakes and even a geyser. With significant eruptions from 1914 through 1917, Lassen may well some day again provide more excellent volcanic soil for grapes. But for the moment, it is dormant.

The grape harvest in Manton is likely to continue well into October, particularly for late harvest varietals which may end up as dessert wines quite similar to Spanish ports. Donna's Dessert Wine at Indian Peak Vineyards is one of the most popular, but others are getting into the act, such as Ringtail Vineyards Sweet Petite. Be sure to ask for a taste of these delicious after-dinner treats when you visit. For those planning to explore the Manton Volcanic Vineyards, you may wish to visit a convenient website for more info on lodging, fishing, and of course, the wineries: www.visitMANTONca.com. Excellent tours are available by a highly knowledgeable local at www.northstatewinetours.org. And if, after a visit and sampling of the excellent local vintages you wish to relocate to Manton and start your own small family winery, please check out local listings at www.mantonproperty.com. Tom Knight, at your service.

The crush is taking place now, but the fall colors have yet to begin. November, particularly around the time of Thanksgiving, is perhaps the best time to visit Manton for color in the vineyards and black oaks. No need to wait that long for a visit. The biggest annual event of the year in Manton is about to occur: The Manton Apple Festival takes place on Saturday, October 3rd. If you like fresh foothill-grown apples or anything you might imagine made from apples (especially outrageously good homemade apple pies), this is the place to be. Follow the signs to the Manton School for a day of great food, live music and everything apples. It's a free community event not to be missed. The wineries will be hosting special tastings on this day as well. You won't soon forget a visit to Manton, home of Manton Volcanic Wineries and the annual Manton Apple Festival!

Wildflowers Galore in Manton

While the grass just outside Red Bluff is rapidly turning brown and the annual Round Up is over, Manton is prime time for wildflowers, particularly the deep pink western redbud which lines many roads in town. Some of the best views are on Wildcat Road near Black Butte, but my favorites are on Rock Creek Road heading east with the snow on Lassen and Brokeoff as a backdrop in the distance. Soon appearing will be the native white dogwood in the creek canyons, particularly where Ponderosa Way crosses Digger creek, and also on Forward Road near the mill pond. For those willing to get out of the car and walk through the woods, there are many natives blooming. The lavendar squaw carpet is wrapping the ground like a big Easter egg. The brilliant yellow mariposa lilies people call gold nuggets are popping up everywhere. There are many others, the names of which I have yet to learn. Just a word of caution: the first new red/green leaves of poison oak are shiny with a full dose of oil. Stay away! My clothes go directly into the washer when I get home.

I failed to mention that the apple orchards on Alfalfa Hill are in full bloom. Last Sunday I was admiring the beautiful blossums in Bob Lenkner's apple orchard and wishing he were still around to enjoy them. Bob and I were members of the Manton Volunteer Fire Department together. At that time he was a Captain, so I always called him Captain Bob even after he became Chief. Much of the credit for the new fire station is due Bob. The flag was flying at half mast when I drove by, a fitting tribute. Bob was very active in the Grange and Manton Community Church. He will be missed. As much as I enjoy the wildflowers in Manton this Spring, I am reminded by Bob's passing that what really matters to me are the wonderful residents of our little town who contribute so much to the life of the community. Farewell Captain Bob!

A White Christmas in Manton

This year Manton truly resembles a Hallmark Christmas card. The ground and the roofs of homes are white with the sparkling crystalline blanket of new snow, with more on the way. The continuing cold temps have kept the roads icy and the woods white. Time for some fresh eggnog... pass the brandy please! To all those residents who have taken the time and trouble to climb ladders and put lights along the eves: THANK YOU. The relection of the lights on the frontyard snow is breath-taking. And I also appreciate the manger scene in front of the old fire station, a reminder of the origin of Christmas and the hope brought into the world with each new baby. The holidays are a joyful time of family reunions and parties with friends. Gratitude is the state of mind and attitude of heart we renew this time of year. The winter solstice has just passed, so in these dark stormy days we can at least cling to the notion that the days are starting to get longer once again. But for now, the snow is so very welcome. We need every bit of the moisture we can get in this third drought year, so the song in my mind is "let it snow, let it snow, let it snow." All is quiet in the vineyards now, so picturesque, the endless rows of pruned vines in white winter rest. As we take time out from our busy lives to be together, let us give thanks for all our blessings and remember to do somthing for those less fortunate who really need our support this year more than ever. After all, the old saying goes "it is more blessed to give than receive." More satisfying too. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!

Fall Color "Treat"

As young "trick or treaters" fine tune their costumes, Mother Nature is already displaying her best garb. It's my favorite time of year in Manton, and as anyone who heads up in the hills now will discover, a visual treat is in store. The apple trees of Bonnie's Orchard at the corner of Forward and Graham Roads are a flurry of green and gold. The black oaks are yellowing and the roadside western redbud along Rock Creek Road are fabulous shades of red, orange, copper and maroon. Down in the cool creek bottoms the large leaf maples are lemon bright and the elusive dogwood is crimson. There's more to come. Japanese maples in my yard are deepening in color, but the flowering pear is still mostly green... just a few renegade reds showing up here and there. For the most part the vineyards are still green as well, which means the show will go on from now until Thanksgiving. It's a great time to visit Manton and tour a few of the local wine tasting rooms such as those at the Alger Vineyards or Indian Peak, both on Forward Road just uphill from the Manton School. For those who might be interested in a tour of properties available for purchase, Manton Realty is available to guide you. Contact Tom to set up an appointment at mantonland@frontiernet.net. Happy Halloween!

Flowers Marching Uphill Following Water

June is such a great month to be in Manton. Leaving Red Bluff on 36 the grass is brown and dry, almost all the way to Manton. But head east up the hill from Manton Corners on either Rock Creek Road or Forward Road and you will return to the emerald world of green. Numerous flowers line the road, one of my favorites being the pink wild peas. Last week while driving on Forward Road I noticed hundreds of yellow iris. It is spring NOW at Forwards Mill.

Up in Lassen Park it is still more like winter. The loop road through the park opened early this year, but was recently closed due to a late spring storm. It may be open again now, but if you go, take a sweater or jacket because the wind can still be biting. Eventually spring will come to the park, usually in July. The largest migratory deer herd in California follows the green grass up the hill, just as the native Americans used to do. The southern Yana tribes knew when the deer left the rapidly heating lowlands it was time to break camp and seek cooler climes higher up.

With the Governor declaring this week that California is in a drought he is only stating the obvious to those of us who have lived in the state for more than fifty years and cannot remember a drier spring. A friend who lives in San Francisco called me yesterday to ask if I knew of any property for sale in Manton which has tillable land and WATER. It is clear that we are running low on oil, food, and now water. Yikes! It's enough to make even a normal person think about becoming a survivalist.

Water is definitely a critical consideration when moving to the country. Manton is blessed to be situated in the Battle Creek Watershed, a unique water resource due to its proximity to Lassen Peak, the southern-most Cascade volcano. For whatever reason, Lassen Peak seems to get far more snow than the High Sierra. The snowmelt creates year-around springs, of which there are
at least nineteen in the Manton area. The lava tubes underlying Manton carry this cold clear water many miles from Lassen Park before they surface in areas like Bluff Springs and Eagle Canyon. Wells drilled in the Manton area can vary greatly in depth, depending on the distance from the surface to these underground water sources.

Water ditches are another water resource in Manton which is somewhat typical of the California foothills. These are diversions from area creeks such as Battle Creek (north and south forks), Digger Creek, Bailey Creek and Rock Creek. P. G. & E. has the largest ditches which you can't miss when driving around Manton. These water diversions lead to penstocks for the numerous small hydro power plants in the Battle Creek Watershed. Some diversions on local creeks have served domestic needs for decades, the largest and best known being the Boole Ditch which is sourced from Digger Creek. Our house and trout pond receive water 24/7 from this system.

In conclusion, as cool spring turns to hot summer and the wildflowers retreat up the mountain, thoughts of dependable water in this drought year become more pressing. Manton is uniquely situated in a very favorable and enviable position: an abundant water supply in both lean and fat rainfall years. Not a bad place to be! And to answer my city-slicker friend: YES, there are places currently for sale in Manton with abundant water. Call me to find out where.