Spring wildflowers at nearby Shell Creek Road.
What's New at Rock Basin Vineyards
~ Spring, 2010 ~
Spring has arrived with an abundance of wildflowers thanks to the plentiful winter and spring rains. As I write this new column, there is yet another rain storm brewing in the Gulf of Alaska and looking like it's got the potential to bring us another 1/2 to 1 inch or more of the wet stuff. The vines are loving all the moisture and so am I!
One of the benefits of all this rain is a full irrigation pond. There will be plenty of stored free runoff water this season to keep the soil moisture profile full. The hills and fields are so green it almost hurts to look at them and the wildflowers are popping up everywhere. April and early May will be the optimum viewing time for our Persian carpets of flowers. The creeks are running full, Santa Margarita Lake is full again, water is running out of the rocks and the frog orchestra is in full swing every night at dusk.
Although our booking were down this summer, no doubt due to the world wide economic slow down, things are beginning to pick up in 2010 with many calls about weddings. We recently hosted a large family reunion and several smaller family groups on weekend getaways. Visitors from Italy, Canada, Florida, California and New York have made the trek to our doors and have enjoyed the wines, restaurant and music in nearby Santa Margarita. Horseback riding and fishing at Santa Margarita Lake Park are another reason folks are booking their stays at Rock Basin Vineyards & Guest Homes.
Ancient Peaks Vineyards opened their doors in Santa Margarita three years ago. Their 2006 Zinfandel has scored in the 90's with Wine Spectator and their tasting room is roomy, bright and cheerful. They are offering ten wines for tastings with a fee of $5.00 for tastes of five wines. Rock Basin guest interested in trying Ancient Peaks wines can receive a complimentary card for a free tasting for two guests. Don't forget to ask "B" for the card before you go to the tasting room.
Pozo Valley Vineyards has their tasting room in Santa Margarita, too. There is no fee to try their wines, which are good examples of the varietals they grow on their ranch in Pozo Valley. This is a small family run operations with daughter, Michelle running the tasting room Friday - Sunday. Son Joey is the wine maker and manages the vineyard's daily operation. Located inside Bonnie's Kitchen & Catering, the winery is a good place to start your tasting experience while having Bonnie & staff pack your picnic lunch. Talk about one stop shopping!
The Guest House has enjoyed visitors from Idaho, Florida, Colorado, Arizona, Minnesota, Nevada, California, Texas, New Mexico, Alaska, North & South Carolina, New Hampshire, Pennsylania, Hawaii, Canada, Ireland, England, Italy and Germany. All have said the pictures on the website don't do the homes justice; the homes are more spacious and better equipped than exected. We hope you will visit us soon and see for yourself why so many of our guests book a return visit before they leave.
Til next time,
Berenice, aka: 'B' & Bernie aka: Mom
Proud members of: Central Coast Vineyard Team & San Luis Yacht Club.
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(805) 438-3590 | Email: rbvinyds@wildblue.net
4670 & 4680 Las Pilitas Road, Santa Margarita, CA
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