We're back with Nancy and Barb at California's Gold Country wineries. "As you recall, Barb and I joined Merle the weekend of Oct 3rd to the Amador and Calaveras Counties. Remember, we did grape stomping, zip lining, Sutter and Kennedy Mines, and vineyard tours. With such a quantity of activities to attend Merle just could not possible finish her itinerary. Our main focus is to bring to you the endless possibilities of wineries and wine tasting rooms in Murphys.
On Fri, October 30th we visited Ironstone Vineyards a 4th generation of family growers. Ironstone is located in the Sierra Foothills of Murphys, CA. Our intention is to make people aware of the absolute beauty of the Sierra Foothills that many people are not aware of, as well as having some great wines.
Conrad greeted us when we arrived. Since Ironstone has a deli within their walls we took the opportunity to have lunch, sit with Conrad shoot the breeze.
After lunch the grand tour began. To be honest, when we arrived we really underestimated this place. Even if you are not a wine drinker you can still come here and find something of interest as Ironstone Vineyards has a seven story building. Ground level to the parking area is the tasting room where you will find an antique 36 foot long Saloon bar from A.J. Bumps Saloon. Look behind you and a massive fireplace will devour you. In total this mostly limestone fireplace is 42 feet tall, 16 feet wide, and 13 feet deep. One rock alone weighs 3,500 lbs. Do not attempt to put one in your luggage!
We left the tasting room and Conrad led us outside to the building that comprises the Heritage Museum and jewelry shop. You can view artifacts from the gold rush era, pony express items, fossils, and the most impressive feature is the 44 pound crystalline gold leaf specimen that was uncovered not too far from this area.
On our way out we bumped into Buddy, one of the most favorite felines on the premises. Our tour began leading us outside to the parking lot and down a hill to show us the mining artifacts. In this area they have what resembles a miners shack, a large water wheel, a palace to pan for gold, hydraulic mining equipment and a few other mining tools.
As we left this area Conrad led us under a covering of which during the Spring comes alive with purple and white wisteria. Following this covering led us to the underground wine caverns. There are 68 massive tanks and 300 wooden barrels in the wine cavern. We were very lucky to enter the cave as it was closed for a couple of days to allow the CO2 to be released.
Our tour was not over just yet! Conrad led us outside along the gravel road to view the outdoor facilities. We walked by a pond and landscaped gardens, a large grassy area which accommodates the outdoor amphitheater.
Just recently their 2009 concert series included Alan Jackson, Chris Isaak, and Crosby, Stills & Nash to name just a few performers. As an example, 7,000 people attended this area on July 4th. Depending on how much you want to spend and how close you want to sit there are four sections. To give you an idea you can choose to sit in rows 1-5 with a price includes a 4-course meal with wine pairing. The other three options are available including just general admission where you bring your own chairs and blankets.
I thought that the tour was over but nooooo! We entered the conference/dining area. Another impressive antique is the Robert Morton Theatre Pipe Organ. This organ was located originally in Sacramento at the famed Alhambra Theatre until the 1960's. There were these great chandeliers located throughout the tasting room. Talk about atmosphere!
The day we visited we were told that this dining room sold out with 200 seats to view the silent version movie "Phantom of the Opera". The pipe organ was going to be used this evening and we were serenaded to the impressive music of the organ playing a Glen Miller tune. Barb replied, 'I would of never imagined enjoying watching shutters open and close!'
Perhaps we can come back when Executive Chef James Lehman and prestigious guest chefs are conducting a cooking demonstrations or a class on wine pairing. They have a Culinary Center that has a whole lot of private and public events throughout the year. Check out their event calendar.
This wrapped up our tour of Ironstone which led us upstairs again to the tasting room. Some of the wines you can taste are Old Vine Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauv, and Syrah.
Did I forget to tell you that Ironstone Vineyards is the 23rd largest winery in the country? It is among the top 10 family owned grape growers. As for other activies Other activities, there was the Classic Car event during the first week of Sept. And for all of you nature lovers, such as Barb and I, there are Audubon Bird walks and hiking through one of their nature trails at their extraordinary property.
Oh yeah, their website is www.ironstonevineyards.com "
Photos by Nancy Kozicki, Tech by Barbara Coletta
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