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1. Best of Amador & Plymouth Wine Country 2. Napa Valley Wine Tasting- Silverado Trail 3. Sonoma County Wine Tasting 4. Sierra Gold Country - Mine Tour 5. John Muir Woods - Redwoods 6. Grass Valley-Nevada City Gold 7. Best of Yosemite Valley 1. Best of Amador & Plymouth Wine Country More than 150 years ago, the discovery of gold (1848) in California drew pioneers and adventures from around the world to the California Gold Country in the Sierra Nevada foothills to find their fortunes. Not many years later, wine making pioneers started planting vines (Old Vine Zin). This tour includes the best of many wine and gold country activities. We begin with a relaxing drive to the charming historic town of Sutter Creek to revel in the turn of the century charm and architecture of the "Jewel of The Mother Lode". We saddle up to a wine bar comfortable salon for a handful of wines to taste from two of the most popular wineries in Amador County. We'll take a ½ hour walk of this friendly and laid back wine region that has been long known for its Old Vine Zinfandel. Taste award-winning wines and tasting from Montevina, Sobon Estate and many more. We'll be able to view the working sections of a winery after a relaxing picnic lunch on a spacious redwood deck with a stunning valley view. This is one of the most impressive stops we make in the wine country. Several options to add to this tour: National Natural Monument Cavern Established as a National Natural Landmark in 1976, this stunning cavern with its spectacular foot-long crystal formations, huge rooms and deep lakes is a must see for cavern enthusiasts. The Colossal Room is 100 feet across and 150 feet deep with giant rock bridges lodged high above deep, dark lakes. The Landmark Room is famous for its massive arrays of twisting, looping helictite crystals. The giant Hall of Arches is a complex maze of marble arches which span wall to wall over and under each other. This tour consists of a descent of about 60 feet, down five flights of stairs into the large Colossal Chamber. Well-lit stalactites, stalagmites, long helictites, draperies, flowstones, columns and giant keystone bridges lodged high in the walls can be seen. Visitors also view the clear mysterious lakes one hundred feet below, while learning about the rich history and geology of this spectacular landmark cavern as well as the surrounding countryside. Cross a bridge above an 80-foot drop to the lake below and experience the most spectacular arrays of helictite crystals in the known cave system. Other natural wonders can be seen, like the crystalline flowstone which emerges in a wave from a hole in the ceiling. Add $13.00/adult. Open 365 days a year. Sutter Gold Mine What could be better in California's Gold Country than an underground mining exploration in a real gold mine? That's just what you'll find when you visit Gold Mine Tours in Amador County! The 1 hour Family Tour is a great lesson on gold mining from the earliest days to the present time. This real mine experience begins with gearing up in hard-hats and tagging in, then stepping aboard the Boss Buggy Shuttle for a historic journey deep underground. Learn about Gold Country geology and mining technology as you traverse beneath thousands of tons of native rock, viewing mining equipment from the smallest drills to the massive 15-yard haul truck. See beautiful crystals and learn how to distinguish between real gold deposits and pyrite ("Fools Gold") in the quartz of the Comet Vein. Add $16/adult. Open 365 days a year. Amador Gold Mine The Amador Mine, famous for being one of the deepest gold mines in the world (at 5912 feet), demonstrates how gold changed an entire way of life in California. Although gold was known to be present and was mined by the Spanish and Mexicans, the California Gold Rush did not begin until after James Marshall's discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848. Between 1848 and 1858, California exploded from being a largely unpopulated agrarian state into a vital, fast growing and exciting part of the United States. Prospected in 1860, reorganized in 1886 and continuously run until 1942, the Kennedy Gold Mine produced approximately $34,280,000 in gold. One of the tallest head frames in existence today and also has one of the largest stamp mills in the Mother Lode, moving tailings by means of huge wooden wheels, some of which are still standing. Add $10/adult. Open Mar-Oct: Sat, Sun & Holidays. Groups available 365 days a year. Trip Details:
2. Napa Valley Wine Tasting - Silverado Trail The Napa Valley region is hands down the "Crown Jewel" of Northern California's wine country. This would still be true if this region did not produce some of the world's best wines due to its stunning natural beauty. This region is blessed by the cool fog that rolls in from San Pablo Bay on its southern side and warmer weather on the northern side near Mt St Helena. Due to the 10-12 degree difference in weather temperatures, this region produces many diverse varietals to please any connoisseur. This valley is dotted with amazing turn of the century chateau-like wineries that are built from stones from this rocky terrain. All this is surrounded by the grace of world-renowned vineyards. We will stop for a bit of bubbly in the Carneros Region at the most impressive European chateau Domain Carneros. We get to experience all this from the leisurely pace from our vehicle on the eastern side of the valley along the Silverado trail with our first stop at Signorello and then on to Clos Du Val Winery with its fine redwood tasting room. A quick drive through the tree lined back roads leads us to the vast Trefethen Vineyards. The entrance driveway of this large estate is so impressively long; it was used as a private airstrip for Mr. Trefethen back in the day. The Dry Riesling here is incredible as are many of the older aged (1990-1995) reds they serve here for tasting. After having lunch, take an optional stop at the Laird Family Estate where you can experience fine Chardonnay in one of the newest contemporary style destinations in the valley. Finally, we'll make our way back to Monticello Cellars for our last stop before returning to Sacramento. Trip Details:
3. Sonoma County Wine Tasting This piedmont country, that is located between the ocean and Sierra Nevada mountain range to the west, divides its terrain between vineyards, ranches, and dense forests. Sonoma is blessed with exactly the right combination of sun, soil, seasonal moisture and geography for producing wine grapes of exceptional quality. Viansa Winery and Italian Marketplace will be our first stop. With its hilltop perch overlooking restored wetlands and the valley beyond; a strong Italian aurora is felt. Relax while enjoying free samples of gourmet sauces, award winning wines, and sparkling wines. A short drive up the HWY lands us at Gloria Ferrerer Champagne Cave where we'll sample award-winning sparkling wines and Pinot Noir. Either tour this facility or just sit back and take in the view from their vista terrace. The Spanish-style town of Sonoma boasts the plaza where a picnic lunch in the shady park is next. You'll have the opportunity to shop or just stroll through California's largest plaza offering a playground, duck pond, open-air-theatre, and rose garden. Don't miss the world-renowned Sonoma Mission on the Plaza. Our walk through the plaza puts us at the Sebastian tasting room. Our final stop is at the modest Ravenswood. This small winery sits atop a small knoll with a stunning view of a nearby valley. This is an ideal place to shop for gifts and wine accessories while enjoying fine varietals. A quick ride will have us back in San Francisco! Trip Details:
4. Sierra Gold Country - Mine Tour
5. John Muir Woods - Redwoods
6. Grass Valley-Nevada City Gold
7. Best of Yosemite Valley
Contact us for details. "John faciliated us enjoying & seeing SF & Napa in a professional; but very personal way." Julia Clarke, Wine Enthusiast, Schrewsbury, England "The wild places are where we began. When they end, so do we." -David Brower |
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