Local Wine Cruise
by Steven W Perry
When you are out and about, checking out the Almond Blossom Cruise, there are a couple of places that are worthy of a stop to celebrate one of the other great agricultural treats our region offers.
Wine tasting, locally, exists. The View, visited three amazing little gems roughly 30 minutes away. The first is the Lumberyard Cellars, (yes it was a former lumberyard) a labor of love owned and operated by the husband and wife team of Derrick and Megan Webb. The tasting room, in Escalon is a bright and vibrant, minimalist, modern country space in a sophisticated manner. Derrick, by education and experience, was already an evolved winemaker, prior to this four and a half year business, making big winery wines. His passion turned into a business that now welcomes folks Thursday through Sunday. They hand craft twenty, yes twenty wines reds, whites and rose, something for everyone including those who prefer beer, they have some of that available as well. A tasting will cost you $10 per person, and if you like a good charcuterie board, you are in luck, as they assemble wonderful meats, cheeses from Fiscalini and Stuyt and homemade sourdough crostini. They are offering a “Gallentine’s” party for women on the 13th of February and a Valentine’s special on the 14th.
Lumberyard Cellers, 1455 First St. Ste 4, Escalon, CA
209-857-6181 lumberardcellars.com also on Facebook and Instagram
Thursday 4-8, Friday 3-9, Saturday 12-9, Sunday 12-5
Just a short jump down the highway, Clark Ferrea Winery appears. After a successful run as an organic produce stand, siblings; Michael, Paul, Carol and Paul and Brian Franzia with a lifetime of wine experience made the decision to really craft some wine and naming it with their grandmothers’ maiden names, Clark and Ferrea. Opening the tasting room June 2024. The wine tasting area is modern with wood accents, beautiful lighting and comfortable seating. The skeleton barn in front, complete with patio is a great place to have a glass of wine or two and ponder the day, soak in the sun and relax while enjoying a glass of wine. The produce stand has evolved into the Zinc House where while sipping, you can walk next door, pick your own charcuterie items, walk back to the winery where they will present them beautifully on a board for your enjoyment. Tastings, as of this writing ranged $25-$35 which are applied against wine purchases. If you are looking for an interesting Valentine’s option, a very limited number of reservations will be taken for a brunch in the almond orchard on Valentine’s Day, blossoms will likely be out.
Clark Ferrea Winery 20679 CA-120 Escalon, CA 209-838-7000 clarkferrea.com
Friday-Sunday Noon-5pm
Westward bound on River Road in Ripon we found the Lucca Winery, which began in 2011 and offer, well, a really large number of wines for sale, we counted 44. The wines are largely reds and in multiple vintages to appeal to the variety of palettes. Owners Mark and Lynette Lucchesi have built a family oriented staff in a rustic style tasting room. Yes, you sit with the barrels and sit at what feels to be grandma’s table while you enjoy a flight of wine, generally 8-9 tastes for $15 which again, is deducted from any wine purchase made. If you are looking for a Valentine spot, they will be taking reservations for the day featuring live music, 2-4pm and you can reserve a charcuterie board for $20. All the wine blends are named for family members, and their brandy is named for the dog, “Gus” Gustavo.
Lucca Winery 16265 E. River Rd, Ripon 209-599-6233 luccawinery.com
Friday – Sunday Noon to 5pm, Reservations Recommended
P.S. Needless to say, ModestoView does not advocate drinking and driving. Be smart and responsible.
