Lake County, California, summer 2017 – Hawk and Horse Vineyards announces its annual Harvest Party, to take place on Saturday, October 7 from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at 13048 Hwy. 29 in Lower Lake (95457).
The winery will be pouring its current release wines as well as library reserve vintages, accompanied by California charcuterie of artisanal cheeses, cured meats and other delights. West Coast Falconry will be joining the event featuring red tail hawks and other birds of prey. The event will take place in a historic barn so it will take place rain or shine!
“We look forward to welcoming friends and guests to our vineyard and ranch at this exciting time of year,” says Tracey Hawkins, co-founder and winemaker. “This event is an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Red Hills appellation in a festive and delicious context. You’ll also get up close and personal with birds of prey!” she adds.
Tickets are $150/person and must be purchased in advance (from shannon@hawkandhorsevineyards.com or 707/299-0350). The event is free for Wine Society members.
Hawk and Horse Vineyards is a family-owned and family-operated vineyard and ranch practicing biodynamic viticulture on a historic property in the Red Hills AVA of Lake County, specializing in estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Latigo (port). The first release was 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon.
Current releases are 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Sua Sponte, 2013 Petite Verdot, 2013 Petite Sirah and the 2012 Latigo (port-style dessert wine).
A visit to Hawk and Horse Vineyards is a step back in time, to the white-fence-bordered pastures full of horses, a charming home-turned-tasting room with an antique Victorian bar, historic photos of the property and local memorabilia. Recently the California State Fair awarded Hawk and Horse Vineyards a Certificate of Excellence in Viticulture. David Boies, Christopher Boies, Mitch and Tracey Hawkins and the Boies Family are the proprietors of Hawk and Horse Vineyards. Mitch and Tracey farm the estate vineyard and are recognized as some of the premier biodynamic viticulturists in California.
The winery farms 18 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot. The vineyards straddle slopes from a 15% grade to 85%, at elevations up to 2,200 feet, situated in the Red Hills AVA of California.” An unusual aspect most visitors comment on is that the soil literally glitters, due to the abundance of Lake County “diamonds,” tiny silica fragments which are the remnants of volcanic activity from the Mayacama and Vaca volcanic mountain ranges and nearby Mt. Konocti, a now dormant volcano. “Our family feels that a biodynamic approach brings you a wine which is a true expression of our sense of place,” explain Tracey and Mitch Hawkins. Hawk and Horse Vineyards has been Demeter-certified since 2008 and California Certified Organic (CCOF) since 2004.
The ranch is home to a small herd of Scottish Highland cattle as well as the horses and an enormous range of wildlife—from Red Tail hawks to bees, owls, bear, wild boar, bobcats, mountain lions and squirrels. Bird-watching brings glimpses of woodpeckers, bluebirds, herons, ducks and more. The property includes a plaque documenting the historical location of El Roble Grande, the largest Valley Oak ever recorded in California.
