|
Climate: Mediterranean - Classified as a Region II. Being 30 miles from the Pacific Ocean to the west and 70 miles from San Francisco Bay to the south gives Dry Creek a climate which is cool in the early morning and evening hours and warm during the day. This climate is very similar to Bordeaux in France. Average daytime temperatures are in the mid-80s. Premier Grape: Zinfandel. Additional Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese. History and Developmental Time-line. 1849: Soon after the California gold rush of 1849 the area starts attracting early pioneers. 1855: Ten American families are settled in the valley. 1879: Georges Bloch (a French immigrant) establishes the first vineyard and confounds the first winery. 1885: Planting has grown to 54 separate vineyards totaling 883 acres, mostly Zinfandel. 1890: Nine winery’s sell out their entire production and are highly regarded. 1900: Phylloxera spreads and the threat of Probation casts doubt on the viability of the area’s wine industry. Forward looking growers plant the first phylloxera resistant rootstock. Many of there vines still exist today giving the Dry Creek Valley the largest concentration of old growth vines in the world. 1919: Over 1.5 million gallons of wine produced. 1920: Probation closes the wine industry. Only four winery’s stay in business producing wine used either for religious purposes or exported to Canada. 1933: Probation ends, but only two winery’s are left in business. 1937: Eight winery’s are in operation producing 1/2 million gallons of wine. 1940’s: World War II impacts the local wine industry reducing the number of local winery’s to three. 1970’s: Revival begins doubling production in nine years. Strong growth in the number of new vines planted and many new winery’s are started. 1983: Area receives in own American Viticulture designation: The Dry Creek Valley. 2001: Acknowledged as one of the world’s finest regions for Zinfandel. Winery’s increase to 34. |
|
Dry Creek Overview: |
|
Appellation Summary & Developmental Time-line: Dry Creek Valley |
|
The best keep secrete in the wine country. This beautiful valley is uncrowded and unhurried. It is reminiscent of the Napa Valley of 25 years ago. The climate is just right for producing “world class” Zinfandels. We typically visit 6 to 7 family owned winery’s. On weekends we have a personal tour by a winemaker and taste next year’s vintage from the barrel in the cellar. It’s great ! |
|
Designed an American Viticulture Area (AVA) in 1983. Total size: 80, 000 acres, 16 miles long and 2 miles wide. Total acres in vines: 5,500. Total number of winery’s: 34 - Most are small family owned winery’s. |
|
Tour Cost: $74.95 each for 2 people. |
|
All winery tasting fees are included. Pick-ups in Sonoma or Napa included. Pick-ups in San Francisco are an additional $29.95 (per person). |
|
A optional picnic lunch is available. |
|
Departures: 10 am (8:30 am for SF) |
|
Returning: Around 4 to 5 pm (5:30 pm for SF). |
|
We customize the winery’s we visit each tour to meet the expectations of our guests. Don’t see one you want to visit, just ask. |
|
You will travel in a new Ford Mark III executive van with a 12” raised roof, big picture windows, individual bucket seats, and dual air. |
|
We Go Where The Big Buses And Long Limos Can’t. |
|
Wine-Country Tours Napa Valley & Sonoma, California, USA |
|
Dry Creek Valley Tours |
|
ADVERTISING |
|
Wine-Country Tours Email: service@wine-country-tours.com |
|