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French Hill Winery overlooks the authentic Gold Rush town of Mokelumne Hill, just off Highway 49. The winery is named for the French fur trappers who roamed the nearby hillsides in the days before the gold boom. Back in its heyday, the frisky Mother Lode settlement saw plenty of revelry and heck raising, and there’s still a hot time in the old town to be had, particularly at the infamously haunted Hotel Leger, where carefree weekenders can enjoy lively music and dining. Numerous claims have been made, alleging the old hotel is home to a few mischievous “residents.” Among other mysterious happenings, reports of strange noises and swaying rocking chairs have lured curious visitors to investigate the place for themselves, so don’t dare miss a visit to the Leger. Still, you don’t have to be a French trapper to twist a bottleneck or pop a cork to snare a few bottles of French Hill’s foxy spirits.
Wine explorers, the next time you saddle up in search of new wine tasting frontiers, gallop on over to Clarksburg. French Hill has headed downstream with their latest release: a second tasting room inside the Old Sugar Mill, located in Clarksburg’s budding wine region, along the shores of the Sacramento River. Owner/winemaker Rod Ruthel has been busy filling the spacious new tasting room with his delectable wines, tasteful art and giftware. Adventurous tasters are discovering the awesome sight of the Sacramento Delta’s newest wine destination spot. It’s hard to believe you’re only 15 minutes from Sacramento, as you wind your way along Highway 160. Then, appearing out of nowhere as an Emerald City wine oasis, the spectacular Old Sugar Mill comes into sight. The historic monolith is quite a wonder to behold. Built in 1934, the former sugar beet processing plant operated until 1993, when it was abandoned and later sold. The ten million dollar renovation is underway to restore the structure to its original 1930’s grandeur, including some necessary modernizing. The industrial compound has indoor and outdoor pavilions for special events, as well as two buildings that have been redesigned to house micro wineries, revolving art exhibits, and a delightful gift shop featuring a variety of crafts and collectables. Light-filled and inviting, the cavernous corridor currently showcases four tasting rooms. Joining French Hill in taking the inaugural jump into the project are Clarksburg vintners Carvalho Family Wines, Todd Taylor, and Heringer Estates, each offering their own unique wine making style and personality. |
Future plans include the addition of a café and restaurant, as well as more wineries, a plus for wine folks everywhere. “With a population of close to 2 ½ million people, statistically there should be 100,000 serious wine drinkers down here,” Ruthel estimates, referring to the greater Sacramento area. With that in mind, expect to see a few more French Hill wine barrels rolling toward Clarksburg from Calaveras County. Ruthel took his first sip of the Sierras back in 1973. “I was taking a nature photography class at San Jose State, and I took a field trip to Big Trees. I fell in love with Calaveras County at that time,” he recalls. Launching a lucrative career in graphic design, the artist has produced over 350 wine labels in 27 years. And, in special honor of French Hill’s beloved winery dog, Tally, who recently passed on, Ruthel, is crafting a special label just for her. Describing the elegant style of his wines, Rod says, “They’re like a pretty woman who dresses and speaks well – really attractive.” For your swirling pleasure, let your taste buds be seduced by the winery’s award winning 2004 wines in Mokelumne Hill, while Clarksburg showcases the alluring 2005 collection. While French Hill offers more than twenty wines for tasting, here are the highlights of just a few intriguing selections you won’t want to miss: *Barbera – French Hill’s favorite grape, brimming with black cherries and creamy French vanilla. The winery has had six straight years of gold medal winning barbera – the only winery in the world to make that claim. Their stylish ’02 Barbera was rated 92 by Wine Enthusiast magazine. *Pinotage – Sophisticated berry flavors and a double gold winner at Amador County Fair. Sheer elegance, this should be paired with a side of Sophia Loren or Cary Grant. *Cabernet Franc – Full-bodied, with silky chocolate nuances and nice legs. *Confusion – Rod and his assistant winemaker Denny Norman discovered their sophisticated blend of Tempranillo and Malbec while on a fishing trip to Mexico and named it after their distinctive wine making style. *Petit Verdot – cult fans clamor for French Hill’s unique artistry in crafting this varietal that is typically used for blending. Rich flavors of French vanilla and blueberries abound.
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Are the cool breezes of the Sacramento Delta beckoning you? Then grab Sophia or Cary and sail on over to Clarksburg’s Old Sugar Mill, where a delicious variety of fine wines, fun, and relaxation await. Be sure and visit all four wineries, then take a stroll around the complex and enjoy the beauty of the grounds and architecture, all surrounded by Delta wildlife. Or, perhaps you’re feeling a little spirited! In that case, head on up to Mokelumne Hill, where Rod and his crew invite you to sample their award winning assortment of wines, and browse the eclectic selection of gift items and unique jewelry. Pair up your visit with a stop at the Hotel Leger, where you never know what might happen!
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Whichever direction you choose, you’re sure to discover liquid gold and catch a fox or two. As Rod Ruthel, the wine wizard says, “At French Hill, there’s a wine for everyone,” and I don’t doubt it for a minute. Just smack your ruby red sippers together and poof! Either way, you’re not in Kansas anymore. |
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French Hill Tasting Rooms
Old Sugar Mill is located at 35265 Willow Ave. in Clarksburg, CA, just off Highway 160.
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Mokekumne Hill Tasting Room
is located at 8032 S. Main St. Mokeumne Hill, CA
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