Digging for nectar at Miner’s Leap!

So like many things in life, we found it by accident. On the way to Bogle we passed a very appealing-looking winery with signs that read: “Wine Tasting”, “Today” and “Open”. That’s all it took for us to turn the car around and make a detour from our original plans. Although we did manage to make it to Bogle before they closed, our first experience at Miner’s Leap was an all around pleasant – dare I even say inspiring – one.

From Mandy’s energy and friendliness to lazy rescue dog Lilly, from luscious red wines to well-stocked beer refrigerator, and from scenic grounds to getting to know Stefani, in total it was more than we bargained for… but in a ‘more is more (and better)’ kind of way.

Sipping wines just outside the 111-year-old barn with views of Yolo County’s agricultural landscape, Tom and I enjoyed hearing about Mandy’s adventurous life-shift from Cabo San Lucas to Clarksburg. A bit later lounging on the well-manicured patio overlooking the event grounds, we sipped a cool brew in the warm autumn sun and contemplated risk and worth in life.

Only getting tidbits of the colorful stories – the winery owners, their staff and animals included – their immense zest for life shows in their presence, their openness, and their wines alike. Making the very best of what they have to work with and being willing to risk it all, if necessary, in order to live to the fullest… Well, it’s not an easy way to go about it day to day, but it’s certainly a courageous and admirable one. And if a Miner’s Leap is one of faith – equipped with some preparedness and a love for both the experience and effect – I think that’s a mighty fine way to find and define success.

Miner’s Leap Winery
54250 S. River Rd., Clarksburg
916.641.7944, www.MinersLeap.com

Bogle Winery

Why?
Clem’s a real nice (and talented) guy.
Bogle is beautiful, the staff is friendly, and their wine is both affordable and yummy.
It’s a great start to a holiday weekend.
It’s a great ending to the summer months.
It’s a beautiful drive.
Wine, women and song.
You can sit on a wagon.
The vineyards are breathtaking.
You can re-stock the wine rack/closet/cellar.
Didn’t you hear me say it was free?!

37783 County Road 144, Clarksburg – just 15 minutes from town, www.boglewinery.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Music-by-Clemon-Charles/142906232414428

Early Summer Fun

From Farm to You~
Announcing New Farmers’ Markets Locations:
1)Beautiful east end State Capitol Park, 15th & L Streets, every Thursday, 10AM to 1:30PM
2)St. Rose of Lima Park, 7th & K Street, every Friday, 10AM to 1:30PM (street or mall parking, light rail)
www.ca-grown.com

Portuguese Partay~
Come One, Come All for a Parade, Mass, Auction, Eats, Live Music & Fresh Air! The Freeport/Clarksburg Portuguese Festa will be held Sunday, June 19th at 54113 S. River Rd. 916-373-9942

100 Years of Making a Difference~
Stop to once again celebrate your rights at the Sacramento History Museum with the unveiling of the ‘We Won the Vote’ exhibit on June 16th. 916-808-7059, www.historicoldsac.org

Ye Olde Sugar Mill is a sublime wine tasting spot with several tasting rooms in one historic building. But I’m not here to talk about the wine (this time). It’s the getting hitched in a fabulous location that’s permeating my personal airwaves.

Our very own ‘Nick on the Town’ recently tied the knot at the Old Sugar Mill just outside of Clarksburg and only 15 minutes from Downtown Sac. And even though it was cold and drizzly outside, inside was all about romance, with soft lighting and magical ambiance ~ worth reciting some vows for.

Planning on only doing it once in a lifetime? No problem. There’s always the wine tasting!

Happy Nuptuals, Nick & Amber~

www.OldSugarMill.com