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Style Magazine

Clarksburg

Jan 31, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

Down Interstate 5, and across the “green bridge” to Highway 160, you’ll find Clarksburg, a tiny, tranquil town with a population of 1,400. The town fronts the languid, murky Sacramento River in true delta-town style. Clarksburg was settled in the mid-1800s as an agricultural community, and today, is known for its grape production. Golden-green grape vines and rows of spectacular vineyards dot the highway to the west, and the docile river, including boats and waterfowl, borders the west.

A wine-lover’s dream, Bogle Vineyards might be the most well known winery in the area. Owned by the Bogle family since the 1800s, the 1,000-acre farm originally produced tomatoes and corn. The first grapes were planted in 1968, and picturesque chardonnay grapes are abundant on the property, beckoning visitors to pack a picnic basket and set a spell at outdoor tables with maximum views. The tasting room is a perfect place to sample the especially tasty 2006 Ghosts du Roam, a red and fruity blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre. Of course, any wine in the tasting room is sure to please. Don’t miss the 11th Annual Petite Sirah Port Weekend,?February 14-15, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For multiple grape-filled offerings, stop at the historic Old Sugar Mill. The mill, which processed sugar beets in the 30s, is home to wine-tasting rooms, representing five unique wineries, including Carvalho Family Wines,?Heringer Estates,?Todd Taylor Wines, Solomon Wine Company, and?Revolution Wines. Step inside the cavernous red-brick building and you will quickly find that each tasting room has a unique, charming ambiance. Heringer Estates, lined with skyscraper-like rows of barrels filled to the brim with both robust and delicate wines, is worth a visit.

When you’ve worked up an appetite, Husick’s Country Store is the perfect stop. The building, here since the 1800s, now houses the purveyor of fine wines, gifts, and most recently, homemade, mouth-watering cuisine. The Pump House Sandwich – slow roasted turkey and provolone on handcrafted bread with homemade cranberry and orange relish – is popular, as are the many additional lunchtime offerings. Husick’s also makes specialty coffees and other beverages, and hosts wine tastings on third Saturdays, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Schumacher Ceramics and Gallery is a must-see. Schumacher, who creates his one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces in a studio beneath his gallery, works and shows his art in a historical building that originally housed Husick’s Hardware. He specializes in handmade sinks and custom tiles, and showcases works of 20 or so potters and artists throughout the area. Schumacher’s work can be seen throughout Sacramento. He created the base for the famed guitar outside Sacramento’s Hard Rock Café, a fountain at the State Capitol’s Rose Garden and other public works. Items like dishware, bowls, sculpture and more line the gallery’s shelves.

So, if you're in the mood for a little wine sipping, a little shopping and some great sight-seeing, Clarksburg is a great destination off the beaten path.

For more info on Clarksburg be sure to pick up this month's copy of FoothillStyle. Check out the Distribution tab on this Web site for some of our newsstand locations. Or, to order a copy of this issue, please email  [email protected], or call 916-988-9888.