CLEARLAKE OAKS – Shannon Ridge Winery in Lake County has launched the new “Wrangler Tour,” an experience that goes beyond the typical tasting room visit and allows visitors to tour the unique terrain that makes up Shannon Ridge and the High Valley AVA.

The tour includes a tasting of the Shannon Ridge wines along the way. Guests will ride in a rugged four wheel drive vehicle during the tour.

The first stop on the tour is Mount Konocti Station, which offers stunning views of Mount Konocti, an extinct volcano, and Clear Lake, the largest freshwater lake in California. Guests will enjoy a tasting of the Shannon Ridge Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier.

The tour then continues to La Sierra Station, which presents a panoramic view of Clear Lake and the surrounding mountains. A brief walk among the vines familiarizes guests with the Shannon Ridge grapes as they enjoy some of the award winning Shannon Ridge red varietals. The final stop on the tour is Valley Station, a picturesque setting where guests can relax and enjoy the views and the wines.

The Wrangler Tour is offered Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. for $25 per person. Additionally, the tour and a picnic lunch are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. for $40 per person.

In 1995, Clay and Margarita Shannon purchased a mountain property in the High Valley appellation in Lake County. They began planting vineyards along the steep volcanic ridges and now have 350 acres of prime vineyards on the ranch.

Shannon Ridge released its first wines, made by winemaker Robert Pepi, in 2004. The winery currently makes Cabernet Sauvignon (High Valley), Syrah (High Valley), Zinfandel (Lake County), Petite Sirah (Lake County), Barbera (High Valley), Sauvignon Blanc (Lake County) and Viognier (Lake County).

All tours depart from and return to the Shannon Ridge tasting room, an old one-room school house located at 12599 East Highway 20 in Clearlake Oaks. Reservations can be made by calling 998-9656.

For more information about Shannon Ridge and its unique wines, visit www.shannonridge.com.

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