Up in the high country, nestled among the windswept pastures and granite peaks of Chino Valley, is a wine lover’s paradise.
Granite Creek Vineyards, a family-owned, family-operated winery, carries vintages made from organic grapes.
“The batches of wine are given extreme attention and handcrafted, so there are limited editions of great wines,” says Robin Hoult, who opened the vineyard 30 years ago with her husband, Kit.
The Hoults opened the vineyard’s wine-tasting room in 2005. For $7, visitors can sample up to six wines and snack on picnic boxes with bread, cheese and fruit.
The vineyard sits upon a piece of land homesteaded in 1911. The original home is still intact, and visitors are welcome to tour the building.
Bright blue peacocks roam the property, which is considered a prime spot for picnicking.
“We have a very unique setting relative to other wineries,” says Hoult. “We have large lawns and people like to come and make it a destination. People do love coming to our spot.”
Wine tasting room is open 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and the vineyards clientele has grown dramatically. Many of Hoult’s customers prefer Granite Creek wines because they are sulphite-free. The Hoults just released their estate Concord Wine in time for Passover and Easter.
IF YOU GO
Information: (928) 636-2003 or www.granitecreekvineyards.com
Getting there
Take state Route 89 north to Chino Valley, turn right at third stoplight onto Road 3 North. Follow to end, approximately two blocks, turn left at stop sign onto Road 1 East. The Granite Creek Vineyards sign is half a mile down the road.
