Rim Rock Now

The next open house at Rim Rock Ranch will take place on Saturday, May 10 from 1:00 t o 5:00,  It will be hosted by Victoria Gindele of Hidden Valley Lake Realty.  For more information you can reach Victoria at 707-972-3030.

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1. Chaddsford Winery
Chaddsford Winery is located in the historic Brandywine Valley in southeast Pennsylvania. They sell to a wide market from New York to D.C., as well as selected nationwide restaurants.

2. Joseph Phelps Vineyards
One of Napa’s oldest postwar wineries, Joseph Phelps is known for its Rhône varietal wines and California’s pioneering Bordeaux-style wine blend, Insignia.

3. Frank Family Vineyards
The Frank Family Vineyards are one of the few Napa Valley wineries that don’t require an appointment or charge a fee. They make some of the most in-demand wines among insiders, especially its Cabernet.

4. Rudd Vineyards & Winery
This Napa Valley winery is located in Oakville, and is recognized for outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends.

5. Robert Craig
Robert Craig is a small, ultra-premium winery, renowned for hand crafting limited quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon from exceptional wine grapes in the great appellations of the Napa Valley.

6. Arrowood Vineyards
Winemaster Richard Arrowood opened Arrowood Vineyards and Winery in 1986, working with small lots of unique grape varieties like Merlot, Viognier, Pinot Blanc, and Syrah. Online orders accepted.

7. Ponzi Vineyards
Ponzi is the oldest and still one of the best wineries in Oregon. It has been regularly listed in the Wine Spectator’s “Top 100 Wines” and the Wine Advocate has recognized winemaker Dick Ponzi as one of the “Top 15 International Winemakers.”

8. Fetzer
Fetzer is America’s sixth largest producer of premium wines, and features a state-of-the-art wine and food educational center. The centre enables the wine trade, restaurateurs and consumers to share valuable knowledge about the enjoyment of wine

9. Benton-Lane Winery
Steve and Carol Girard opened Benton-Lane in 1988 with a passionate desire to produce great Pinot Noir. However, they decided their home state California was probably not the best location and looked north towards Oregon.

10. Chateau St. Michelle
Washington state’s oldest and most acclaimed winery offers award-winning wines and a tasting experience second to none at our chateau and historic grounds near Seattle. The winery combines Old World winemaking tradition with New World innovation.

11. Llano Estacado Winery
This winery has won more awards for its wine than any other winery in the state of Texas. The crisp white wines of Llano Estacado have steadily improved over the years to the point where they are considered world class by anyone’s standards.

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Your very own wine country home! A fantasy? Or a very possible dream? It’s real, it’s affordable, and its just minutes from Napa in Lake County.  Whether your dream is to plant grapes and drink your own wine, or simply enjoy the beauty of surrounding vineyards, it’s all here in Lake County at  Rim Rock Ranch. Let us count the ways:

1. Lake County — and Rim Rock — boast rich red soils, gentle slopes and perfect weather conducive to producing the highest quality grapes such as Petite Sirah, Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc. Our ideal growing conditions are bringing winemakers who say “it’s the stuff people die for.”

2. Lake County is an easy drive from the Bay Area, yet you feel like you’re worlds away. Think Tuscany or Provence. Lake County is definitely the quiet side of the wine country.

3. Land here is a good investment, a real chance to get in at the bottom and see your dream appreciate.

4. Wine tasting in Lake County is like it used to be in Napa - small, friendly, and without all the tour-buses.

5. Lake County has the cleanest air in all of California. We don’t even need to smog check our cars.

6. Lake County — and especially Rim Rock Ranch Vineyard Estates — is gorgeous country, with terrain and natural beauty very similar to Napa, because it’s just over the Napa border.

7.  Why go on an exotic vacation for breathtaking sunsets when you can watch them from your own font own porch? It’s just as stunning here. And a lot less expensive.

8.  There is no traffic. Lake County is beautifully rural. No traffic jams. No parking problems. No hassles.

9. And no crowds either, just abundant amenities and recreational activities!

10. It’s affordable. Okay, we said that. But it bears repeating. You get twice as much for your dollar in Lake County because land here costs half as much as Napa or Sonoma.

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Building a home is a huge, but manageable task. As with any big project, you will want to surround yourself with experts who can guide you through planning, design, construction and finishing. If you keep the lines of communication open and work with reputable contractors, you can achieve your dreams with minimal discomfort.

Here are a few tips to consider:

1. Build in harmony with the building site. You should know where the sun rises and sets and how high it is in the sky during different seasons. It would be unfortunate to be awakened with the sun in your eyes every morning, and then have to go outside every evening just to watch the sunset. You might also want to know the sun’s path so you can take advantage of passive solar heating and winter cooling to cut utility costs

2. Before you think of the rooms as little boxes on a plan, think of the general living spaces and where they are in relationship to each other. Early thinking should be sketched loosely, with circles representing different living areas. You can always fit in the walls and rooms as boxes later. This insures that the resulting rooms relate to each other because they were within the same living-space circles.

3. A lot of home buying decisions hinge on kitchens and bathrooms, so don’t skimp on your planning or spending in these areas. Quality materials and fixtures will return their cost of investment many times a day. Things like double sinks in the master bath, quality counter tops, and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen not only add to your appreciation on a day-to-day basis, they also help increase appreciation value if you decide to sell.

4. Plan for ample storage for off-season clothing, sporting goods, extra vehicles and sport utility vehicles, and pantries. Planning this area ahead of time is simple and economical. Adding them later can be costly and less than ideal to traffic patterns.

5. Be sure you understand the details of the plans. Your architect or contractor should be able to go over every detail of the home with you. If you’re picky about little details, ask to get clear on them before construction. It’s a simple matter to change something on the plans, but costly to change something after construction and pay the extra charges that come along with “change orders”.

6. Consider consulting a lighting designer for kitchen and work areas. They know the amount of light you will need and the best way to accomplish a good lighting plan. You’ll want to avoid a kitchen with a ceiling light in the center of the room, because whichever counter you work at, you’ll be standing in your own shadow. They can also advise you on where you can conserve with compact fluorescent lights and tiny halogens.

7. The least expensive time to protect your home from earthquakes is during construction. Check local codes and build in compliance with them. But realize that some simple connectors and sheer walls can be added as the home is built for a fraction of what it will cost afterwards.

8. Make the home reflect you and your interests. When it comes to decorating, you should have a file of pages that you have torn from design and home magazines to refer to. Don’t be afraid to tear out the pages…having a stack of magazines with dog-eared pages is a lot to lug around. When you’re ready, group the like pictures together before you have a meeting with a decorator. Organizing your thinking on something as subjective as decorating will help the overall design come together easily. And don’t forget, one picture is worth a thousand words.

9. Think Green! There are so many choices you can make in building materials, passive and active solar systems, water heating technologies, heating systems, flooring, etc. that will be good for your home and ultimately good for the earth. Watch for local home shows and specialty magazines to be up-to-date on what you’re doing to protect the environment and yourselves from poor environmental and economic choices.

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We have all heard these popular land investment myths a few times in our lives. However, just because someone repeats an idea does not necessarily make it true. Below are the 6 most common land investment myths to ignore while you are deciding on a potential purchase.

Myth: All land is the same, so why should I pay a higher price for one?

All land is not the same. In addition to residential land there are also five different grades of agricultural land. In addition to demand, the location and quality of the land are extremely important determinants of the price of a land investment. It’s essential to understand the different types of land available to make a sound investment choice.

Myth: Investing in land requires a large amount of cash

The value of land with planning permission can be up to 10 times that of land without. Obviously, purchasing prime land with planning permission is more expensive. But it can actually be good for investors if you can purchase land before it gains planning permissions. Then you can buy land when it is cheap before and wait for it to increase in value. Remember: “You don’t wait to buy land. You buy land and wait”.

Myth: Land values rise slowly

The rate that land value increases largely depends on the specific demand, however in some areas the value can rise as much as 20 – 25% per year. As with any large investment you cannot expect sudden increases and have to remember that it is a long-term investment. However, keep in mind that purchasing land far away from residential areas will almost certainly rise more slowly than prime plots of land for sale next to existing housing.

Myth: Investing in land requires specialist knowledge and skills

Like any investment there are always going to be risks. Any sensible investor will obviously try to minimize the risk they are exposed to. But having said that, there is no special technical knowledge required. You don’t need to know how to take soil samples, subdivide plots of land for sale, grade roads or be an expert in the building trade. If you need this kind of expertise, you can hire (delete “pay”) a specialist. You can find out about the investment land available in your area quickly and simply by using a land agent.

Myth: Investing is only for the extremely wealthy

While land has been part of the millionaires portfolio for thousands of year, it is no longer available to just the wealthy. With more sophisticated investments being structured, such as dedicated real estate/land funds, and the emergence of land banks, it’s possible to invest in land from as little as a few thousand dollars per purchase.

Myth: The type of land you purchase has no effect on its potential growth in value

Nothing could be further from the truth. The type of land you purchase will have a very big effect on its ultimate growth in value & potential for resale. For example, not all land is going to be suitable to residential development. If you purchase land that is of a non-residential nature there may be little scope for you to resell it to a developer. Additionally, land that is currently without planning permission can be quite valuable if it’s about to get approved for development.

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Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Sixth Annual Winemaker Dinner Series, Kelseyville
Info: 707-278-0129 or www.sawshopbistro.com

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Sons of Italy featuring: High Notes, Nice
Info: 707-274-1150.

Karaoke Night Idol Contest, Nice
Info: 707-262-4000, 800-809-3636, or www.rrrc.com.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Meet the Winemakers: T.J. and Tammy Mickel, Eden Crest Vineyards, Upper Lake
Info: 707-275-2244, or www.broughtonhospitality.com.

DJ Night, Nice
Info: 707-262-4000, 800-809-3636, or www.rrrc.com.

Friday, April 4, 2008

First Friday Fling, Lakeport
Info: 707-263-6658 or www.lakecountyartscouncil.com

Friday - Saturday, April 4 - 5, 2008

Band Night: Kool Katz, Nice
Info: 707-262-4000, 800-809-3636, or www.rrrc.com

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Fashion Festival 2008, Lower Lake
Info: 707-995-3565 or llmuseum@jps.net

Lake County’s Windows to the Universe, Kelseyville
Info: 707-262-3499 or www.taylorobservatory.org

Open Mic, Lakeport
Info: 707-263-1210.

Senior Lunch Cruise, Lucerne
Info: 707-994-5432 or www.paddlewheel.com

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Sons of Italy featuring: High Notes, Nice
Info: 707-274-1150.

Karaoke Night, Nice
Info: 707-262-4000, 800-809-3636, or www.rrrc.com.

Friday - Saturday, April 11 - 12, 2008

DJ Night, Nice
Info: 707-262-4000, 800-809-3636, or www.rrrc.com.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

No Sales Tax, Nice
Info: 707-274-9373, chriss@tuliphillwinery.com or www.tuliphillwinery.com

Wild West Shoot Out, Kelseyville
Info: 707-349-8559.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Karaoke Night, Nice
Info: 707-262-4000, 800-809-3636, or www.rrrc.com.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Concerts with Conversations, Upper Lake
Info: 707-275-2244 or info@tallmanhotel.com

DJ Night, Nice
Info: 707-262-4000, 800-809-3636, or www.rrrc.com

Friday, April 18, 2008

Some Remote and Distant Place (play), Lower Lake
Info, tickets: 707-263-4454, 707-263-6658, 707-995-3565 or www.lakecountyartscouncil.com.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Spring Wildflower Brunch, Clear Lake State Park, Kelseyville
Info: 800-525-3743 or www.heronfestival.org

Saturday-Sunday, April 26-27, 2008

Heron Festival, Clear Lake State Park, Kelseyville
Info: 800-525-3743 or www.heronfestival.com

Blue Lakes Trout Derby, Blue Lakes
Info: 707-275-2718 or www.thenarrowresort.com

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Heron Festival Continental Breakfast, Clear Lake State Park, Kelseyville
Info: 800-525-3743 or www.heronfestival.org

April 2008 Ongoing Events

Radio Controlled Car Races, Lakeport
Info: 707-483-4792 or www.lakeporthobbies.com

Guided Bird Walks at Rodman Slough, Upper Lake
Info: 707-279-0923 or www.lakecountylandtrust.org

Langtry Estate and Vineyard Tours, Middleton
Info: 707-987-2385

Wine Tasting Vineyard Tour, Clearlake Oaks
Info: 707-998-9656 or www.shannonridge.com

Lunch and Dinner Cruises, Lucerne
Info: 707-994-5432 or www.paddlewheel.com

Historic Family Ranch Day Trip: The Wildflower Tour, Clearlake Oaks
Info: 707-998-4471 or elevenrosesranch.com

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Quality wine grapes are not easy to produce and require very specific characteristics in the land they are planted in. To help out visitors who are just beginning their search, please consider these 8 tips in mind while you look at vineyard properties.

1. Know Your Grapes

The details of your ideal land will greatly depend on the type of grapes you intend to plant. Before beginning you search you should research your favorite grapes so you have know what criteria to look for.

2. Sunny Skies

To fully ripen, grapes need a sufficient amount of heat during the growing season. Wine grapes need at least 1,400 hours of annual sunlight during the growing season to ripen properly. This is also causes grapes to mature faster thus increasing the quality of the wine

3. Amount of Rain

The amount of rainfall a wine region receives has a large impact on the type and quality of the grapes and wine produced. An excessively wet summer can induce harmful mildew in a vineyard. Additionally, precipitation just before a harvest can dilute sugar levels and negatively affect on the wine.

4. Sloped Sites

Grapevines need excellent drainage to flourish. If their roots are soaked water they won’t produce good grapes and could even die. Ideally your vines should be located on a southeast to southwest facing slope so their leaves can soak up as much sunlight as possible.

5. Deep Soil

Most great wines are produced from grapes grown in deep, well drained soils. Soil depth helps determine how deep a vine’s roots can grow. Vines will not grow well in gray, shoddy subsoil.

6. Check Neighbors Foliage

Nearby trees can produce bothersome shade along with dozens of other problems. Nearby trees can also rob soil of needed moisture and may even contain wild grape vines that carry diseases and insects.

7. Size

Do not forget that you will need to construct a building on your land if you intend to produce the wine on your vineyard. Make sure the property is large enough to support both a vineyard and production facility.

8. Test Soil Nutrients

When you have narrowed your site selection, it’s a good idea to take soil samples and have them tested. This extra step will reveal the soil’s nutrient and acidity levels. Your county extension office can usually refer you to a testing facility and will make recommendations other recommendations about your soil.

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