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One of the unique
aspects of Heritage Oak Winery is that our customers are
always invited to enjoy this beautiful piece of land we
live on. To make this possible we have developed a
hiking trail down to a secluded beach along the
Mokelumne River where you can enjoy a quiet picnic.
Picnicking
Our guests are
invited to bring their own food or purchase the
food provided in one of our picnic bags.
Inside each of our bags is
a light meal for two, including a salami, a small block
of cheese (3 to 4 oz.), a package of crackers, an apple
and two bottles of water. The bag also comes equipped
with a table cloth, two cloth napkins, two wine glasses,
a cork screw, a paring knife and a cutting board. The
bags may be reserved in advance or simply picked up at
the tasting room, if available. The price, $15, covers
the cost of the food and use of the bag. Wine is sold
separately.
Click here to download the River Trail map (PDF)
The trail starts at
the winery. Park your car beneath the giant blue oak in
the spaces that are designated for our hiking guests.
Stop by the tasting room to let us know you will be
going for a hike, sign the
Property Use Agreement and pick up a bottle of wine. We
recommend a bottle of our crisp, fruity Sauvignon
Blanc. It is the perfect accompaniment with a light
lunch. Ask Tom for a cork screw if you didn't bring one.
From the parking lot,
follow the sign that leads you southward down a dirt
path between the vineyards. On your right are
Chardonnay vines, on your left are Sauvignon Blanc.
Our Birds
On your way across
the vineyards and all along the trail, you will pass a
number of birdhouses. These are for our friends, the
western bluebirds and the tree swallows. We invite them
to live here with us because they eat insects, which is
helpful, and because they are beautiful.
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You will also notice
a pair of larger birdhouses. These are for
barn owls. We invite them for much the same
reason as we encourage the other species. But barn
owls are special because they only eat rodents.
In a single nesting season, it is estimated that a
family of barn owls will eat 2000 mice, gophers,
shrews and moles. |
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This is a big help if
you are a farmer.
At the end of the
vineyards you approach the oak trees. Veer to the left
and follow the trail as it skirts the bluff overlooking
the river bottom.
As the trail begins
to descend down into the river bottom, it joins a gravel
road. Follow this road downward through the "Tree
Tunnel." On your left is our neighbors Petite Sirah
vineyard.
As the road begins to
flatten out, look for the sign that indicates to make a
sharp hairpin turn to the right. After making the turn,
step over the cable or go through the turnstile. Then
stay on the road as you make your way across the flood
plain to the river on the other side.
Wildlife
On your left is a
young Sauvignon Blanc vineyard. On your right is our
wildlife sanctuary. The list of animals that live here
is a long one. Some of the larger ones are mule deer,
fox, mink, skunks, raccoons, opossum, wild turkey and
coyote. To add to this list, beaver and otter are
common in the river.
When
the road makes a "T" intersection with the levee road,
go to your right, then though another turnstile. Follow
the road around a bend to the beach. There you will
find picnic tables. Feel free to wade in the water or
walk around the meadow. You are also welcome to go
fishing, but don't forget your license! |
