Farms of Tuolumne County
Whether you’re planning a trip to Tuolumne County or if you call this great place home, it’s time to get ready for a real treat! We’re excited to announce a new Agri-Tourism option for our Sierra Foothill region:
Gianelli Vineyards’ presents its Jamestown Tasting Room with a big Grand Opening on August 29th! What a treat! With the blessing of vintners Ron and Lorie Gianelli, renowned winemaker Chuck Hovey has brought together a sumptuous array of delicious wines. I tasted GV’s Verdelho, a delicate white which took “Bronze” at the 2009 CA State Fair, and a spectacular Cabernet ( Best of Show at the 2009 Tuolumne County Fair) on our 2nd Farms of Tuolumne County Farm Tour Day. Then there was the Fiano and the Nino! Every one...Yum! with a satisfying finish.
After you’ve enjoyed a taste of their fare and purchased a bottle or two for your wine rack, take a leisurely drive on Tuolumne County’s Algerine Road to see their amazing 53-acre vineyard. Although the vineyard is not open for public tours (except by special arrangement), you won’t regret one ounce of the gasoline you’ll use to take in its pastoral grace. (Just be sure you did not “taste too much to drive.”) From Jimtown, take Seco St. southbound. Soon you’ll merge onto Algerine Road and you’ll find yourself on one of our most lovely country roads. The vistas of ranches, mountains and rolling oaks will soothe and restore, a restful trip into our beautiful country.
At Stent Road you can wave “Howdy” to our FOTC friends at McRae Ranch (sheep & cattle). Then keep going south, winding your way through picturesque scenes. At last you’ll come to a wide expanse of vineyard, lovingly planted to capture our golden California sun: Gianelli Vineyards. My first glimpse of this amazing endeavor literally knocked me over! I had no idea that this land had been cut with a plow. When I saw those tender new vines, I began a vigil to see what would happen. “Who are these guys?” I kept asking.
Three years after my first glimpse, this new vineyard and its winery are a huge boon to Tuolumne County’s agricultural community. Get your cameras ready! No matter what the weather, GV is truly awesome with its rolling rows of lovingly planted wine grapes, all glowing in radiant sunlight or shaded by majestic Sierra clouds. Take time to just soak in its restful beauty. You’ll learn more below*.
And don’t worry, we’ll get you back on our main roads...it’s easy. For the short route to Sonora, continue south until you come to Red Earth Farm, another FOTC member. Turn left onto Lime Kiln Rd., then just keep trucking for about 5 miles. Soon you’ll be at Hwy 108 and a gateway to Sonora, home of our delightful Sonora Farmers’ Market, great restaurants that feature local products, all kinds of fun shops and rich Mother Lode history! Sonora is The Gem of the Southern Mines. The Diamondback Grill, a favorite Sonora eatery, is now pouring a selection of Gianelli Vineyards’ wines.
Or for the longer scenic route, keep going south. You’ll be charmed by these twisting mountain roads through ranches, past old homesteads. When you arrive at Ward’s Ferry Rd., you have lots of options! Call ahead for a visit to Rancho Torales/ Sonora Gold Olive and Lavender Ranch, an FOTC member with award-winning olive oils, lavender products and an elegant country estate. Or you can head back to “civilization” by hanging a left. In 5 miles, through more countryside with a glimpse of historic Morgan Chapel, you’ll be on Tuolumne Road. Then go left to Sonora, or go right to Tuolumne City and Black Oak Casino.
*The story of Gianelli Vineyards is one of rich tradition, deep roots in local history and lore and absolute love. The Gianelli Ranch was first purchased by vintner Ron’s ancestor Giovani Rocca in the 1800’s. Here’s a tease from GV’s website:
In Giovani’s day his property was the site for a working cattle ranch, gold mining camp, and was a major stagecoach stop for supplies coming into Jamestown. Giovani was quite a character, and was even reported to give food and aid to the infamous Joaquin Murrieta when he’d pass through town.
Loved and tended for generations, the property finally passed into the hands and care of Ron and Lorie Gianelli. In 1980 Ron purchased the land from his great aunt Edna Collard. And so the modern-day dreams began! And lucky for all of us, Ron Gianelli had maintained strong ties with his family in Italy. After traveling back and forth, Ron and Lorie finally realized that their dream was to bring the land into a true Italian tradition—Winemaking and vineyard stewardship!
With soil samples and a faith that their California home would readily echo the environments of Tuscany, the Gianellis began to strengthen their commitment to bring the Jamestown ranch, first brought into the family by that colorful character Giovani, into its full bloom as a “mirror of Tuscany.”
If you miss the Grand Opening (I’m going!) you need to put G.V.’s Tasting Room at the top of your What To Do for Fun in Tuol Co List! For the full and amazing story of Gianelli Vineyards, take a visit to their excellent website, or stop by for a chat at the new Tasting Room. No matter what, be sure to taste and enjoy their delicious wines. Located at 18263 Main St., Jamestown, CA, you’ll agree that we’re all lucky to have this incredible new addition to our tables—The wines of Gianelli Vineyards!
Written by storyteller & Farm Fan B.Z. Smith
B.Z. is an Associate Member of Farms of Tuolumne County, helping to support small family farms in our Sierra Foothill community. Become an Associate Member Today—Be an Advocate for California’s Agricultural Heritage, right here in Tuolumne County!
Next Month: Tuolumne County Apple Growers!