Moab Happenings August 2011

www.moabhappenings.comCastle Creek WineryCastle Creek Winery is located 14 miles from Moabup the Colorado River on scenic Hwy 128. Situatedoverlooking one of the best river’s white water rapids, atthe foot of dramatic red rock cliffs, it’s a classic, ruggedWestern landscape. The winery sits on a historic workingranch; Red Cliffs Adventure Lodge.While there are no recognized viticultural areas inUtah, many people are surprised and delighted to discoverthat Utah is wine country and the industry has been steadilygrowing for over thirty years. The geographic area of Moabis unique and imparts a special regional flavor.Castle Creek Winery has seen tremendous growth fora little over a decade. Since they bottled their first wine,Castle Creek Winery has been committed to a simple andfocused philosophy. Produce competitively priced worldclass wines using high desert grown grapes that are foodand consumer friendly. Upon tasting the wines it’s clearwhy Castle Creek Winery has once again won Best of Statein the in the Brewery/Winery categoryThe history of wineries in Utah began based onsuccessful test plantings in the 1970s. Not surprisingly,the climate in the Moab area is quite hot during summer,but most growing areas are above 4,000 feet, offeringWINERY HAPPENINGScool nights. Moab’s dry climate and sandy loam soilare optimum for growing healthy grapes, excellent forproducing a variety of wines, including Syrah, Merlot,Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay anda variety of hybrids. To date, Castle Creek Winery hasproduced 40 award-winning wines.In 2006 Castle Creek planted ten acres of Cabernetand Syrah vines at the winery. The lush vineyards area standout amongst blue skies and red rocks cliffs. Inaddition to vineyards in Castle Valley, Moab and MonticelloMoab Happenings • August 2011 • 3Aand Spanish Valley additional fruit for the wines issourced from growers in the area. Castle Creek wines arehandcrafted using small lots of fruit and extended agingto create unique and personal wines. All wine productiontakes place on site and self guided tours are available daily.Adding a decidedly civilized tone to the West; thewinery’s 4000 square foot hospitality area and hugeadjacent deck overlooking the picturesque Colorado Riveroffer the perfect location for seminars, private tastingsand parties. Stop by for a visit, Castle Creek Winery has alarge inviting tasting room and gift shop offering free winetasting and wine for sale seven days a week.