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Monday, January 28, 2013

Old Sugar Mill, Clarksburg, California

 Leave it to Jennifer and Sawyer...do you have friends that are always in the "Know"? You might remember our friends, Jennifer and Sawyer from our wine tasting trip to Sonoma: here.
 Yesterday, they invited us to a wonderful place just outside of Sacramento, called, Old Sugar Mill. It's an...well you guessed it, an old sugar mill. Built in 1935....see the construction and history here. Some of it has been remodelled and turned into tasting rooms. It's just a fantastic idea.
 Just 30 minutes away from Woodland, 10-15 from Sacramento...and you can visit 8 wineries! How wonderful is that?
 The wine tasting was fantastic and the other benefit is that Jennifer and Sawyer are members of so many wineries that we tag along for free tastings! Here in California you'll pay about $16 for a tasting (which includes several wines).



If you are member your tastings are free, you receive invites to different events, you can bring guests and you get discounted wines.
 We were treated to a free tasting at Todd Taylors. They specialize in reds. All of which were De-lish. It was a special event that also included homemade paella.
 We tasted at Carvalho's as well. Excellent wine and a wonderful woman serving. Nice experience. They also make port...we both bought a bottle of their port. It was fantastic.
 Just a perfect day. An amazing site...
 We all loved wondering the property and taking in this beautiful run down buildings with so much history. There are plans in the making for refurbishing most of it.
 Coucous, les filles!

 Can you imagine a big barn style wedding here? Well, they do them here! How fun! What wonderful opportunities for fantastic pictures!
In fact, some professional photography was taking place. Lucas and Thea came rushing over to tell us all about the "Naked Lady/stripper." It was a lingerie model. Sawyer and Stan stepped in to find out what all the fuss was all about. They are so helpful with the kids!

 Look at these doors...
 You don't see a lot of construction like this in California.
 I love the broken windows, the gutted walls and mystery.
 It's hard not to snap pictures here. It's eerie and beautiful.
 We also tasted here, at Draconis, where we were served by the owner.
 What a fun day.....we'll be back! Bring a sweater....it can be chilly. Bring a camera, because it's an amazing place to take pictures! 


 Leave your pretensions at the door. There is none of that here. Just good wine.

Bisous...et bon vin!
Karen

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26 comments:

  1. What a fantastic building! It's bursting with character, age and timeless appeal. I've always loved red brick, it's just so classic and sturdy. I'd love to see this gem in person myself one day, too.

    Wishing you a marvelous Monday & week ahead,
    ♥ Jessica

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    1. Thanks, Jessica! It was amazing. I was surprised. The renovated area is so well done and then you walk outside to find all the "ruins" of this old mill. Amazing. They had wedding albums with fantastic photos from all around the grounds. It would be great for a vintage fashion shot!!!! Better come visit :)
      Karen

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  2. A very nice tour! I love seeing these old buildings not being torn down. So much craftsmanship went into those. Thank you for sharing your lovely day with us!

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    1. I agree. It's got a perfect frame work and all that brick. I am amazed at what they have done so far. Had no idea this was even here. So clever to have an indoor wine tasting mall....heaven! They are building an outdoor stage now too!
      Karen

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  3. What a wonderful building. I love all the character it has. I do love those brick buildings-they are just timeless, aren't they? Looks like you had a great visit- xo Diana

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    1. Thanks, Diana! We don't see a lot of buildings like this in California. I am so glad they are not tearing it down. Everything about it was dreaming, even the run down broken parts!! Can't wait to go back!
      Karen

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  4. Wow, I can't believe I've never heard of this place before. It's on my list now! I love to see these old buildings being restored to their former glory. You're right, we don't see many like this is California. Thanks for sharing your adventure.

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    1. I know, right? I am 30 minutes away and had no idea. So smart to have wineries come in and set up shop. They also rent to vendors (could be a good excuse to come up). It was a really fun place. They are building an outdoor stage for concerts and the like, so I bet it will a blast this summer! Hope you can see it before all the run down parts are cleaned up, because honestly that was one of my favorites parts.
      Karen

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  5. I love old buildings! Thanks for the virtual tour!...Christine

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    1. Thanks, Christine! I had fun snapping photos. I wish I had a better camera and was more skilled. It was hard not to take a ton. Very interesting place. We all loved it. Thanks for visiting!
      Karen

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  6. Karen what a wonderful old building! I love wine and when I came to visit my daughter in SJ we went to Napa and had a great time! How fun to have friends that can take you along for free! It can get pricey (those tastings).
    hugs,
    Linda

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    1. How fun! I do love Napa and Sonoma. It's a must see place. It can get very pricey. I think they had to start charging though, as the area became more and more popular. It's worth it and the tastings are slow paced and relaxing! We are lucky yo have friends like Sawyer and Jennifer. We always have such a great time together!
      Karen

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  7. What a beautiful old structure with neat architectural details. It's always fun to go to wine tastings. Sometimes it's surprising at what you like...and don't. It's good to have an open mind. What a beautiful part of the country you live in!

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    1. Thanks!! I loved that even in the remodel area was true to it's original look. It's very industrial chic! Fun place. Yes, I think the four of us have very open minds, because we usually like it all!!! :)
      Karen

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  8. Oh WOW - how unique, what a wonderful opportunity.

    LOVE the pics, thanks so much for sharing this with all of us!!

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    1. Thanks, Michele! You are always so sweet. It was a very fun outing. So glad they introduced us to this little gem!
      Karen

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  9. What a great old building, and wonderful that it is being restored. Sounds like a fun day. I'm a little envious. laurie

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    1. Thank, Laurie! It was fun. Warm day, great place, fun friends...I needed a day like that! Hope you are having a great week so far!
      Karen

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  10. My husband's brother lives in Sacramento. We will have to visit the Sugar Mill next time we go up to see them. Thanks for letting me know about this great place.

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  11. What a photogentic old building. So many interesting things to photograph.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Judy

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  12. Isn't it fun to find little treasures so close to home. The pictures are gorgeous and who wouldn't love a good wine tasting. Thanks for a fun post!
    Dena
    http://itsabouttakingthejourney.blogspot.com

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  13. What a neat place to visit! You got some great pics! I'm your newest GFC follower. Thanks so much for stopping by Posed Perfection and leaving me a sweet comment on the Simple Crustless Quiche. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. I'd love for you to visit again soon and maybe even follow me back. Have a wonderful week.
    Blessings,
    Nici

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  14. That is an amazing old building and I agree it would be great for a barn style wedding. I love wine tasting days. You are so lucky to live so close to a lot of wineries. Glad you had such a wonderful day.

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  15. What a fun day.....we'll be back! Bring a sweater....it can be chilly. Bring a camera, because it's an amazing place to take pictures!
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