Tehachapi News

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The Cummings Valley now has two wine vineyards, Souza Family Vineyard and McColloughs' Triassic Legacy Vineyard. These endeavors are born from the belief that Cummings Valley may be the next Napa Valley, as extreme temperatures worry Napa winemakers.
This year the Cummings Valley Protective Association (CVPA), which is dedicated to maintaining the rural nature of this beautiful agricultural valley as well as Brite Valley, is featuring the Souza Family Vineyard's new tasting room and gift shop. Those lucky tourists to get space on either the 9:00 or noon tours, which are always sold out, will have an opportunity to taste the award-winning wine produced by the Souza Family Vineyard. In addition, the tour will show the new members and new residents some of the history and highlights of these unique valleys.
The tour will begin and end at the Vineyard. The cost for the tour only, which will visit several historic and interesting locations such as a founders' cemetery, marble quarry, and historic home, is $20. Wine tasting will be held after the tour for those who would like to participate for an additional $7 and will begin at approximately 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Please be aware that no person under 21 is permitted by law in the wine-tasting area.) This will include three “tastes” and a souvenir wine glass. The $7 ticket price will also be deducted from any gift shop purchases, and, in addition, CVPA members will be entitled to a 10% discount on purchases of gift shop items and wine.
If you do not wish to take the tour, you may still participate in the wine tasting at the above times for $7. Prepaid tickets will be required and will be issued at bus loading or held at the tasting room door for those not taking the tour.
To reserve your place(s) on the tour or wine tasting only, call Laurie Rude at 821-1904, and leave a message including your first or second choice for tour time, names of those in your party, and your phone number.
Directions to the Souza Family Vineyard for tour: The unpaved roads to the Vineyard have been rebuilt thanks to some major donations to the CVPA Vision Fund. You may now take Cummings Valley Road dirt extension west from Bailey or Pellisier dirt extension north from Giraudo with relative comfort. See you there!