Region:

North Tehama/South Shasta

31636 Forward Road
Manton, CA 96059

(530) 474-WINE

Winemaker:

Bob Marr

Medium

Days/Hours:

Saturday and Sunday
12:00 to 5:00

Medium

Picnic Facilities:

Patio Tables Available

Syrah, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

The Winery: Located north east of Red Bluff off Highway 36, Alger Vineyards & Winery is found in an almost enchanted valley surrounded by volcanic cinder cones on two sides and the rolling foothills of the upper Sierra Nevada Mountains and Mount Lassen in the distance on the others. It takes a bit of time to get there, but the trip through the back country roads of southern Shasta County, northern Tehama County is beautifully scenic. The tasting room is modern, light and airy with dramatic views of a distant cinder cone from the oversized windows. There is a $10 charge for tasting that includes a commemorative glass, cheese and./or crackers and chocolate in addition to the wines.

The Vineyards:

The estate has 32 acres of grapes including Petite Sirah, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot. Located at the 2500 foot elevation, the temperatures are five to ten degrees cooler than in the neighboring valley and receives the cooling breeze off the nearby mountains in the evenings. This allows for a long hang time with harvest often in October or even November. These hang times allow for better fruit development and depth of flavor. The Algers decided to move into organic farming in the late 1990s and has now decided to move into the practice of bio dynamic farming which embraces the concept of a self-sustainable environment. 

The Wines:

The winery specializes in award winning Syrah and Petite Sirah, both of which did quite well at the Chronicle Wine Competition in 2007. The wines are nicely balanced acid and tannins, good black fruit with well developed depth and complexity.

The Winemaker:

The winemaker at Alger is Bob Marr, a graduate of Humboldt State University who worked at such wineries as San Pasqual and Columbia.