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Get wet and drink wine: Ride the Sierra’s best rapids this spring and summer
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Photo courtesy of OARS
Experience Mother Nature at her most-exhilarating, and enjoy a one-of-a-kind raft trip down the Tuolumne, American Fork, and Merced rivers. Reserve your spot for Spring and Summer soon. The water will be at its peak and many trips from April to August are nearly half-booked.
Why partake in such an adventure? In addition to an exhilarating ride, you may be surprised that a rafting trip with OARS provides gourmet meals, hiking opportunities, and even wine blending classes. Of course, some of the most untouched gorgeous mountains, steep canyon walls, green hills, and wildflowers are yours for the viewing.
A typical two-day wine raft trip down the Tuolumne includes 16 guests, 4 crewmembers, wine experts, a top-notch chef, and an assistant. Here’s the low-down:
- Put on your life vest and review the rafting safety guidelines
- Get on the river and paddle hard (if you’re in a paddle raft)
- Let the guide do all the work (if you’re in an oar raft)
- Stop for a make-your-own sandwich lunch
- Raft some more, and then take a hike (the scenic land version that gets your legs moving)
- Bank on an empty beach; pick your favorite sleeping bag spot, and set-up camp
- Guides and chef will create a group kitchen, bath, and living room to make you feel at home under the stars
- Hors d’oeuvres will be set out for snacking while gourmet filet mignon, pan-seared prawns, and various delectables are cooked up
- Wine experts set-up wine tasting
- Relax and enjoy good food, company, and the great outdoors
- Wake up to pancakes and French toast the next morning
- Become part of the river all over again
When your trip down the Tuoluome ends, you’ll have traveled 18 miles from your starting point. You won’t remember when a few days went so fast or were so fun!
Tuolumne wine dates in May feature two of Calaveras County's best wineries, Lavender Ridge and Twisted Oak. You must be 21 to take a wine trip. Kid-friendly trips available for those 4 and up. This is a wonderful way to get-away, breathe in some fresh air, and let Mother Nature refresh you in the process.
Anne’s pre-rafting music recommendation: Jane’s Addiction—Mountain Song (no longer just for snowboarding)
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