The transfer from San Francisco (Bay Landing Hotel-near the airport) at 12 noon. Drop off on the last day will be back at the Bay Landing Hotel at about 2 pm.

Day 1 Collection from the meeting place in San Francisco. Head north across the Golden Gate Bridge past the Marin Headlands, stopping for a tour at Benziger Family Winery in the quaint village of Glen Ellen in the Sonoma Valley. Continue up though the rolling hills past the Russian River and Alexander Valley appellations. The next stop will be Francis Ford Coppola presents Rosso & Bianco. The route then takes you east, winding past the Blue Lakes to the Ranch, your home for the week. The beautiful, newly built log home has very comfortable rooms, large inviting sitting areas with enormous fireplaces and stunning views of Clear Lake (one of the west's finest bass fishing lakes), woods and vineyards, and beautiful sunsets from the outdoors decks. A discussion of the week's activities over a local wine is followed by an exquisite dinner of local fresh ingredients.

Day 2 Begins with your introduction to your gaited Rocky Mountain Horse from Mountain Magic Ranch in Montana. This rare breed of horse with its characteristically smooth gait will be your companion for the week. Known for its natural four-beat gait it provides a very smooth ride. These horses are known for their sharp minds embracing a challenge with an impressive stamina yet a gentle disposition. The conformation and color of the Rocky Mountain Horse is striking turning many an artist's head in appreciation. A prolog to the many sights of the area from your guide will begin your ride. Your first ride will be on the mountain equestrian trails around Highland Springs reservoir. Broad trails allow the guests to visit and to learn first hand more about the many agricultural and natural wonders of the surrounding country side and to learn more about the viticulture of the grape growing region. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed underneath the spreading oak trees. A stop at a local winery is always a welcome respite after a day of riding. Returning to the Ranch guests will enjoy appetizers and beautiful views of the lake and the sunset before a wonderful dinner prepared by the ranch staff.

Day 3 A 20 minute trip to beautiful Lake Mendocino will be you next adventure; Elk, Deer and even a quick glimpse of a Bald Eagle will start your day off.  After a wonderful lunch in the scenic Mendocino area it’s off to a ride on the beaches of the lake and more spectacular wildlife.  After the ride we will have a chance for a special tasting at Parducci winery before returning to the log and a chance to relax with a glass of your new favorite wine and a few delightful bites created by the ranch staff.

Day 4 Guests will take a morning ride exploring the miles of trails and hills on the 750 acre ranch, past native chaparral, gnarly California oaks covered in Spanish moss, the abundant wildlife and beauty of Lake County. Unobstructed vistas of the lake and mountains and the acres of pear and walnut groves are enjoyed through the crisp clean air. The ranch is home to a huge variety of songbirds, black tail deer, quail and majestic American bald eagles. Mid-day will include a gourmet lunch at the log on the ranch. Completing the afternoon ride, guests will enjoy a cooking class or wine tasting.  Experiencing world-class wines and strolling through lavender gardens to the dock and a view of the lake and Mt. Knochti, the tour will explain the mission of the Ceago Vineyards; to craft small lots of wine from estate grown organic and biodynamic grapes using the best of old and new world winemaking techniques. Return to the lodge for a relaxing evening with dinner prepared from all the ingredients that California cuisine has to offer.

Day 5 A quick trip to European like setting, we will have the chance to ride the spectacular vineyards; and stop for a light lunch and taste some more wines at the end of our ride .  After we dismount, enjoy some local wine then we will swift you off to another winery so you can reminisce over a glass of vino about the weeks Wine and Equine experience… It’s all about CORKSCREWS AND HORSESHOES
 
Day 6 After breakfast your day begins with a vineyard ride into the quaint town of Upper Lake with charming antique stores and lunch at the classic Blue Wing Saloon. The Blue Wing was re-established in the tradition of the original saloon which first opened in the 1800's and remained a popular watering hole until the onset of prohibition in 1920. Returning to the ranch for a western barbeque, you will have the opportunity to curl up with a glass of wine and a good book or have a competitive game of horse shoes
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Day 7 Guests depart the ranch south past Clear Lake winding their way through the mountains. This circle will complete the sampling of wines in the Northern California wine regions before our guests return to San Francisco.

Itinerary and wineries Subject to change

Arriving on the ranch one winds almost two miles up hill to the lodge through oaks and madrones. Entering the house the first glimpse out of the windows reveals the breathtaking panoramic views of Clear Lake and the valley floor. The ever changing sky from sunrise to sunset entices guests to one of the outdoor decks. Hot days are followed by cool evenings that welcome the warmth of the outdoor fireplace on the main deck.
The main living space is dominated by the three story log staircase that is open from the loft above and the great room below on one side and the towering fireplace on the other. Cozy sitting areas and the warmth of the fire make this an easy choice for conversation or curling up with a good book. Bedrooms have private baths, except the two loft bedrooms (typically used for single rooms) share one bath together.

The enormous fully equipped gourmet kitchen has ample space to prepare a sumptuous family meal with a host of people cooking or provide commercial grade appliances and accouterments to make the professional chef feel right at home.
The dining area has seating for twelve for either family style dining or a conference.
The master suite with private deck has an ample bath with Jacuzzi tub. Large ceiling fans send a welcome breeze and spectacular views of the lake are enjoyed with the morning sunshine. Wonderful comforting beds with superb linens make sleep a wonderful repast.

Master Bedroom
– king size bed with large en suite bath, Jacuzzi tub, private deck.
Guest Room
– king size bed, adjacent bath (not totally private) private deck.
Loft Bedrooms
- these 2 bedrooms with queen sized beds and a private loft area,  share a jack and jill bath.
Downstairs bedrooms
- have private baths, French doors to the outside, twin beds.

We would like to provide you with some additional information about our facility and what you can expect. We are a new facility and with that said we are always working to improve and expand. Most of the landscaping is still au natural and the pool is in the planning stage – all ideas and suggestions are welcome. Our wonderful barn is under construction and you will be able to enjoy the progress during your visit. The ranch offers miles of hiking, wonderful meditation spots and if we are lucky – some of our baby eagles may still be in residence. And the views and sunrises and sunsets provide a unique drama daily.

Our rooms do not lock (actually they do but one skeleton key fits all of the locks) so we do not encourage bringing valuables. A bathrobe or flannel pajamas might be useful after riding, before a massage or for retrieving an early morning cup of coffee from the kitchen. We do have hair dryers, laundry and an iron – although you are on vacation so the use of the iron requires a hefty security deposit. The lodge is a large home so there will be plenty of opportunity to visit and relax and enjoy the company of the other riders. Most of the guests congregate over appetizers and a glass of wine either out on the main deck or in front of the fire after riding. There is a refrigerator where guests may store the wine they purchase along our travels to have after riding and with dinner.

Dinner has already become a main event. We love to cook and enjoy sharing this special time with our guests. Our dinner guest list frequently grows to include the wranglers, vintners and friends. If you have any special dietary requests, please let one of us know so that we can accommodate your needs.
We have taken notes – but a reminder is always encouraged!
Normal telephone and internet access is not available at the ranch as the house is two miles off of the main road. Edge Wireless (Cingular/AT &T) coverage is excellent and Verizon is getting better. Edge Wireless (Cingular/AT & T) cards as do Verizon cards work well but there is no other internet access. A cell phone and computer with an internet card will be available for your use but remember – you are on vacation!

Note:        Lunch is not included at the Blue Wing Saloon. Wine and other alcoholic beverages are not included.  Buy your wines for the evenings at the wineries we visit - we even give you the upcoming dinner menu in case you would like to match wines to your meals.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Guests ride exclusively gaited Rocky Mountain Horses born and trained at Mountain Magic Ranch, the world's largest breeder of this rare horse Rocky Mountain Horses have an easy, ambling four beat gait.  This is a naturally occurring gait present from birth which requires a minimum of effort by both horse and rider. The Rocky Mountain Horse's conformation and color are striking.  All have a solid body color and facial markings are acceptable if they are not excessive.  There may not be any white above the knee or hock. Known for their keen minds, the Rocky Mountain Horse is a willing student.  The Rocky Mountain Horse is a wonderful riding horse with a strong heart and a natural endurance.

Best known for its gentleness, the Rocky Mountain Horse has a disposition capable of babysitting a child - or a novice rider.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Gaited registered Rocky Mountain Horses and some Paints and Quarter horsers
Pace:		Moderate with many opportunities to gait, some steep trails and nice gallop 3 top 4 hours in the saddle per riding day | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2 to 4 out of 5)    Novice to Good Intermediate
Age:		Min 21
Weight:		Max 275 lbs
Riders:		Min 4	Max 8

Guests ride exclusively gaited Rocky Mountain Horses born and trained at Mountain Magic Ranch, the world's largest breeder of this rare horse Rocky Mountain Horses have an easy, ambling four beat gait.  This is a naturally occurring gait present from birth which requires a minimum of effort by both horse and rider. The Rocky Mountain Horse's conformation and color are striking.  All have a solid body color and facial markings are acceptable if they are not excessive.  There may not be any white above the knee or hock. Known for their keen minds, the Rocky Mountain Horse is a willing student.  The Rocky Mountain Horse is a wonderful riding horse with a strong heart and a natural endurance.

Best known for its gentleness, the Rocky Mountain Horse has a disposition capable of babysitting a child - or a novice rider.

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).

The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.

New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.

For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.