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Visiting Indian Peak Vineyards

Sam Leash-profile-image
Sam Leash
May 7, 2020

TL;DR: Harvest Hosts offers diverse accommodations for RVers across vineyards, breweries, and farms. Indian Peak Vineyards in Manton, CA, stands out with its history, scenic location, and exceptional wines. Joining the program in 2012, it epitomizes the Harvest Hosts experience.

Visiting Indian Peak Vineyards

One of the greatest things about Harvest Hosts is the diverse nature of all the businesses that have joined the program. As of yet, 5270 vineyards, breweries, farms and more have opened their businesses to members of the Harvest Hosts RV community for overnight accommodations with no camping fees. In return, members make a small purchase to support the business, while also being provided with a comfortable and beautiful place to spend the night. Of these hosts, Indian Peak Vineyards in Manton, California, is particularly special. Read on to learn all about this host, its history, its origins within the Harvest Hosts program, and what you can expect if you stay there overnight.Indian Peak Vineyards first began in 1998.

The History

Fred and Donna Boots conceived the idea for Indian Peak Vineyards in 1998. They were both in their 40s, and they were discussing what they wanted to do for their retirement. Fred had been a wine enthusiast for all of his life. They also both lived in Napa in the 1970s, before it became so commercialized. At the time, Fred had a small hobby vineyard and was making homemade wine. His homemade Merlot had just won best of show in the amateur class at their county fair. All of these previous events convinced Fred to turn his hobby and passion into a retirement project. This led to the purchase of their property in rural California and the eventual creation of Indian Peak Vineyards. Fred and Donna Boots are the owners of Indian Peak Vineyards.

The Business Today

Today, Indian Peak Vineyards is a small family owned and operated vineyard and winery in the little mountain community of Manton in Northern California. Their property is less than an hour from Lassen Volcanic National Park. They are located in the “Manton Valley AVA” (wine region), and their typical wine production is 1500 cases per year.  Their specialties are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a red blend we call “Take Five” consisting of: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.The property itself sits at 2200ft elevation, and it has red volcanic soil, with a vineyard that slopes to the west. Typical daytime temperatures during the summer average 100 degrees. However, as soon as the sun sets, cool air rushes down from nearby Mt Lassen, cooling the air down to an average of 55-60 degrees in the morning.  As a result, these 40 degree daily temperature swings allow their varietals to develop wonderful and intense flavor. People from all over the country come to visit and enjoy wine at this gorgeous Manton vineyard.

Joining Harvest Hosts

Fred and Donna were some of the original program hosts over eight years ago. The original owners, Don and Kim Greene, visited Indian Peak and personally asked them to become hosts, which they obliged. Since then, they have hosted hundreds of RVers on their gorgeous property, and members have really enjoyed the experience. In the words of the Boots, “Our goal is to create a special place for people to come, relax and enjoy great wine, excellent food, and beautiful surroundings with the intention of them recreating the joy and love that exists in their lives.”The vineyards joined the Harvest Hosts program in 2012.Indian Peak Vineyards represents some of the best that Harvest Hosts has to offer. It truly doesn’t get much better than excellent wine, beautiful views, and great company. Be sure to pay them a visit on your next trek through Northern California. Indian Peak Vineyards typically has beautiful sunsets every night.Have you visited Indian Peak Vineyards? Is there another host you'd like to recommend? Feel free to share below!

About Harvest Hosts
Harvest Hosts is a unique RV camping membership that offers self-contained RVers unlimited overnight stays at over 5,667 small businesses across North America with no camping fees. Boondock at farms, wineries, breweries, attractions, and other one-of-a-kind destinations throughout North America, and you’ll get peace of mind knowing that a safe place to stay is always nearby!
Sam Leash-profile-image
Sam Leash
Sam is a seasoned traveler and RVer of 4+ years. She loves adventures of all kinds and spends as much time on the road as she can. When not exploring in her RV or writing about her travels, you can find her reading a good book, cooking a delicious meal, caring for her plants, or hiking with her dogs.