Wine on the Tuolumne River – 3 Days
If you have a palate for adventure, fine wine, and delicious food in an unforgettable setting, then Wine on the Tuolumne River is your perfect getaway. Between the exciting Class IV waters, lush landscapes, and indulgent wine and food-filled evenings at camp, you’ll wish you never had to leave.
Featuring
Vintner: Boyle MacDonald Wines, Murphys, CA
Chef: Mark Estee, Reno, NV
On this trip, you’ll be joined by Kate Boyle MacDonald, a pioneering winemaker in California’s Sierra Foothills AVA and a distinct voice in the region today. Kate and her husband Craig are the owners of Boyle MacDonald Wines in Murphys, California, and Nevada Sunset Winery—Reno’s only full-production winery, located in the city’s historic Brewery District. Kate established her winemaking roots in Calaveras County in 1999, working alongside the late, great winemaker, Chuck Hovey. Kate has built a reputation for crafting wines known for their balance, elegance, and sense of place. Her style reflects a global perspective shaped by a childhood spent in Germany, France, and across the U.S., blending Old World winemaking techniques with New World California fruit. Kate and Craig have been Wine on the River partners with OARS since 2003, making them a beloved fixture on these adventures for more than two decades. On the Tuolumne, they’ll be on hand to pour, share stories, and guide tastings that feel as approachable and memorable as the river itself. And if you happen to spot Kate wearing her signature “Kate’s in charge” shirt, know that it’s said with a smile, and you’re in for a very good time.
Mark Estee has over 20 years of experience in many facets of the culinary world. Much of that experience is rooted in the Reno/Tahoe region of Northern Nevada and California, where he’s led the kitchen at the Hyatt’s Lone Eagle Grill in Lake Tahoe and opened restaurants in Reno, Carson City, and Minden, NV, as well as Truckee, CA. The region’s robust outdoor culture has naturally led to plenty of opportunities for Mark to cook in the great outdoors. Everything from intimate lakeside events to huge weeklong golf tournaments has helped build Mark’s culinary expertise. Not only has he been blessed with the opportunity to cook in beautiful wilderness settings, but he has also had the opportunity to help protect these areas he calls home. For multiple years, he helped raise funds for the KTMB Raise the River event and, along with his events team, cooked world-class meals along the banks of the Truckee River. Today, Mark owns Liberty Food & Wine Exchange in downtown Reno, the historic Overland Restaurant & Pub in Gardnerville, and Cucina Lupo in Carson City. After the historic acquisition of Great Basin Brewing Company in September 2021, Mark and his team also helm four brewpubs.
About This Trip
Spend your days taking on the exhilarating “Wild and Scenic” Tuolumne River, with a total of 14 rapids rated Class IV+. In between heart-thumping, adrenaline-pumping action, you’ll get the chance to take in all that pristine California beauty with excursions along wildflower-lined paths to storybook locations. Perhaps you’ll stand under cascading waterfalls, take a refreshing dip in a swimming hole, or feel like a kid again, giggling as you make your way down a natural rock slide. After a day of world-class whitewater and exploring magical places, you’ll be ready for a relaxing evening at camp.
After pulling into camp for the day, everyone will unload the rafts, and you can find the perfect spot to set up your tent for the night. Once you’re all settled, the real fun begins as you gather around for an entertaining wine tasting experience with Kate and Craig, perfectly paired with delectable hors d’oeuvres by Chef Mark. As educational as it is fun, you’re sure to gain a deeper appreciation for wine and the passionate people who produce it while you learn about what makes every bottle unique.
While you continue wine tasting or relaxing in camp, Chef Mark will work with delectable ingredients to create an out-of-this-world gourmet meal guaranteed to blow your mind. You’ll sit at linen-draped, candlelit tables with your fellow rafters and break bread. The conversation will flow, the food and wine will be abundant, and laughter will fill the air. As you head to bed with a satisfied stomach and happy heart, you’ll ponder the memories made that day as the mellifluous river lulls you to sleep.
Guests must be 21 years or older to participate in this trip.
