Odyssey Winery & Vineyards

Fantastic find! Who knew there was such good Cabernet Sauvignon grown here locally? Janice, one of the owners, is a delight to talk to, knowledgeable, and friendly. Her husband is the winemaker and she tends the grapes. The atmosphere at the winery is colorful, artistic, and welcoming. There is a local artist featured each season, and their art is delightful. One really needs to visit the bathrooms for a genuine surprise of the art relief on those walls – unique, fun, and bright!
But the wine – divine! It’s $ 5 to taste the flight, and you keep the glass. I was pleased in my tasting of Tria: a blend of white wine that also used semillon in the blend. I’m not a fan of white wine, generally, but I found this three-​wine-​blend to be fruity, yet complex. However, I found their 2010 California Cabernet Sauvignon to be the real jewel for Butte County-​grown wine. I learned from the owner that the Cabernet they harvest from their property goes through a type of cold process during primary fermentation wherein the juice and must are stored in cold temperature for three days, slowing down the natural bacteria and yeast production prior to adding yeast to the batch. I’m an amateur wine-​maker, and I’ve usually only waited for a day or so in my 70 – 75 degree house before I add yeast to the must and the juice. So, I was intrigued. The Cab had a great floral aroma, and it was delicious.
We rounded out the tasting with their port wine, Zorba. This is a really great dessert wine at a great price. If you haven’t visited this place yet, don’t make the mistake I made by putting it off. A real find, indeed!

This is another little gem in Chico! We rode our bikes out to the winery and tasting room; it’s about 3 miles north of our airport. They are only open on Saturdays since they are solely a family run business. Tastings are $ 3 and you keep the glass. We had a nice French Columbard (not too popular these days) and 3 reds. I enjoyed all of them and the artwork inside the tasting area. Even the bathrooms have amazing ceramic art on the walls. There are picnic tables under the oaks and their vineyards are right there for your enjoyment. We may return in July for their jazz. Worth the ride!