We settled into our Airbnb cabin in Sonora, only to discover there was nothing to explore…read morenearby--just someone's backyard with no trails or points of interest. Fortunately, we remembered passing a sign for Indigeny Reserve and saw on the map that it was within walking distance. Since it was already after 3pm and they closed at 5pm, we decided to drive over and make the most of our afternoon before they closed.
When we walked in, the building was empty, but we were eager to try a cider tasting. Browsing the shop, we found a variety of merchandise--shirts, hats, sweaters, and an assortment of cheeses, crackers, chips, and other tasty treats. Eventually, a friendly staff member greeted us and offered the $10 tasting. Since closing time was approaching, she joked about giving us paper cups to avoid running the dishwasher. We didn't mind, but she kindly served the cider in glasses, which made the experience nicer. She also offered a whiskey tasting in a cool room lined with barrels and tables, plus gift boxes and other products. The whiskey tasting was just $2, with three varieties to sample. I'm not much of a whiskey fan, but I appreciated that she wasn't rushing us out. Both of us loved the Blackberry cider, so we each ordered a glass to enjoy outside.
The outdoor area is expansive, with wooden benches, tables, and lawn chairs scattered across a grassy lawn overlooking a large vineyard. Only a few couples and families lingered--likely because of the early closing time. After relaxing with our ciders, we wandered down the trail to the lake. Along the way, we discovered old barns, a whimsical gnome area, and several upside-down boats tied up near the shore. If the boats hadn't been secured, we joked about taking one out for a row on the lake!
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Indigeny Reserve and, in retrospect, wished we had brought the teens along. Still, it made for a wonderful little date.
