Unwinding after another long day in the news room. My dad sent me a picture of blue skies in Diamond Bar. Looks like my hometown dodged a bullet for this round of the wildfire season.
I need another drink.
Last weekend, we checked out a wine festival in Lodi. On Veterans Day, we did more wine tasting in Sonoma. In those two days, the hubby and I have sampled more than 30 bottles of wine.
I love living in Cali!
This is a very cool glass gadget at the Nicholson Ranch Winery in Sonoma. The thingie is aerating a bottle of Merlot. The little bubbles help let the wine breathe. After going through the thingie, the Merlot tastes amazing: robust and sophisticated.
I think you can use a decanter for the same affect.
We also invited Susan and Tom to downtown Napa last weekend. I was tickled with the Beer Can Chicken at the Bounty Hunter. The chef gave me a recipe to make chicken stock out of the chicken bones. Yummy! We also lounged around the Cejas Wine Tasting Room and picked up a bottle of 2005 Syrah and the 2005 Pinot Noir.
The four of us had a blast in Lodi for the First Sip Festival. At Jesse’s Grove, I thought the barrel tasting on the port had too much sugar. However, I was happy with the Royal Tee and their Vintner’s Reserve Zin.
We stumbled on the Borra Winery and sampled the smoked sausage pairings. Meat and wine always equals good times. I had to try the 2:30 AM Merlot. It tasted hearty with a strong nose. The winemaker named the bottle after what time he get’s up in the morning. People seemed impressed by his work ethic. I flagged him down and told him what time I woke up. That made him laugh.
Last Tuesday in Sonoma, the golden leaves on the vines looked enchanting. It’s amazing to enjoy fall colors without the chilly weather. The Nicholson Ranch had a beautiful view of the vines. We also had fun tasting the wine at the Castle Wine Room in downtown Sonoma. $5 bought us 8 tastings. Whoa.
Bottom line: California wine is my favorite. I’m happy we live so close to some of the best wine regions in the state. Things can go to hell in the newsroom and I can always escape to the vineyards for fresh air, good food and amazing wines.