Truett Hurst Winery is Stop #1 on our 1.19.12 Wine Road Concierge Fam Tour.

On a rainy Thursday along Wine Road, our spirits are sunny, arriving at Truett Hurst Winery, tucked away out Dry Creek Road along Dry Creek, surrounded by vineyards, gardens, and green-gardening sheep and goats.  This is stop #1 on our Wine Road/Blue Heron Custom Tours & Travel Concierge Fam Tour, with 5 Concierges on board from SF.

Baby Dolls et al, munching down the rows of grass, never touching the vines....

Sheep immortalized in the TR.

Two goats, no waiting....black goat on right: Luci-fer....

Luci-Fer in close up: do not mess with her!

At Truett Hurst, sustainable, green, ecological practices are de rigeur, including the marshaling of the natural eating/trimming grass talents of goats and sheep.  The organic gardens surrounding the TR lead down to Dry Creek where the salmon will eventually run on by, heading to spawn or back up even further to the Warm Springs Fish Hatchery.  What a gorgeous spot- iconic red Adirondack chairs in picnic groupings (give a call to reserve yours!) spill along the banks of the no longer seasonally dry Dry Creek (perhaps a name change would have been in order?) We tour the gardens and creek and then back to the TR for tasting; my concierges have a blast with the warm, knowledgeable Bob and Cindi.

Renato, Alan, Joe, TR, Marti, Yajari & Rick on our Wine Road/Blue Heron Concierge Fam Day!

Up next- our next three stops: Kachina Vineyards, thumbprint cellars & Merriam Vineyards.

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Watch for the driveway to Gustafson Family Winery- gorgeous and spectacular in the clouds on Skaggs Spring Road.

The drive north out Dry Creek Road is always pleasing to me and, I realize, also spectacular.  The valley floor in wintertime deshabille is lovely, the wineries even more visible without the usual cloaking of greenery. Coming to Warm Spring Dam at Lake Sonoma, the huge earthen structure makes me admire even more the Army Corps of Engineers who built it.  Just about 6.5 miles from the dam, out Skaggs Springs Road is an amazing visual treat and winery- the furthest northern Wine Road member- Gustafson Family Winery.  As I drove out Skaggs Springs Road the altitude was high enough that I had icy road conditions; scrub pine showed me my elevation was increasing.  Finding the driveway, I was completely awe-struck at the view.  Pulling into the winery/residence parking area, Rampage, the famous winery dog, casually tossed me his ball, showing me that with enough time, even I could take this place in stride….

Just as I first saw it on my way to Sea Ranch some years back, the story goes that realtor/landscape architect Dan Gustafson saw the former 1800 foot elevation sheep ranch on his journey to the coast, fell in love with it, planted 20 acres to grapes, embraced the “flying pig” population, and built a warm, welcoming residence and winery to house his dream of winemaking, putting to use his love of landscape architecture and green viticulture interests.  High above the clouds, this amazing site produces delicious wines and welcomes and fetes its wine club members.  Winemaking and hospitality show  off the brother-sister team of Emmett and Kaitlin Reed who comprise the whole staff; this is a small, attention to detail winery.  You are likely to meet the Gustafsons, too, on site one weekend or so each month, for certain.  Open Saturdays, during special events and by appointment.

Heading out Dry Creek Road, as you approach the Dam, watch for this enforced, surprising turn to the left.

Warm Spring Dam, running salmon, Dry Creek; if the dam breaks, Healdsburg will be under 6 feet of water...head to Gustafson....

Just to confound the average person, Skaggs Springs Road is AKA (Also Known As) Stewart's Point Road; no worries- easy to navigate! Do you like acronyms? How's about FYSA? (For Your Situational Awareness....)

OMG- I am a total sucker for Smokey....

Pay a bit of attention, and don't head down Rockpile Road, and you should be fine.

Dual identity- very James Bondish: Skaggs Springs Road...or is it Stewart's Point?...YES!

The winding road up....

Do pay some heed to all these sounds and furies....Go Left Young Man (Woman)!

Lake Sonoma looking north from the Outlook.

View west towards Gustafson....

Higher altitudes, different topogrophy and vegetation.

Scrub pines indicate the higher elevation- "scrub" indicates a lower class of pine? Ditto "Scrub Jay" and "Scrub Oak"...hmmm. Who knew....

Right turn into the Gustafson driveway...entrance seems like floating on Cloud 9.

Ancient madrone tree at the top of the hill; breathtaking! A Sonoma County Heritage Tree.

Now that is what I call a real TREE. It also lends its name to the vineyard below it....

Wow! Am I in the right place? So unexpected- a former sheep ranch converted to vineyards, a view and WOW!

Rampage the Wonder Winery Dog welcomes me! He casually tosses me his ball and continues to do so during my whole visit. Gustafson is VERY dog friendly.

View east towards Lake Sonoma.

Estate olive trees...plantings planned to fall within the former clearings already made by the sheep ranchers....

Gustafson private residence, but used for special events and picnicking on the deck; winery and tasting room back to the left....Can a lousy shot be taken here? It seems not possible!

Let’s go on a brief Walk-About to see the property- Wine Club Party Area, incipient Wedding Site, amazing vistas, warm TR:

Oh-Say-Does-That-Star-Spangled-Banner-Yet-Wave....PLAY BALL!

Decks for picnicking....

View from the picnicking friendly deck....

Clever Jenga-Like Barrel Room under the house....

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

I hit the Wine Road on Saturday with a picnic lunch and mineral waters, dressed in layers, banded in blue, glassed in 20th-Wineland-Anniversary-Glass, camera in hand and my favorite daughter, Annie, riding shotgun.  Here is our route out of Healdsburg for this 20th Anniversary WINE-ART-EDUCATION Extravaganza- first the Alexander Valley- we head north on Highway 101 to the Cloverdale Blvd South Exit, immediate right to an immediate left on Asti Road to an immediate right on Santana to Valdez Family Winery, educational display, all the family on hand and delicious Valdez wines paired with foods from my favorite, Agave Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar, in Healdsburg:

Look for those classy Wine Road flags....They will guide you!

Valdez + Agave = Delicious Winter Wineland Treats

Still Life along Wine Road....

Valdez View to the East....

Annie and I hit Asti Road south, under the freeway on Zanzi Lane, to a left on Chianti Road to J. Rickards Winery  and Pech Merle Winery- here is a potpourri of what we experienced:

View south from the parking area- Alexander Valley....

J. Rickards.

The mingling guests of J. Rickards and just around the corner, Pech Merle.

Next up, artwork of Rebecca Nase:

Rebecca Nase.

Mark Lifvendahl:

Mark Lifvendahl.

Ditto.

Friendly chap offerering Pech Merle- (also, kisses, if you need a kiss "to remember."....I told him that I will remember sans kiss....)

Even the water looks amazing!

Katya’s Glass Creations:

Katya!

Paperwhites in Jim and Eliza Rickard's garden....Blue skies and warm temps belie January- but a storm, she is a-coming!

Annie and I head south on Chianti Road to Geyser Peak Winery and artist, Ellen Boulanger:

Annie Hollywooding it up at Geyser Peak.

By Ellen Boulanger.

Ellen Boulanger in Geyser Peak VIP tasting room.

Annie and I head south on Chianti Road, right on Canyon Road to Walling, to Frick Winery where hot dogs, ‘Smores, education and Frick Wines await!

Hollywood & Vine.

Most of our Wine Road winery members are ONLY open to Wine Road Event Participants during these three annual events....Group Decision!

Frick KNOWS....

Hots and 'Smores! Smoky!

Educational display AND Varietal Flash Cards....Sinuses (indentations) on grape leaves are VERY telling- Bill explains it so beautifully to me and Annie- we want to go out and found our own winery! Here is Syrah.

Wow- so easy to see the difference in the varietal grape leaves- well- at least, when Bill Frick explains it to us....Here is Cinsaut.

Annie, left, and Bill Frick, HIMSELF, right....

Wine Road and Bill Frick keeping you safe....

Annie and I head down Walling to Pedroncelli Winery:

Pedroncelli Event signs and Annie....

Annie and I head east/south through Geyserville to deLorimier Winery:

THE famous deLo fountain....

Good old deLo!

Annie and I head along 128 to Draxton Wines/Vintners Signatures:

Annie and I now head south and then east to Robert Young Estate Winery:

Winter Wineland Saturday is done…

Sunday 15 January 2012- I am on foot toward Hudson Street Wineries,  also Bluenose, who have food and wine pairings and two cool art displays- Tiffany-like glass lamp creations and psychedelic  poster art.   The displays are arresting (Larry Brookins, Lost Art Glass Works  and the posters, many owned by Hudson Street staffers)- where Bluenose winemaker, Paul Brasset,  owns a Holy Grail with his poster from the beginnings- Ground Zero:

Paul Brasset, Bluenose and Hudson Street Wineries.

Just around the corner,  at J. Keverson, architect/artist, Obie Bowman,  is on display.

Obie Bowman....

Old Roma Station Wineries – how convenient!

Here’s a wrap on Winter Wineland 2012- my Wineland Fever is finally quelled; next up is Barrel Tasting!

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Rodney Strong pulls out all the stops with their Wine & Chocolate Fantasy 2012.

February and Valentine’s Day are almost here and I note that there are a number of cool, romantic events at our Wine Road member wineries and lodging specials to celebrate the Most Romantic of All Months &  Holidays.  Book a trip here and your wintertime blues will disappear; with something fun to look forward to, the grey days will slip by…and if, perchance, you do not currently have a Romantic Someone, coming up here will introduce you to new opportunities, fun and people.  After all, Wine Road IS the most romantic place I know- roaring fireplaces, cozy nooks, brisk-snappy-breath-misting air, wine, great food, comfortable accommodations at lovely properties, friendly wineries, wine, world-class and Healdsburg-class restaurants, wine, scenic vineyards, open land and spaces, wine….and some cool specials and spiffy events!

The Rodney Strong Wine & Chocolate Fantasy 2012 comes your way 2.4.12:

The word fantasy describes best this event. If you love wine and/or chocolate your fantasy will come true! The barrel room is transformed into a beautiful series of halls and rooms, featuring wine and chocolate and chocolate and wine! Our three single vineyard cabernets will be featured and the live music and savory appetizers are sure to please. This is a “bucket list” event not to be missed.

The photos from past years depict a Bacchanalia for chocolate and wine lovers:

Austin Power's Bed Chamber at Rodney Strong?...yeah, Baby!

Mardi Gras? Pirates of the Carribean at Disneyland? NO- It is the fantastical Rodney Strong Wine & Chocolate Fantasy!

How’s about the Amphoradisiac Dinner at Amphora:

February 11, 2012: 5th Annual Amphoradisiac Valentine’s Dinner

Join Amphora Winery  for a romantic evening in the cellar as we enjoy a multi-course feast prepared by Chef Martin Courtman accompanied by gems from the Amphora wine library. White tablecloths, candlelight, roses…you get the idea!

Or A Zin Affair To Remember at DeLoach….

Schmaltzy, lovely film on its own, spun out in ditto "Sleepless in Seattle"....

Or how about beings sweet (1) 16 all over again?

Six Romantic Wineries: Sweet 116.

Or Geyser Peak’s romantic Crab Feast…..You will LOVE it; crabs fear it!

Or Corks at Russian River Vineyards Valentine Dinner….

And what says “romance” better than the Kendall-Jackson Gumbo Smack-down?

Skewis- always planning for romance:

We’re planning to offer a special tasting from our library over Valentine’s weekend, 11th and 12th. The flight will be $20, four wines, single vineyard Pinot Noir.

Valentine’s Weekend at Truett- Hurst:

1)  Release of the 2011 Zinfandel Rose!  2) Live music by Bobbie Jo Valentine, 3) Chocolate and Savory snacks paired with the wines

And now, perchance to dream…where are you going to stay? Romantic Specials!

Vintage Towers Valentine Special!

February 10 and 11 ONLY — Book any room and receive a free bouquet of fresh cut flowers for your sweetheart FREE! This promotion must be mentioned at time of booking to be valid.

And what about the romantic power of President’s Day?!  Hail to the Chief, Dawn Ranch:

Dawn Ranch President’s Day Weekend Special
Stay two nights and get the third night free! Poolside, Roadside, or Redwood cabins are $249 or upgrade to a Chalet with a sitting room & gas stove fireplace for $50. Package includes a $50 gift certificate for dinner at the Agriculture Bar & Kitchen as well as a $20 gift certificate to use for breakfast on Saturday & Sunday. Valid February 16-20, 2012

Romance your Valentine at the Jenner Inn
Stay at the Jenner Inn and enjoy all that west Sonoma County has to offer, walk on the beach with your loved one, relax in one of our rooms with a hot tub while you absorb the magnificent view of where the Russian River and Pacific Ocean meet. Have Champagne and a box of chocolate waiting in your room on arrival – $60 over room rate. This is good from Thursday February 9th through Monday February 21st

Camellia Inn- Chocolates and Romance!

The Camellia Inn Un-Valentines Day Package  - Celebrating Girlfriends for Valentines Day
Well, not all of us can have a special someone every Valentines Day. Why not get away to the Wine Country to celebrate with your other significant: your girlfriends. Package price includes two bottles of wine, microwave popcorn and hot chocolate, foot fizzers and bath melts, chocolates and movies and board games. This package is based on two to seven girlfriends. An accommodation at the Camellia Inn’s All Seasons Vacation Suites cottages for $309  per night – a savings of more than $100.

Chocolate Covered Valentines Getaway at the  Camellia Inn
A chocolate adventure at a great price from Sunday, Feb. 12 to Tuesday, Feb. 14. Chocolate afternoon treats, evening chocolate port,  gourmet chocolates, chocolate for breakfast (other things too), chocolate and  wine pairing adventure, self-guided chocolate shop tour, a romantic dinner for two with chocolate dessert,  chocolate soap, a gift each night including a bottle of  wine and three nights in a King room with fireplace and two-person whirlpool tub. $950 including taxes – Savings of more than  $150.

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

If you don't like it, don't even bother....

The Innocent Dawn...cold, frosty, dry, clear along the Russian River near Wine Road Worldwide HQ....day starts out at 29 degrees and climbs to 65 - very tough for these campaigns! How can I dress appropriately and still look cute?

The day dawns like any other, days never knowing what they might hold, nor what momentous events might occur during their oh-so-brief 24 hour existence. The stars did portend (stars are brighter, it would seem, than days) that today would be awesome; and so it is. #Wineland2012 20th Anniversary Winter Wineland Wine Road Member Supply Pick Up day IS here and all eyes are on Wine Road Worldwide HQ.  With the logistical expertise of George W. Patton channeling the tank skills of Rommel, Wine Road is ready for the onslaught of 140 Winery Members whose loins will be girded for strength and friendly hospitality during Winter Wineland this coming Saturday and Sunday, 14 & 15 January 2012.  Between the hours of 0900 and 1600 we will see the rock stars of our membership coming by for their RSVP lists, wrist bands, programs, event maps, DD bands, cool stainless steel H20 bottles, hint water and Coca-Cola beverages, 5 gallon Calistoga water bottle, event banner, event sign, instructional Wine Road signs, and Official Event Glasses.  Click here to see, hear and relive the particulars….

We feel the camaraderie of shared purpose and difficult challenges ahead, doing our duty in harm’s way to liberate Winter Wineland and free her for all Wineland underground members and supporters worldwide.  Today we have mercenary staff at Wine Road to fill the waiting vehicles quickly; yet all our hearts beat as one on the eve of Wineland….

It pays to be crystal clear....

It pays to be crystal clear, and repetitive.

HQ is full to the rafters...the logistics of the operation require careful unstacking to the parking lot outside...a daunting task. We need a Hero....

The task burgeons...

View from my desk; liberate me!

View from my foxhole.

Calistoga H20...heavy, help!

Always darkest before the dawn…especially when storming beachheads or staging Wine Road Winter Wineland!  I radio for help; Corporal Daniel is my HERO!

Corporal Daniel tends the barrels at Optima Cellars, waiting to serve....

If he had windmills he would tilt at them and if Dulcinea were here, she would love him. It is Corporal Daniel and we are saved!

Channeling Rommel, the Desert Fox, Daniel is the Warehouse Warrior....

Our Hero!

The dispatches from Eisenhower are good; Mission Clear the Wine Road Warehouse is accomplished!

Exterior shot of HQ....

Member Envelopes- just as in Kindergarten, we know who has shown up as well as just who has shown us up....

Mercenaries congregate- they catch the Wineland Fever....Though we know that Armies Travel on their Stomachs, we have forgotten Breakfast! Beth makes an emergency run to Mickey D's for morning cheeseburgers followed by La Pizzah Pizza and salad at the noon hour....

Aaron Costa (newly 21 and feeling it this AM) and Wine Road Office Manager Lynn Thomas share military Wine Road secrets....

Robert Conard, Merriam Vineyards, almost shot as a spy for showing up before 0900 hours along with Steve Zichichi, Zichichi Vineyards...lucky for them I believe in the Geneva Convention....

We are on!

The Wine Road Infantry arrives!

Adrenaline rushing arrival!

Warrior Sam from Korbel.

General Carlene Rue- married to Himself, Robert Rue, of Robert Rue Vineyards.

Major Bill Robbins of Desmond "I'm Ready for my close up, Mr. DeMille" Wines.

Military gifts embraced.....

Commander Giuseppe (Joe) Battaglini from Battaglini Winery....

Captain Jim Morris from Michel-Schlumberger....

We are ready to storm the beaches!  See you at #Wineland2012!  Hemingway, Bill Mauldin and I will send our campaign notes and adventures via Carrier Pigeon and Wine Road Blog next week.  (I love to mix eras….)

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

The Wineland Campaign is on!

Here we go off on our afternoon adventures continued from Fam Tour Part One….We leave Healdsburg and take the quick 20 minute drive south down Highway 101 to Fulton exit, then right on River Road to Martinelli Winery.

Wintertime scene outside Martinelli; the wisteria is bare but holds the dream of far-off spring dear.

My group of concierges bustles into the warm TR, greeted by bubbly Debbie and hosted by Linda, knowledgeable, considerate and fun.  Cheeses and crackers pair nicely with the full tasting, ending on a sweet note.

Tasting Bar at Martinelli- Linda and concierges.

Martinelli as presented by Linda.

Next stop: Old World Winery.

Just a hop-skip-and-a-jump back on River Road east is Old World Winery, one of the newer winery members along Wine Road.

Old World Winery presented by Lynn who also designed and executed delicious appetizers.

Steven standing behind the TR Bar, which has an impressive redwood top and reincarnated, dismantled pig barn history-rich wood sides; behind him see the brick-dust-stained wall...Craftsman, Old World-styled winery....

Barrel Room....

A rare varietal, Abouriou, is featured today- I have never tasted anything like it! Earthy, blueberries, gamay-ish: – tres francais!

Abourious

Watch for our next Wine Road Concierge Fam tour coming soon, 1.19.12!

Here’s looking at you, kids.

Even the birds appreciate the Old World Winery. (And hey, bonus shadow of TR.)

Alexander Valley Vineyards, aka AVV.

Once or twice each year, Wine Road, working with Rick Spear and his Blue Heron Custom Tours, brings up a group of five Bay Area concierges to give them a taste of what their guests can experience here- these are called Fam Tours- much easier to pronounce than “Familiarization Tour.”   Our first stop today is Alexander Valley Vineyards, fondly known as “AVV”.

AVV's Caitlin welcomes us and explains the tasting lineup prior to our Cave Tour. (Bill and Elizabeth also pictured.)

Baby, it's COLD outside! Elizabeth and Bonita warm up by the AVV cozy TR fireplace....

Perfect attire for the Wine Road: LAYERS! We started our day in temps in the high 40's; the Cave was chilly, too. The TR was warm and by the time we left for lunch, the temp was heading up to the low 60's....layers and sensible shoes are the way to go! (Thank you, Andreas....)

AVV offers daily Cave Tours  at 11AM and 2PM or by appointment.  We were escorted by winemaker Kevin Hall and owner/proprietor Hank Wetzel, along with his sweet dog, Mattie.  Off we went into the cave with glasses in hand, ready to not only tour, but barrel taste.

AVV Cave.

Hank, left, and Kevin at the barrels. (Mattie has her back turned....)

Lots of barrels...along the lines of an Indiana Jones Warehouse....lots of American Oak, each barrel bar-coded with all the pertinent information Kevin needs to know.

Classic Barrel Closeup.

Carrying on my tradition of fine animal photography (ahem), I capture and present Mattie! She is a third generation daughter dog for the Wetzel family- pure lab!

Kevin thieves a barrel sample for Javier. (Mattie continues her back-turning ways....)

Back in the TR, Caitlin waxes poetic about the reserve tasting; she tells the history of Cyrus Alexander and his family, too.

Time to head out now, with fond memories of a great stop at AVV,  to Healdsburg, about 15 minutes away, to the Hotel Healdsburg  for lunch at Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen.

The lovely dining room at the Dry Creek Kitchen.

The Bar at DCK.

Dazzling menu, wines and surroundings; Bill, Bonita and Andreas ponder the choices.

We are very well attended by the DCK Crew, spearheaded by Wade and also including the Triple D’s,  Dan, Dustin and Drew; HH Concierge Tegan joins us!  Just celebrating 10 years here, this property rocks!

My delicious, spicy, Chicken Paillard Salad.

I paired our lunch with Dutcher Crossing Chardonnay and Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon.  Chef also send out a number of treats- including Yukon Gold Potato Gnocchi that completely pleases.

We head out for a quick look-see upstairs.

Tegan's desk area in the HH Lobby.

Heading to the elevator....

Wow!

Heading out now for Martinelli Winery and Old World Winery.  To be concluded in my next blog.

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Bill, Elizabeth, Caitlin et al at AVV!

20th Anniversary Winter Wineland!

“I’ve got Wineland Fever”

“I’ve got it too!”

Remember that line in Muppet Treasure Island movie?  Well, around the Wine Road HQ, Lynn, Beth and I are saying it all the time!  We’ve got it! (Official disclaimer: the Muppets had Cabin Fever-and Tim Curry, too.)

Fever AND Rocky Horrors....

We are in the countdown days of Winter Wineland Advance Ticket Sales which end this Monday, 9 January 2012!  Tickets are available at the doors of at all participating wineries during the Event, but the price does rise $10 for the Weekend or Sunday Only tickets, though the Designated Driver ticket remains $5.

Wine, Art, Education @ 140 Wine Road Wineries: Such A Deal!  The Program tells it all; when you check in at your chosen winery for the Event, you will be given your wristband, glass, Event Map/Participant List and a printed copy of the Program.  Also, new this year: Wine Road Winter Wineland Raffle, 20 chances to win lovely a Wine Road canvas tote filled with goodies!  Be sure to put your business card or little card we give you to enter!  Be sure to follow us on Facebook and tweet #Wineland2012.

Don’t forget to reserve your Wine Road Lodging!  Hey, no cabin fever here- click on these Lodging Specials.

Look for these signs along Wine Road to easily ID WW participating wineries.

Glasses just delivered....

Shimmering, Wine-Road-Logo-ed 20th Anniversary Celebratory Event Glasses!

Be a Hero/Heroine! Our DD's receive this lovely stainless steel authentic Wine Road Logo Water Bottle, suitable for delicious non-alcohol beverages. (This Event will have our DD's wear a cool hint water Logo Band, instead of the traditional green...exquisite- see bottle top on left.)

We love you, DD's!

New this Event: hint water!

JUST your color!

Enter to win groovy prizes!

Enter!

Official Wine Road Canvas Tote getting ready to hold fabulous prizes!

WW Event Map!

WW Participants on the flip of the Event Map.

Dump or finish the wine in your glass before exiting the wineries!

Next Wednesday is Member Supply Pick Up Day…we see many Wine Road Rock Stars that day…here is a celebrity sighting today, a wee bit early, but welcome nonetheless:

Brendan Malm sighted at Wine Road Worldwide HQ! Malm Cellars is our neighbor....

This is your Wine Road crew, here to help get you all set for Winter Wineland!

Wine Road Office Manager, Lynn Thomas: The Telephone Voice of Wine Road!

Anne Loupy, Wine Road Temp Assist, stuffs member envelopes in the warehouse....

Beth Costa, Wine Road ED was as elusive as Oz the Great and Terrible; she stayed behind her curtain:

Beth's Wine Road Curtain.

Beth behind her curtain....

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Here I am at Wine Road Worldwide HQ this afternoon....

Goat Rock Beach where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean, just past Jenner-by-the-Sea....

Wine Road really does have fun covered- the Alexander, the Dry Creek and the Russian River Valleys- and all within just about a 30-mile radius of easy, gorgeous, relaxing drives through rolling hills of vineyards, quaint country lanes, under towering redwood groves, along the River…to end up at the Pacific Ocean at Goat Rock Beach.  I took the route of Westside Road to River Road, out through Guerneville to the coast.  Lots of fog and mist and temps in the low ’50′s- DRY….We have had little rain to date at all.

Wine Time TR at the Beach.

I LOVE the Wine Road in Winter, and New Year’s, out Westside Road, is a perfect route to wintry Pacific coastal perfection, past the dormant vines, awaiting the rains that will inevitably come (but not until after Winter Wineland, of course) and swell the Russian River to impressive heights.  The seals are resting on the beach, along with the California Brown Pelicans and scores of raggedy seagulls; the mouth of the Russian River is surely enticing to our native salmon- but no rains have as yet clouded the water.

Seals...or be they really selchies?

And just when I was about to actually PICK UP A SEAL...now I KNOW it is wrong....

Pelicans...scary, big, almost phony looking...but oh my so cool.

I just cannot see seagulls without thinking of INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE: "I suddenly remembered my Charlemagne. 'Let my armies be the rocks and the trees and the birds in the sky'." Henry Jones, Sr. (I had no umbrella today- just thoughts of Sean Connery....)

Look out, you pushy seagulls!

Northern California is a place of amazing natural light; the winter hues of greys and muted greens and browns are indicative of the winter of our souls and bodies, traveling even now towards the Spring.  In Winter certain colors are missing;  a fireplace in a Wine Road lodging or winery would fill up that inner void and give protection from the harsh yet attractive coast.

Goat Rock.

Big hole in the rock...utter loneliness...lovely....

Wine Road is always accessible; the seasons exemplify the setting of my mood and soul.

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

As my children have become adults, I have more-or-less stopped being the traditional Ms. Santa Claus, and even this morning, the eve of Christmas Eve, am still pondering just those perfect gifts for the special friends and loved ones in my life.  Amazon warned me two days back that it was pretty much ix-nay on timing for Christmas delivery unless I hurried it up.

So,  Holiday Procrastinators, appear to be thoughtful Plan-A- Headers by purchasing the perfect, instant gift, one that you can give and share with enthusiasm: tickets to our 20th Anniversary Winter Wineland.  Easy to purchase, instant in delivery, and you can go along, too. The proverbial “Gift that Keeps on Giving the Whole Year”- and no, I do not mean the Jelly of the Month Club, Randy Quaid.

Sew my head to the carpet....

A trip up to Wine Road for Winter Wineland continues Christmas and the Holidays right into January 2012!

Wrap it up, Wine Road!

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

My holiday side-board; lots of research to achieve this festive holiday display....