Monday, October 16, 2023

Wine Tasting in the Vineyard

 

A couple weekends ago our friends M and J took us out for a wine tasting at a lovely winery where they are members. We got a table right at the vineyard under a huge tree and thankfully there was a sunshade as well which came in handy when it started to sprinkle during the afternoon. The sky constantly changed from blue to grey and back. But it was warm and we enjoyed being out in this lovely setting, despite the occasional shower.

The view to the other side was just as lovely with a majestic willow, vineyards and the gently rolling forested hills.

M had prepared some charcuterie, cheeses, spreads and bread for us to share. It was perfect.


Of course there was wine! It's been more than 20 years since we had visited the winery the last time - during our early days in Sonoma County - and we were quite happy to see that the winery hasn't changed very much. Unlike many other wineries in the area it doesn't have all the fancy-shmancy that seems to be so popular with wine tourists. Instead, it offered excellent wines.

These wine glasses, bottle and mason jars for the water is my ticket for Bleubeard and Elizabeth's T Tuesday.

Fall was definitely arriving in the vineyard - the leaves started to turn. This is one of the Pinot Noir vineyards where the leaves eventually will turn to a stunning red.

We spent several hours at the winery, tasting, eating, talking, laughing. I always treasure time spent with good friends and if you get home with a case of delicious wine - even better!



19 comments:

Kate Yetter said...

Oh, what a beautiful place to spend the afternoon. The backdrop is gorgeous, and the food and friendship sounds wonderful. It's always nice to relax with friends.
Happy Tea Day,
Kate

Elephant's Child said...

It looks and sounds like a wonderful day - and a perfect post for T Tuesday.

DVArtist said...

Ohhh what a lovely place to visit, drink and eat. Your photos are excellent.

Iris Flavia said...

Das sieht toll aus. Und so ein Nachmittag klingt nach leckerem Spaß!
Wir haben das ein Mal in unserem Urlaub in der Toskana mitgemacht. Auch ganz einfach ohne Schnickschnack. Und wir haben tatsächlich auch eine Flasche Wein mitgenommen. Ich hab sie noch hier, als Erinnerung.

Amila said...

Wow, your post about wine tasting in the vineyard is amazing! The pictures are beautiful, and it seems like you had a fantastic time. I wish I could visit such a vineyard too! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Happy T-Tuesday!

David M. Gascoigne, said...

This sounds like an idyllic way to spend an afternoon, Carola, and provided you were under cover I can only imagine that a little rain enhanced the experience. There is a certain lovely odour when the earth is freshly moist and I am sure that was agreeable. A charcuterie is perfect with wine, sometimes it’s what we have for dinner. My favourite local deli has a huge variety of olives, among which is one they call “Italian country olives” and they are nothing short of fabulous. My wines of choice for several years now have been Malbecs principally, and a good Malbec, with cheese, Miriam’s focaccia bread and olives is about as good as it gets. If a little prosciutto with bocconcini should sneak in there, that’s okay too! Con mucho cariño - David

My name is Erika. said...

This looks like a lovely visit Carola. And you are lucky to live so close to some world class vineyards. I can't imagine having a membership to a vineyard, but then we only have a few vineyards here in New Hampshire. It's not exactly the right climate. :) That's a lovely photo of you and your husband too. I hope you have a super T day and week ahead. hugs-Erika

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Carola, what a fun and delicious outing in the vineyard and perfect weather too! We had such a great time visiting several during our trip to Amalfi in September.

Mae Travels said...

That looks so idyllic — I haven’t been to a California winery in ages, and I would just love that experience again. Many of them have big, busy tasting rooms where you have to stand at a counter when tasting the wine, which means no beautiful vineyard seating.
best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com

nwilliams6 said...

Carola, what a great Fall post for T-day!

The winery looks wonderful, the cheese and goodies look perfect, and the wine sounds really good. What a fab day. Love the picture of you and your hubby. Lovely.

Happy T-day and hugz

Valerie-Jael said...

This looks like a great way to taste wine! The Vineyard looks great, too. Happy T Day, hugs, Valerie

Divers and Sundry said...

This looks like such a fun outing, and fall looks like a great time to go. Happy T Tuesday.

Empire of the Cat said...

Oh beautiful place, and lovely warm weather, perfect for your day out. You all look so happy and healthy. I have been to the Sonoma valley and some vineyards there but I can't remember which without looking at the photos. Thanks for your visit today. Happy T Day! Elle xx

Michelle said...

I enjoyed this post. We visited California in June and Sonoma was my favorite place :)

Violetta said...

I hope these fine vineyards will bring a delicous variety of wines.
All the best and have a good time
Violetta

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

What fabulous views and great friendship you shared with us. Beautiful food, treats, and of course, the wine. I have never been to a wine tasting, so this was a treat for me to see. Thanks for sharing your wine tasting day with us for T this Tuesday, dear Carola.

Yvonne said...

The only wine tasting I ever attended was one that my brother took me to near San Francisco filled with well-to-do people and a blue grass band. It was fun, but I rather prefer your type of get together.

CJ Kennedy said...

The vineyard looks like a lovely place. I've always wanted to try a wine tasting, but Himself and Teague don't drink! Happy T Day

Teresa said...

Me alegra que lo pasaran bien. Saludos.