Just like in 2017 I have a difficult time finding my "normalcy" again after our latest emergency. I struggled with that back then and I do it again right now. I've finally unpacked all the evacuation items, realizing that I packed less than last time. For example, I could leave behind all the scrapbooks because I had scanned them since the 2017 wildfire. Obviously I learned a lesson or two.
Anyway, I decided to get back to blogging, hoping to ease back into my "normal" life. I was thinking of the Alexander Valley north of town which was at the center of the Kincade Fire, our latest big wildfire. It is a beautiful valley with the Russian River lazily meandering through it. Vineyards stretch out to the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains with majestic lone trees, mainly old oaks, standing either at the edge of the vineyards or right in the middle of them. Back roads pass the many wineries and restaurants that serve farm-to-table food.
The Wappo who with the Pomo used to live in the Alexander Valley prior to Spanish colonization call the valley "Unutsawaholmanoma" which translates to "Toyon Bush Berry Place". Viticulture started back in 1843 when Cyrus Alexander began to establish vineyards in the area with vine cuttings collected from Fort Ross. The valley has become a renowned wine growing area, and AVA (American Viticulture Area) status was established in 1984.
The wine grown and produced here is truly delicious. The Cabernet-Sauvignons are top notch, but my personal favorite is the Zinfandel - for me it is THE California grape. It is a rich wine with a dark red color and flavors that explode on your tongue - I can't believe I'm writing this at 8:30 in the morning! I sure look forward to my glass of Zin tonight (probably from an Alexander Valley vineyard).
Despite the wineries that bring quite some tourism and therefore traffic to the area on a weekend, the valley has retained its sleepy agricultural character. It's a pleasure to trundle along Highway 128, a quiet back road, with a stop at Jimtown (a deli and a church) to grab a sandwich. The Mayacamas Mountains can be seen from anywhere in the valley with the peak of Mount St. Helena towering over them.
Today, Alexander Valley is the largest and most fully planted wine region in Sonoma County. It is also one of the warmest areas in Northern California during the day, but at night experiences a wide diurnal temperature variation (the variation between a high temperature and a low temperature that occurs during the same day) that offers cool climate conditions. This enables the Alexander Valley to grow a wide range of grape varieties. No wonder you can find so many wineries here.
10 comments:
Die Farbintensität der Bilder ist sehr beeindruckend. Es scheint bei euch ja wohl inzwischen einigermaßen entspannt zu sein. Wir zittern gerade wegen der schrecklichen Bilder aus Australien. Unser jüngster Sohn wird mehrere Monate in Sydney arbeiten. Viele der Orte, die jetzt in Flammen aufgehen, kennen wir. Es ist wirklich bitter. Ich kann nicht mehr verstehen, wie noch irgendjemand den Klimawandel leugnen kann. Ich habe eigentlich regelmäßig bei Dir gelesen. Aber in den letzten Monaten hatte ich einige Probleme zu bewältigen. Jetzt kann ich hoffentlich wieder etwas mehr am Bloggerleben teilnehmen.
Alles Gute,
Magdalena
After all the devastation we have seen on television, accompanied by acute human anguish, it is good to gaze on these areas that were not destroyed by the fires. I just hope that you don't have to endure these conditions again next year.
I'm not sure how I would deal with the threat of wildfire. It seems like such a scary thing. I see this on the new and wonder what it would be like...
I am interested in the wines in your area. I love zinfandel and cabernet, and have always felt as though California wineries make some very good wine. I am going to look up some more information on the Alexander Valley wineries.
Kudos to you on getting back into a normal routine. I cannot imagine how hard it must be to experience the threat of wildfires. This is a beautiful area and nice to see that it was spared.
What a glorious place! I love gazing at your wonderful photos and learning about this area. I really hope you get back to normal in your life soon and that it last for a good long time.
I read your back posts about the fires in your area. That must have been very stressful for you. What a tragedy for so many people. I am pleased that some beautiful places are still here as shown in your photos. They look peaceful and it is hard to think that so much was destroyed not far away. Take care.
Your photos are idyllic -- in contrast to the threats that menace the peaceful vineyards and quiet autumn scenes. You have really captured the anxiety of our time, along with the beauty.
best... mae at maefood.blogspotcom
Thank you for showing this beautiful area that was untouched by the fires. We like several Alexander Valley wines. Bob and I rode our bikes through this area several years ago. I hope CA wildfire season is soon over! It's so hard to be constantly on the alert for a disaster.
Your photographs show such a beautiful area.
It cannot be easy getting back into 'normal routine', my thoughts are with you and all those who have been affected by the fires.
I hope you enjoyed your glass of Zin :)
All the best Jan
I am glad that you are okay. Your area is so glorious. I've been through these evacuations too, and it is hard to get the cortisol levels back to normal. Give it time and revel in the beauty.
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