Summer Wine: Another Day in Wine Country

Today is the last day of a week-long series on my trip to Northern California's wine country. We have been to Napa and Sonoma more times that i can count, but this trip was unique because we spent time exploring wine regions much further north of Sonoma. Since it was "off the beaten path", there was definitely much less traffic, which meant fewer tourists! You may recall from Monday's post that we drove up with both dogs. It's a nine hour drive north, which is quite a long time for the kids to be sitting in the back seat, but they had a great time.

above: Koshimi and Sheldon, relaxing in the back seat, living the life of luxury as we chauffeured them around wine country.

above: Different from Napa or Sonoma, the rolling hills up in the Anderson Valley wine region are somewhat less lush with vegetation, but this region produces some excellent Pinot Noir.

above: the vineyards at this winery had a nice outdoor sitting area under a trellis with vines as covering-the perfect respite from the hot sun.

above: I especially liked this vineyard, which had rows of beautiful rose bushes along the entire side.

above: A perfect spot to stop for a picnic and smell the fresh lavender.

above: this winery had a peaceful water fountain that set the tone before you even approached the front door.


above: later in the day, the kids were zonked out and napped in between our pit stops.
It was a perfect Summer Wine road trip. I named this post "Summer Wine" in honor of Miss Nancy Sinatra, who recorded a song back in 1967 with recently departed Lee Hazelwood. For all you youngins, don't laugh at the black and white back video. For the rest of you, I hope you enjoy this little ditty from Nancy and Lee.
"Summer Wine"

Thanks for stopping by. Happy Friday!
-Rick Rockhill