This is what I'm drinking tonight. Wente's mesoclimate contain descendants from the 19th century vines Charles Wetmore brought from Bordeaux. The thing I like about this wine is the tannic structure that lengthens as I drink it. Old vines with depth are wonderful to enjoy this time of year. I pay close attention to what the wine gods are telling me. Tonight I'm hearing a definite MAKE HAMBURGERS to pair with the cab. The only decision I'm left with is selecting my cheese preference.

Hope you have a great night!

What a nice weekend it was with no major chores and no DIY projects going on. I got out and rode my bike, ran, and walked on the beach. The only errand I did was to the wine store to get an old favorite of mine. Years ago, I was in France driving in the Loire Valley when I stumbled upon a chateau in the middle of the woods. The kings like to hide their mistresses out in the country with lots of wine and chateau's filled with fireplaces large enough to walk in. They had to be big to heat those castles.

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The skies and blue and the sun is shining. I'm sitting outside reading blogs and watching my dog. She likes to chase things that move which usually means butterflies and squirrels. She seems impervious to snakes so when I'm in the backyard this time of year, which is snake season, I make sure I stay close to her.

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For the New Year I opened a bottle of the Mourvèdre from the wine celler. After all, a new decade is upon us. In addition, I also opened a Chardonnay for those who prefer white wine. A few cocktails were served along with shrimp cocktail and Spanish cheese which I forgot the name of after I had a few glasses of wine and guests arrived.

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Yesterday, we had blustery weather arrive and by nightfall heaters were cranked on. When the weather dips to 32 at night I'm not going to miss my chance to get firewood. Christmas trees can wait but I was in need of logs, pronto!

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Lavender will always remind me of my favorite road trip in the south of France. I could smell it before I could see the color purple in the fields. It was then I began to cook with it and I cannot pass up the scent of these gardens.

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Visiting wine country in California has spoiled me. There are 130 wineries with 30 grape varieties in Russian River Valley. Just below Healdsburg, the river flows down to the Pacific and the cool area along the coast allows the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes to thrive.

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Holy Piedmont! Is this Italy?

This valley contains 81 Wineries and grows 26 different grapes. Currently, I'm just taking in the scenery. Originally planted by the French in 1850, but taken over by the Italian immigrants because of the similarities to great grape growing areas in Tuscany.

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The gala dinner was held on the top floor of The Ferry Building. The meal was catered by Paula LeDuc and wine paired by Bonny Doon Vineyard. The meal was exquisite.

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