Drinking with family

Last Sunday was Sean, Gerry and Deb's last night of vacation here in Northern California. What is it about the last few hours of family time that make it the most memorable? The four of us, along with a longtime friend of the family, Edwin went wine drinking crazy in my backyard. We had the tiki torches lit, James Gang and Wings on the iPod, 70 degree weather even at 11PM and good laughs and stories. And of course, raiding my cellar. These pics show the 6 bottles we had consumed to that point - after the picture taking, 2 more were opened and emptied for a total of 8 bottles consumed (OK so maybe 3 were half full from the previous days), but it still felt like college days all over again. This time, however, the company was far better, the conversation much more intelligent and there was not a keg of Busch anywhere around.

Sean, Gerry, Deb - we had a great time during your visit! I know we're several thousand miles away, but don't be strangers. This goes for all family!!!

Another wine country

My nephew, Sean arrived at noon today from Chicago which completes the family unit scheduled to visit with us this week. I picked him up from SJC at noon, and pretty much immediately took the family out for a wine tasting tour. As I may have mentioned before, almost every region in California is "wine country" (which I have no problem with!), so we set out for the one and only winery I know in the Santa Cruz Mountains - Pichetti Winery. 2 hours and 2 wineries later, we had purchased a total of 15 bottles, signed up for 2 wine clubs, learned the legal laws of shipping to Michigan and Illinois, and basically got drunk all within 15 miles of my home!!! Who knew we would be able to sample some world class Pinot's, Merlots, Chardonnay's and driven up to about 5000 feet elevation within 15 miles of my house. I even learend some new geography today. If I've never said it before (and I know I have); I love California!!!! Kristen, Kelly, Bit and Ronnie - get your butts out here and let's do some wine drinking!!!!

Pichetti Winery - Santa Cruz Mountains

Cooper Garrod Winery - Santa Cruz Mountains

Savannah - Chanelle Winery - Santa Cruz Mountains

All 3 wineries less than 15 miles from home!!