Left the desert and headed to Sonoma to dog sit for Carol.
Taking in everything Sonoma now!
All decked out for the Memorial Day celebration at Veteran's park.
Miss Sonoma played every patriotic song...on her violin.
Glad I had my flag sweater with me...it was chilly that day.
Of course, we're checking out all the wineries around the valley.
Here we are at Gloria Ferrer winery...sipping a champagne flight...yum, yum.
Heading up to Viansa's winery...great view from on top.
Went back for the live entertainment and pizza on the patio over the week-end.
Esther & Jim came down from Tahoe to celebrate Esther's birthday.
Decided we had to do a wine tasting day...first stop...Ferrari Carano...both our favorite.
Grounds are just beautiful there...a gorgeous day to be out.
Off to Sbragia...not much purchased yet...
...great views from here, though.
Then to Fritz Underground...quite an interesting building...
...and 'Sissy' pouring. What's that smile on your face for, Allan?
Now to Dry Creek Vineyard...where we stopped for lunch...picnicked on the grounds.
Great setting. Notice purchases are picking up.
One of our favorites...Deux Amis Winery...tasting held in a barn. Loved the winemaker/owner/pourer...she did it all!
Another interesting one...Viszlay Vineyards...sat outside while the owner's daughter told us all about their wines. Some champagne was sipped here, too.
A very small operation...got to see the bottling and labeling.
One last stop for the day at Ledson...on our way back to Sonoma.
Allan was intrigued by the building...used to be a home that was turned into a winery.
Some home, huh?
Jim resting, but not sleeping, after wining it all day.
Is that a beer? How could you?
Ended the day with Esther's Birthday dinner at La Haye in downtown Sonoma...fabulous food!
Next day...a morning bike ride around Sonoma, then headed off to the Mayo winery for their wine and food pairing.
Just starting our first round...
Here's the first half...
Courses 1, 2, and 3...Spring Pea Soup, Warm Bacon and Potato Salad, & CA Yellowtail Filet and Tomato Orzo. Looks like small portions, but it was just right, we thought.
The chef explaining all about why he chose the food combinations to go with the wines...
very intricate flavors to enhance the wines.
...second part of the menu.
...courses 4, 5, & 6....the Silenced Lamb, Grilled New York Strip with Asparagus & Quinoa & Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Spring Turnips and Blue Cheese Oats. Quite an interesting assortment of flavors. Now we're getting into those reds.
First time I ever ate lamb...quite good, I must say.
Last course...dessert...Tropical Fruit Pain Perdu...French toast with mango & papaya compote.
Yummy!
A great afternoon of sipping and eating.
After a rest...we biked up to Sabastiani for their Friday evening concert...sipped some more.
Wow...we'll sleep well tonight!
Looks like the Sooki and Ruby had a little too much wine, too.
