Three of my colleagues called me up last minute and asked if I wanted to go wine tasting in the Livermore Valley. I have done these ages ago when the wineries were few and novel to the area. Some 15 years later, many wineries have cropped up and some produce wines tasting real good to my amateurish taste.
Here's our office staff, Sylvia and Georgia.
We started at Deer Ridge Vineyards. Tried and enjoyed some Viognier and various reds. The owner of the winery took us around his property which gave the tour a personal touch. He shared his plans with us on what he was going to do to make the place an event center. He even has a two-berdoom + place on the property that can be used by clients who want to stay close by during an event. This could make a nice little get-away too at $275 per night.
The group proceeded to Charles R Vineyards, a small family-owned and operated winery tucked away on some dirt road. Fun thing about these small places is that you get to meet the wine makers and enjoy their stories. The hometown atmosphere was so prevalent that we got to overhear soon-to-be exes discuss their divorce proceedings development. :)
We visited Murrietta's Well and witnessed a wedding rehearsal while enjoying the wines. More wine, no pictures.
Then we headed over to Cedar Mountain Winery to taste and have our picnic lunch. Upon arrival, we found out that they were closing as it was 4:00 PM! We had so much fun on this trip that we did not realize it was that late in the afternoon. The lady who was working there told us we can use their picnic grounds in the back and for us to enjoy ourselves. She warned us that at 5 PM the owners (who live in the back) will have their cocktail hour. We purchased some Pinot Grigio and headed for our picnic. Much more wine, no pictures...
The owner with martini on hand joined us for a bit, sharing his vacation plans with us. We either stayed longer than 5PM or he was starting his cocktail hour early. :)
Here is another picture of Georgia and Sylvia.... this time with my buddy, Jim... from Charles R again.
We decided that this trip could be the beginnings of a series of team building activities for our entire staff. YEAH, to more wine tasting trips!
Life is good and I did not have to go far to vacation. Staycations can be good! :)
Comments (2)
Hi Eden, I'm just catching up on your blog now. I really am enjoying your "staycation idea". I do foresee more and more of us doing the very same thing. I feel energized and satisfied with my brief stay in San Francisco. It is fun to be a tourist in our own backyards (or state/country as the case may be). You are so lucky to have such beautiful family (children and grandbabies) to surround your life. They are all so cute. Your daughter is beautiful! I look forward to reading your reviews on La Costa. Your blog is great!.
Posted by Barb Cabot | July 19, 2008 5:34 PM
Posted on July 19, 2008 17:34
Grand idea of a staycation Eden. I had fun going through your blog and your escapade with your lovely grand kidos & family. I will definitely be your northern copycat! There are lots of lovely places to visit in Ontario let alone the neighbouring provinces of Quebec to the East and Winnipeg to the West. At the moment, I am having a grand time with my garden-ication, I went crazy purchasing 11 gorgeous rose bushes which were on sale and just because it is on sale that a purchase a plenty was the order of that day. I save a bundle that I also purchased a Prunus Italianus "Italian plum" as hubby bakes my favourite fall dessert plum cake with a Dr Oetker glazed, yummy-yummy, luv in my tummy. With all these buckets lying along our driveway, my g-cation will probably take me towards the fall for sure. Take care and God Bless you and the family!
Posted by Rose Paculaba-Koenig | July 20, 2008 3:14 PM
Posted on July 20, 2008 15:14