We started our Crush with a flashback. We had to pick up our tickets at Landmark Winery, and when we got there I realized I had been there before, for an ARAMARK meeting. They have a beautiful hacienda in a park-like setting, with a pond and bocce ball court next to the vineyards and views of the surrounding hills. We played a game of bocce and then, alas, time to hit the road and the next winery.
I tried barrel samples at Kaz - yuck! I like grape juice, and I like wine. The stage in between is pretty rough. The stuff we tasted will probably be bottled in the next year. They had great meatballs there though, and the people were great.
Not all the stops were very memorable. Some were more notable for the surroundings, like wine caves, the "temple of oak," or their views than their wines. I loved VJB, which specializes in hard to find Italian varietals, made in the old world style.
I really love the wine country. Make no mistake, a vineyard is a farm and that means hard work at the mercy of the seasons. I decided pretty early in life that I didn't want to farm for a (try to scratch out a) living. But when I think about the type of place I can see myself retiring, a place like Sonoma doesn't sound half bad. You get the idyllic setting, gorgeous weather and a year-round growing season, about an hour from a major international airport (important for gypsies). I could be pretty happy with a little cottage at the edge of town with a little garden and views of someone else's farm!
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