O'er the Hills and Far Away

I spent time on the West Coast thanks to a work trip in my day job, using science and words to help people access meds and asking them for their data in return. Basically, the best of human kind during dark times. There are definitely some perks, and one was getting to visit Sonoma, seeing some sights and resting. Beauty and humility are the words that come to mind.

I may not have mentioned this yet but a little movie called Bottle Shock in early 2000s turned my world upside down. Introduced me to the Judgement of Paris and the reintroduction of California as a global wine goddess. Since then, I've devoured everything I could on US wine production. Grgich Hills is my absolute favorite vineyard and I definitely dream of retiring in the Napa region, St. Helena is a scenic small town with expensive tastes. Unlikely but one can dream.

So on my excursion to Sonoma, I took advantage of the perks and tasted some beautiful wines at a little known family vineyard responsible for some of my non-Napa favorites. Located a stones throw away from Carneros are the rocky green acres owned by the San Giacomo family for a century. A gorgeous July day had me in wonderful spirits as I sipped their signature Chardonnay and Rosé, even the Pinot noir was a treat. Luckily it was a complimentary tasting that allowed me to have some shipped home so I could hold onto this day and make it a good season. The beauty of rows and rows of vines with guarding hills in the background that make the area a broad climate and the powerhouse for growing grapes had me staring and tasting and smelling the fresh wines for a while.

It takes you into the world you want to be in, nature and fruit, tart and dark. Light breezes and swaying tree limbs. The closest to farming that I ever really care to be, and feels like a balm for this hot and humid summer. Don't get me wrong, I'd gladly work in mixing and mashing and testing and tasting but I'm not built for heavy sun work. This pale skin has had enough damage in my early years and I've made some peace with that. But I'll help where I can, whether that be selling or filling glasses. I'm not a food scientist but I am learning about the acids and the acetates involved in wine production. More of a fun diversion than a career goal, but we'll see where the it takes me.

Thank you to the San Giacomo family for your hospitality and your artistry. Turning fruit into bottled gold is one of my favorite learning experiences since college. I'm amazed at how we've been able to take ancient practices and make them better but sustainable. Over a hundred years of growing, half of those dedicated to wine grapes, and keeping family land fertile is inspiring. While the area gets more expensive, you make it feel authentic.  Highly recommend the tasting if you are in the Sonoma area.

When the day is done and the wine is drunk, it's the memory that lasts and pictures that take you back. Our travels may push us to new and interesting places or return us to our favorites. I like to say that you only regret the trips you don't take and the places you don't see, so if you can take the time you should. It keeps you young even when it's tiring or challenging, like trying to catch trains in London or sit through meetings before you get to drink your wine. Eat your veggies, take your meds and rest up for the next journey.