Geyserville Grapevine by deTraci Regula - July 2016
As I write this, we are facing our first truly hot weekend – it’s expected to hit at least 101 degrees Fahrenheit today and 104 tomorrow – and that’s with me ignoring another weather service saying the high could be 107. Here at
Driving toward Healdsburg, I’m delighted by the vast sea of green grapevines on the east side of the highway. From certain angles it looks like a huge expanse of green grass, like a very squared-off golf course. The rich grasses on the median and along the edges of the highway have been chopped back by Caltrans maintenance and I love the mix of pale browns and beiges. It looks soft enough to roll on –but I know that’s also an illusion and one which would leave me with all sorts of velcro-like seeds sticking to me if I acted on that impulse. On the opposite side from all that green is the old Salvation Army site, now belonging to theLytton Band of Pomo Indians. From being a hub of activity, the property is radiating quietness. The couple dozen head of black cattle are wandering the golden fields and there’s a more peaceful aura about the place. It’s unclear what the tribe’s ultimate plans for the area are, but for now, I’m appreciating that feeling of openness and calm though I used to love shopping at the bustling thrift village.
Happy Hour Thursdays at Trentadue
Trentadue Winery has begun “Happy Hour Thursdays” at the winery. This free event happens every Thursday throughout the summer and offers $2 wines by the glass, accompanied by a live band. Families and dogs are welcome - we love that part! Various food trucks will also be present each week so you can purchase a snack, throw down a blanket, grab a glass of wine and listen to the night’s band. It all happens between 5pm and 7pm every Thursday, making it the perfect spot to enjoy the lush summer evenings in a beautiful environment. They are located at19170 Geyserville Avenue. Questions? Call their tasting room at (707) 433-3104.
Wine Cruise to the Danube
Pedroncelli Winery here in Geyserville is celebrating their 90th anniversary making wine in Geyserville and they are also one of six local Dry Creek Valley wineries participating in a Winemaker’s Cruise to the Danube this November 8th-15th. Destinations include Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, Melk, Linz, Passau, and Vilshofen, all on the river cruise ship the AmaStella, launched in 2016.If you’d like to explore another international wine region in the company of winey (but hopefully not whine-y) “folks from back home” this could be the trip for you. More information is available at their website.pedroncelli.com/tasting/events/passport-to-the-danube/.
“Foodie” Moment of the Month
Virginia Dare’s Werowocomoco restaurant is now open for dinner, with some special events such as an open-air salmon grill night on the way. The cool patio is the also a great place to ride out some of this heat. Also, this is admittedly just a rumor since I just made it up, but if you carefully say Werowocomoco slowly, ten times a day, you’ll either never get wrinkles around your mouth or you will start erasing the ones you have. Ware-row-woe-co-mo-co. See? It’s easy! More information at virginiadarewinery.com or call (707) 735-3575. They are located at 22281 Chianti Road just off of Canyon Road.
