Dry Creek Valley

Despite 100 degree temperatures in the forecast, we drove with our friends up to Geyserville for lunch at Diavola in air conditioned comfort. We were somewhat alarmed by the sign in the window announcing that the liquor license was being transferred to a new owner, but at least for today, all seemed wonderful as usual.

Many years ago we took Anne and Harold to Quivira Winery where just by chance we happened upon a new release party with oysters, truffles and champagne. Harold was in heaven eating his oysters as fast as he could walk back across the lawn from the oyster shucker to our spot on a wall, then, turning around and going back for more. I was pretty happy with the truffles (of the chocolate variety) too. 

They never got back there, so we returned today. The once unassuming lawn (a bad word in California these days, unless it is a dead lawn) in front has been transformed into a large and beautiful "biodynamic garden". I'm not entirely sure what that means, despite blackboards with explanations and words I've never heard before, like "lemniscates". (See extra photo) It was too hot to stand and contemplate signs for long.

The view from the tasting room out over the vineyards and the Dry Creek Valley to Mt. St. Helena was pleasant and we all drove happily back almost comatose (except for OilMan who was driving) with good food and wine. 

OilMan has just gotten a text from David saying, "When you get back, you might find me in your hot tub cooling off…."