Autumn Leaves

Only in Wine country can one begin the day with a cappuccino and a glass of prosecco. We were out of milk this morning, so we went to VJB, where we often go for lunch or a late afternoon glass of wine, this time for a cappuccino. Vittorio, the owner is there every morning at six o'clock anyway, so he offers coffee and pastries. We've been there before when, as this morning, we were the only ones there other than the people in black shirts setting up for the day. The pizza oven is fired up, the deli is stocked with antipasti, salads and panini, the umbrellas over the patio tables are unfurled and the tables are set with wine glasses and lists of the wines available for tasting.

This is a busy time of year for the wineries. Most of them are in the midst of the crush, the vines are resplendent in red and yellow, and the trees glow in the autumn light. Everyone is unfailingly friendly to us and to Ozzie, who waits under the table to lick the foam out of my cup once I have finished with it. This morning we learned the difference between Oregon pinot noir (earthy) and California pinot noir (more "fruit forward") from a fellow gesturing in typical Italian fashion with a handful of wine glasses. He barely missed a beat even when one hit the edge of a tile table and broke. OilMan went inside to purchase some wine and came out with a glass of prosecco for me to try along with my coffee and morning bun.

We went for a walk in the oak covered hills near Glen Ellen before stopping by the Figone Oilve Co. on the way home, where we tasted some olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Having had coffee and tasted bubbly, olive oil and mozzarella all before 11 am, we are now home trying to pack our bags for a trip to Oregon and a different climate. We will be leaving summer behind, and visiting true autumn and some rain.