North of San Francisco, there is a wine region called Dry Creek Valley.  Uniquely rural with one lane bridges and windy country roads, it’s a mini-vacation just 45 minutes from my home.

In the winter, I pass mostly work trucks  and occasionally an ATV crossing the road between vineyards. The last time I spent any significant time here was about five years ago. It’s a pleasant realization that some of the young wineries are coming into their own. Previously tiny tasting rooms and farm-like properties are now beautiful tasting rooms with landscaping surrounding their vineyards.  The character of the region is palatable; I feel a distinct invitation to relax, walk around in the fresh air, laugh and talk with winery representatives and forget about time.  The very definition of a vacation.

I’ll be returning soon with Tulip, there are too many quality wineries to visit in a day trip.