Where the Redwoods Meet the….Grapes

As we drove south out of the massive redwood forests of California, 

Our friends, Phil and Donna, heading south.

We began to notice the vineyards.

Here we are, entering the rolling hills of Mendocino County.

As we continue, we see row after row of grapes.

It was amazing to see the grapes hanging on the vines. We were in the area just as harvest was beginning, or as they say in the area, "in crush". Although we saw very few workers in the vineyards, we saw plenty of trucks on the road shuttling grapes to one winery or another. As we drove up to more than one winery,  it wasn't difficult to detect the odor of grapes being crushed.

It was even more amazing to taste the grapes. Grapes used for wine are far smaller than table grapes, yet their flavor is far sweeter. Almost too sweet!

It turns out that the soil and climate of the coastal areas of California are just what grapes prefer. The warm days and cool nights (preferably below 60) allow full flavor to develop in the grape. This area (other than in recent years of drought) gets just enough rain for growth, but not too much that the flavors get diluted.

Mmmm… can't wait to taste some of the products from this region! More on that, later, when I get back from the vineyards!