A touch of sophistication found in a glass

So far this summer it has been a rare treat for Nicole and I to both have time off together. Usually our only days off together have been a short 24 hours where we have to cram in whatever we can before one of us has to go back to work. This past weekend we found ourselves to have 2 full days off together. What to do? Well the weather all over the north coast and as far inland as we could see was to be all foggy, rainy and cold. No good. We had to leave the ocean behind and travel to warmer climates. And thus we found ourselves stumbling into Sonoma County with only a day or two notice crashing in the spare room of our great friends Becca, Jake, Jocelyn and Luna. Thanks a bunch by the way (we love the pictures you took on the camera too). So since the weather was warm and a free slate before us, we decided to live it up and go wine tasting along Highway 12 towards the town of Sonoma. What a perfect day. Weather worked out great, we got to see the sun and feel its warmth. We stopped at 5 wineries including Ledson, Blackstone, Mayo, B.R. Cohn and Valley of the Moon. All of them had great wines and even better atmospheres. Our only complaint was at the Mayo winery. There we were thoroughly snubbed by the wine guy, where we found out there is nothing to do in Humboldt, California is not a big state and that we were "country folk." He talked down to us and spoke to us like we did not know anything. Maybe thats why the place was empty while all the others were packed? After that experience we headed to B.R. Cohn, mainly because a sign on the property said they used sustainable agriculture practices, got to support them then. Wow what a great place! The guy who helped us was incredibly helpful and generous with the pouring. He never spoke down to us and tried to tell us all the wonderful things you could do with each wine and how to enjoy it. Even poured one that he said he didn't like, how truthful. We ended up buying a bottle and hence getting the tasting for free. If anyone is going to purchase some wine B.R. Cohn pinot noir is excellent. Stay away from the pretentious snobs at Mayo. At least until they redeem themselves. Ledson was also great. The brick castle that the winery is in is simply beautiful and the wines were great, though a bit pricey for us. Valley of the Moon was great to, the prices were way more in alignment with our budget and we bought another bottle for our lovely hosts Becca and Jake. This is where Nicole had a bit of a mishap with a wine glass and not a single person noticed, even me. Way to go Nicole :) The other place we went Blackstone was very nice to. A bit more friendly and small scale than Ledson, wine wasn't the greatest but we really liked the winery itself and the grounds. All in all it was a really eventful trip and we really enjoyed ourselves. Im so glad that we got out of town because we came home to rain, thunder and fog. Not bad just nice to see the sun once in a while.