WOW!
I drive from my home in Modesto to Murphys in the Foothills at least a couple of times a week. That the drive has never become boring is a tribute to the beauty of the region. But this week's trip truly marked a new sensory standard - and it all comes with the change of seasons. First, the smells of autumn are in the air: the first wood fires, the smell of newly-made wine, the crisp autumn air - a smile in every scent. Then there are the fall colors in the vineyards, as they turn from the greens of harvest to the golden browns, oranges, and yellows of the fall. Place those colors in a hillside vineyard and the color palate extends on seemingly forever. My drive took place in the early morning hours - just after sunrise. The sight of the Foothills silhouetted against the rising sun was inspiring enough, but many of the fields were covered with their first frost of the season, adding a diamond-like glow to the hillsides. Down in the valleys lay a light mist of low-hanging clouds making the scene almost surreal.
Then I drove into Murphys to the smell of breakfast cooking at Grounds and Alchemy and the reality of the day was ready to start. As you may have guessed, I think this is just a spectacular time to visit the Foothills and discover some new wineries. The Fall releases are in the tasting rooms where the warmth of the room and warmth of the tasting room staffs take the chill out of the Autumn air. The Fall menus are in place at the local restuarants. The stores are beginning to bring in their holiday merchandise, and there is just an aura of festivity throughout the region.
Sound like too much to resist? It is. I'm on my way back "up the hill" for more sensory overload. Please join me!
Want to comment on this - or any - of my blog entries. I'd welcome any comments or questions at paladin.mod@gmail.com. All emails will be answered, posted, or both.
I drive from my home in Modesto to Murphys in the Foothills at least a couple of times a week. That the drive has never become boring is a tribute to the beauty of the region. But this week's trip truly marked a new sensory standard - and it all comes with the change of seasons. First, the smells of autumn are in the air: the first wood fires, the smell of newly-made wine, the crisp autumn air - a smile in every scent. Then there are the fall colors in the vineyards, as they turn from the greens of harvest to the golden browns, oranges, and yellows of the fall. Place those colors in a hillside vineyard and the color palate extends on seemingly forever. My drive took place in the early morning hours - just after sunrise. The sight of the Foothills silhouetted against the rising sun was inspiring enough, but many of the fields were covered with their first frost of the season, adding a diamond-like glow to the hillsides. Down in the valleys lay a light mist of low-hanging clouds making the scene almost surreal.
Then I drove into Murphys to the smell of breakfast cooking at Grounds and Alchemy and the reality of the day was ready to start. As you may have guessed, I think this is just a spectacular time to visit the Foothills and discover some new wineries. The Fall releases are in the tasting rooms where the warmth of the room and warmth of the tasting room staffs take the chill out of the Autumn air. The Fall menus are in place at the local restuarants. The stores are beginning to bring in their holiday merchandise, and there is just an aura of festivity throughout the region.
Sound like too much to resist? It is. I'm on my way back "up the hill" for more sensory overload. Please join me!
Want to comment on this - or any - of my blog entries. I'd welcome any comments or questions at paladin.mod@gmail.com. All emails will be answered, posted, or both.