Hairy and Benny

Rivino winery started life four years ago when Jason and Suzanne moved onto her family property and they began to develop what is today the label Rivino. Their first bottling in 2008 was Viognier and in only one year the 2009 vintage rated 95 points at the 2011 California State Fair. It has received a host of other Gold Medals from prestigious wine fairs, competitions and experts. Other varietals produced at Rivino are Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese and Sedulous, which means “attention to detail or working painstakingly” and it is the perfect name for what it takes to be a serious wine maker and producer. Sedulous is only available for tasting at the winery and is available for purchase through the Rivino Wine Club.

The tasting room has a cozy inside facility and a terraced outdoor area with fire pit and some unique feats of engineering that Jason has incorporated utilizing his past education and career skills, mechanical engineering and construction, such as the very cool outside service bar. Water for thirsty canines is provided along with a tasty treat or two. Benny was a gracious host and Jason and Benny even preformed a trick to entertain us.

My uprights reported that all the wines they tasted were delicious; the taste sensations on the palate were complex and exciting, with subtle citrus notes and tropical flavors that came together on the palate to create a mouthful of joy. My uprights remarked that so much happened on the palate – and yet one could easily isolate and identify specific flavors. Each wine was unique and interesting, perfect for drinking on its own or pairing with food.

My eyes took in the vistas of the valley as the mouth and nose danced to the smells. With the glorious sun shining down, Benny and I sat under the protective shade of trees, listening to clinking glasses while my uprights learned about the winemaking craft from a couple whose passion and enthusiasm, care and love is captured exquisitely in the nectar they are crafting and then poured lovingly into the glasses, gently swirled, then sniffed appreciatively before being raised to the lips and savored on the tongue and finishing the tasting experience with a satisfying swallow.

What a perfect way of appreciating nature, on a glorious sunny day, celebrating this wonderful planet with new friends and fun canine company. That is what Jason, Suzanne and Benny with Rivino have captured and bottled. When you stop by tell them Hairy sent you.

Rivino Winery
4101 Cox Schrader Road
Ukiah, CA 95482
707-293-4262

My dad at the lighthouse

Well “shiver me timbers” if I did not receive a piece of bark-mail from my good friend, Dillon the Docent Dog, of Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park, reminding me that it was Whale Festival time in Mendocino County. He was barking the fact that the lighthouse is one of the best places on the Mendocino Coast to view the migrating whales and the park was going to be having lots of fun activities celebrating all things Whale. I have been meaning to talk about the wonderful State Parks that Mendocino County has, so this was a perfect opportunity to revisit this park and join in the whale watching fun.

Located between the villages of Caspar and Mendocino, Point Cabrillo State Park is situated on 296.5 acres of open space and unobstructed shoreline with plenty of hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife spotting. The park welcomes canine visitors but requires us to be leashed for our safety as the cliffs along the ocean are steep , the trails full of interesting smells that may distract us from paying attention to our uprights and some of the wildlife that share the park are not always friendly to us. Please bring disposable bags and water for us, as the park does not provide these and we can get thirsty. (You can get some awesome collapsible doggie bowls that fit nicely in a pocket, purse or backpack for just such occasions.)

Lighthouse Keepers Home

The first inhabitants of the area were the Pomo Indians who used the land for summer hunting and gathering. By the 1850s settlers and lumbermen began using the land for grazing and harvesting lumber; as the settler’s population increased, the Pomo tribes’ use dwindled. In 1850 it was the shipwreck of the brig Frolic along its shores that alerted a San Francisco lumber dealer, Harry Meiggs, to the vast redwood groves concentrated along the Mendocino Coast. Consequently with Meiggs’ construction of a lumber mill in 1851 at Big River, Mendocino as we presently know it began.

After the 1906 San Francesco earthquake damaged the Point Arena Lighthouse the need for a another lighthouse between Cape Mendocino and Bodega Bay was apparent as much of the wood being used to rebuild San Francisco was shipped from Mendocino County. Construction began in 1908 and the lighthouse at Point Cabrillo was completed one year later. It was first managed by the U.S. Lighthouse Service until 1939, then by the U.S. Coast Guard until 1991 when it was taken over by the California Coastal Conservancy and finally the California State Parks system acquired the park in 2002.

The park today has several original circa 1900’s structures on it; four are open to visitors including the Lighthouse, Lighthouse Museum and one of the original Lightkeeper’s cottages. The Head Lightkeeper’s cottage and two additional cottages are now vacation rental. The main vacation rental house is not pet friendly but one of the guest cottages is and rental information is available at www.mendocinovacations.com. The rehabilitation of the park and its structures has been undertaken by the nonprofit Point Cabrillo Lightkeepers Association. We are allowed into all the other buildings. Dillon tells me that if we are really well behaved and charm the docents that a treat at the lighthouse Gift Shop will be forthcoming. The tower of the lighthouse itself is not accessible to us as the stairs are very step and narrow. There are, however, benches dotted in and around the park, where we can wait, chaperoned by an upright while the other uprights tour the lighthouse. The benches are also great place for a picnic.

The fun of the park begins at the entrance, which is approximately ½ mile from the lighthouse. There are various trails to the lighthouse and a paved road, so comfortable walking shoes for the uprights are recommended. Those uprights with disabilities can drive (very slowly) to within a couple of hundred yards of the lighthouse and make their way from there. Point Cabrillo is also a great park to explore by bicycle. Along the paved road to the lighthouse are various signs that have statistical information and fun facts about whales and other wildlife in the park to amuse the uprights on their journey. We will be far too busy sniffing and marking to read the signs, but it is a good time when the uprights pause for a more intense nose-to-the-ground investigation.

The day that I visited it was a perfect weather day on the Coast. No wind, clear skies, plenty of sun and a calm ocean, all optimum conditions for whale watching. A giant jigsaw puzzle of a Grey Whale was laid out on one of the lawns and many young and adult uprights became engrossed in trying to put it together; it wasn’t as easy as it looked. I paid close attention as the puzzle was not too far from the refreshment stand where hot dogs and popcorn were being enjoyed. I shared some of my dad’s Bratwurst and it was yummy delicious. The Coast Guard were also on hand showcasing one of their search and rescue craft as well as giving an operational tour of the lighthouse to those brave enough to climb up to the top. There were plenty of docents and whale/marine experts on hand to talk to the uprights about the history of the park, how to best observe the whales and walking/historical tours were available of the park and lighthouse. During the Whale Festival there was a $5 charge to climb the lighthouse and a $5 suggested donation for parking. Otherwise, parking at the park is free and suggested donation(s) are requested for the lighthouse tour.

Dillon & I at Point Cabrillo Light Station

Point Cabrillo Light Station is still a vital, functioning part of the safety of the Mendocino Coast and is operational 24/7, 365 days of the year, reflecting the light every 10 seconds to signal marine traffic. The park has been lovingly maintained and restored by volunteers and the generosity of visitors and donors. My friend, Dillon the Docent Dog, is an advocate for the protection of Point Cabrillo and several other of Mendocino County’s State Parks that have been threatened with closure this year. Please take a moment to check out his blog, www.dillonthedocentdog.wordpress.com, and join him in his quest to “Save Our Parks”. For more on this important subject you can also visit my comment blog, www.hairyscomments.com .

Whether the ocean be full of whales or not, Point Cabrillo Light Station Historic Park is a must-go-to-attraction while visiting the Coast. Bird watchers, marine watchers, wildlife watchers, architecture buffs, history and maritime enthusiasts will all get something wonderful out of a visit to Point Cabrillo. If you see Dillon the Docent Dog when visiting and his upright Kevin, bark that Hairy sent you.

Well you could have me chasing my tail with excitement at what I have discovered! Along Highway 128, in the town of Boonville in Mendocino County, a place exists in the heart of Anderson Valley where uprights and their beloved four legged companions can bask in the simple pleasure of over 800 acres of unspoiled nature in safety and tranquil isolation. Sheep Dung Properties, which includes The Other Place and Long Valley Ranch, offer canines and the uprights a wonderful opportunity to share an amazing human and doggie get-away experience, in what can only be described as a Doggie Paradise.

The Breezeway

Sheep Dung Properties is owned, designed, built, nurtured and operated with love, attention to detail, comfort and sophistication by Ann and Aaron Bennett. These two amazingly talented and conservation-conscious Anderson Valley locals have created a get-away sanctuary of amazing serenity, offering guests the ultimate in private indulgence and comfort. Formally Sheep Dung Estates, Ann and Aaron relocated and changed the name from Estates to Properties in 2003, when they sold the original Sheep Dung Estates that had been an off-the-grid hidden oasis since 1991 in the town of Yorkville and bought 800 acres of what was once The Moonie Ranch of the Unification Church founded by Sun Myung Moon.

I first had the opportunity to get to know Ann when we worked together at Bark in the Park in San Jose in 2011, and along with providing me with lots of yummy treats she told me all about some incredible properties that she has in Anderson Valley where I could run free. Could this really be true? Well little did I know that an invitation for me to come and stay had been offered and my dads had arranged for us to spend a couple of days at the Other Place property.

Regular followers of my blog know how much I love a road trip. So you will not be too surprised to learn that once I saw my traveling bag and all the goodies that go into it on the bed in the guest room, I never left either one of my dads’ sides until I made sure that everything I would need was safely packed and loaded in the car, especially me.

We were to stay at The Breezeway one of four distinct “California County Cottages” as Ann likes to describe them. The Other Place is situated overlooking the town of Boonville, with magnificent views of the picturesque Anderson Valley. Our cottage was one of two original structures that were used as chinchilla barns. Darn, I did check and there are no chinchillas left to play with.

Here’s how I first knew this was going to be a really cool place. Once you turn into the property off Highway 128 you drive through the middle of a vineyard, over a cool modern bridge and begin to climb the valley side. We had to first stop and open a gate, drive the car through and of course close it back up. When we arrived and pulled up to our abode my dads opened the car door as usual and guess what? I was not told to wait while a leash (or as I refer to it a ‘The Freedom Preventer’ is attached) my dad just said “Hairy, off you go,” well I wasn’t quite sure if I had heard right, so I gave him a curious look, a slight tilt of my head and my best wide eyed stare and waited for clarification. “It’s OK Hairy, you can go.” Well this dog did not need telling twice. So leash free, I jumped out of the car and immediately my senses were overwhelmed by the assortment of smells that enveloped me, automatically my nose twitched excitedly, I aimed it down to the ground and I was off exploring. I started with the rocks and shrubs closest to the house, after a brief exploration of the Weber Grill, then I climbed the stairs to inspect the wood stack. Suddenly I found myself looking through the entrance of the Breezeway and I felt like I was on top of the world as stretched out before me was the amazing Anderson Valley, viewed from way on high in all its magnificent glory, as I had never seen it before.

My View

One of my dads had disappeared inside the cottage and the other had begun to unload the car of all my goodies, so I thought it best if I accompanied him. Usually several trips to unload the car are made and I wanted to make sure that they did not forget anything, especially if it belonged to me. Also, there were some more very curious smells I needed to investigate, could they be the ghost of chinchillas past? With everything unloaded from the car, I found myself staring out of this wall of glass with its unparalleled panoramic views, savoring the tranquility and marveling at the vista before us. Noticing my curiosity and fixation on the view my dad quickly brought one of the footstools over to the window and put my seat pillow on it, I jumped up and while my dads unpacked I sat contentedly watching nature and the world.

A little while later my bowls were set out (metal dog bowls and place mats are provided if you forget yours) and a nice cool drink of water sounded really good, so off I hopped from my perch and after quenching my thirst I decided it was time for another investigation of the house. As I toured the inside of the building I noticed that there were more doors that open onto outside decks, off the living room and off the master bedroom. All of a sudden, I was in one door and out another, darting across the breezeway from one part of the house to the other. Then down the steps where I roamed from one garden bed to another, wait there were rolling hills to explore and lawns to frolic on and bushes and trees with interesting smells to say ‘hello’ to. All in all I had close to four acres to explore securely that were all mine during our stay as every area at the Other Place is completely fenced. Of course my dads don’t really ever let me out of their sight, so even with this vast potential for freedom I have to stay visible and within calling distance, but it doesn’t stop me from having a very good romp.

The Breezeway

After some time of unadorned exploration and as dusk descended I rested a while on one of the Adirondack chairs and stared contentedly across the valley. Then all of a sudden I heard voices, I heard familiar voices, I turned around and looked back towards the house and there were my dear friends Robert and Travis. I quickly jumped down and raced over to give them lots of kisses. Soon we were all watching the sunset and I was listening to the uprights clinking glasses and laughing, watching the sun set and the landscape grow dark. I was snuggly warm on my upright’s lap, being petted by the hands of uprights I adore, safe from the harms of this world, capturing and storing all those great memories that I will relive time and again in my dreams. As darkness settled over the valley, the uprights drove into the town of Boonville and as I napped in the car the uprights had what I heard them refer to as a wonderful dinner at Lauren’s Restaurant. [For more on the town read my Boonville review].

Breakfast in the Breezeway

After a warm snuggly night where I dreamed of continued freedom, I woke up in the morning refreshed and ventured once again outside to make a very thorough investigation of the property. During the night I had heard activity of the nocturnal kind and so I knew that we had night visitors. So off I went as I needed to find out who they were and what they had left for me to sniff and mark, after all this was my domain for two days. After my morning constitutional and chasing of the odd rabbit and wild turkey, I sat once more in the Adirondack chairs and watched the morning traffic below (birds, cattle and such) while posing for more photos. After such a busy morning I was glad to return inside where I sat at the dining table and had a delicious breakfast with my dads of chicken apple sausage, scrambled eggs, croissants and fresh fruit. I then took the opportunity to take a quick siesta as the uprights cleaned up the breakfast things. Throughout the Breezeway Cottage there are so many eye level perches for me to sit and stare and to keep an attentive eye, to do my job and keep good guard over the uprights that I love.

Doggie Diner Mascot

After breakfast more fun and adventure awaited, we took a trip back down the hill to the office to meet the owner, Anne, and Renee the office manager. Here I came upon a very bizarre and fun sculpture with a wonderful Californian history. Welcoming The Other Place visitors is one of the original mascot heads that adorned the Doggie Diner Hot Dog chain’s Santa Rosa location. (For a fun and historic perspective of this unique piece of Americana check out this link: http://doggiediner.com/pages/hist_main.html).

When we finally went back up the hill, we got to explore the pond were I am told in the warmer months is a perfect place for canine and humans alike to cool off and the Old Red Barn that is in the process of being lovingly restored. At The Other Place we are not just confined to our own private four fenced-in acres, we are free to wander and hike the various nature trails with our uprights chaperoning us, of course. After all there are other two and four-legged occupants of The Other Place that also call this paradise home and some may not always want to play.

For the second night of our stay the uprights decided to eat in. They had picked up some supplies from some of the local Boonville stores, premade lasagna, local organic produce for a salad, crusty artisan bread and cheese (my favorite) and more excellent local wine. So with a roaring fire, me by their side and the amazing sight of a winter storm gathering on the horizon, we spent a truly satisfying evening as a family.

At the Other Place and Long Valley Ranch, rural sophistication melds seamlessly with nature. Each separate dwelling is unique in architecture and landscape. Each of the Sheep Dung properties is self-contained and fully equipped. The Breezeway has a wood stove fire that really did its job quickly and efficiently. The cottage has books, a DVD player, iPod station, Wi-Fi, board games and pay per view movies in addition to the normal television line up. The Breezeway has a full kitchen and had been thoughtfully stocked with breakfast items from local purveyors; from the Mosswood Café and Bakery there was delicious and healthy breakfast granola, and also included were Clover Dairy milk, delicious Pomo Tierra Orchards organic apple cider, coffee, tea and sweeteners. Oh, and of course, a welcome bottle of wine from one of the vineyards in Anderson Valley, one of the greenest wine growing regions in Mendocino County and the Country.

Even though excellent directions for finding the properties are provided, my dads had some difficulty locating the main entrance off of Highway 128 in Boonville. However, knowing how directionally challenged my dads can sometimes be, it wasn’t that big a surprise. The signage is very discreetly marked which can make it a little bit of a challenge especially if you arrive at night.

So now that you know that Sheep Dung Properties is a little slice of Doggie Heaven in Mendocino County, make sure that your uprights tell their friends who may not have four legged children about Sheep Dung, because it is too good a place not to share.

Whether it is a two night, a week or a month stay, and no matter what the season, a visit to Sheep Dung is always a relaxing and revitalizing experience. If you book, tell them Hairy sent you: www.sheepdung.com.

Hairy

The Madrones

By now most of you who read my blog regularly know how pet friendly the wineries of Mendocino County are and what unique experiences each one provides its four legged visitors along with their uprights. So imagine the thrill when I heard about a wine tasting location in Anderson Valley that has recently opened encompassing three of my most favorite things, wine tasting, cheese tasting and shopping all in one exquisite experience.

The Madrones is a Mediterranean style complex that has been a work in progress for the last 20 years by owner Jim Roberts. Featuring intimate courtyards, relaxing water features, colorful flora and outside café tables all meld together to create a serene setting that is just perfect for sipping exquisite small batch handcrafted wines and nibbling on artisan cheeses. Located in the town of Philo, The Madrones has had several incarnations, beginning its life as a rural homestead, then morphing itself into a design center and creative think tank and now to its new reincarnation as a classic Mediterranean Estate housing the tasting rooms for a unique collection of award-winning handcrafted/small lot wineries. These include Lula Cellars (I am particularly fond of this name as it is the nickname of my best girlfriend Tallulah, a delightful French bulldog.), Drew Family Cellars, Berridge Wine Company and Bink Wines. Each winery has a separate tasting room within The Madrones; offering the visitor an intimate and very personal wine tasting experience. All of the tasting rooms welcome us with bowls of fresh water and yummy treats. You may even be lucky to meet Rupert an extremely sociable and friendly mixed breed fellow who is often at The Madrones. With his upright Monica, the tasting manager for Bink Wines, his job is greeting and making us four legged visitors very welcome.

Hairy at Lula Cellar's

A particular gem of a store at The Madrones is the Sun & Cricket which offers a very different shopping experience for the discerning visitor. Their mantra is “Fine Rural Living and Tools for the Journey.” Specializing in an eclectic mix of books, antiques, classic toys, garden tools and one of a kind items. The store also features a select offering of fine artisan cheeses and best of all we get to go shopping there too. As you wander around this space you will hear the uprights marvel at the delightful treasures displayed. I, however, was quite content to sit patiently in front of the glass case that contained the array of delicious cheeses as I waited for a nibble of the yummy samples.

The Madrones Estate has two beautifully appointed luxurious guest suites; unfortunately at this time they are not pet friendly but I have been told that they hope to offer a pet friendly accommodation soon. As soon as it is open you can be assured that I will check it out, my canine brethren. Garden tours of the estate and gardening workshops are also available and times and dates can be found under the events calendar on the website: www.themadrones.com.

The Madrones is a wonderful place to experience anytime and a great place to chill for a spell and soak up the natural beauty and charm of Mendocino County. The Madrones offers a perfect slice of Mediterranean living in picturesque Anderson Valley.

Salute

Hairy

 Mendocino County is fast becoming the “go to” place for fun-filled festivals and often these are not always able to include us. So when I learned that Hopland Passport was coming up (October 22 – 23) and knowing that many of its pet friendly wineries were taking part, I decided this was my chance to join in some festival fun.

Picture of Lula (she's on the right)

With 16 wineries taking part (including a few usually open to the public only by appointment) they were all featuring gourmet food, live entertainment and showcasing many new vintages of their hand crafted wines over these two days. I knew this was a great opportunity to take my French bulldog best girl, Lula, out for a date away from the coast and show the lady what a rock’n good time can be had in Hopland. It was a gloriously clear blue sky morning when, accompanied by my uprights, two dear friends (one who was our DD, designated driver), Lula’s mum and the princess herself, we departed Fort Bragg. Meandering along Highway 1 beautifully showcased the amazing views of an unusually calm turquoise Pacific Ocean which dazzled the eyes as it reflected the abundant sunshine. Next we traveled over Highway 128, through the landscape’s kaleidoscope of changing fall colors and the haunting redwood forests of Anderson Valley, then over the majestic hills on Highway 253 (Boonville/Ukiah Road) connecting to Highway 101, and then south to Hopland. It was hard to nap on this ride as we were all excited and Lula and I had much to catch up on.

New friend at Nelson Winery

We arrived at our first stop, the Nelson Family Winery, just as the wood fired pizzas topped with mouthwatering ingredients like artichoke hearts, chèvre, gold bell peppers and fresh tomato sauce were being put into the oven. Lula and I were able to stretch our legs, greet a few admirers and say a very personal hello to a few of the redwoods that stand sentry in a delightful grove that offered plenty of welcome shade. The uprights went to work immediately sampling the wines and fortunately not straying too far away from the pizza oven, so Lula and I could continue to judge the various crusts. I must say I was very partial to the crust that had traces of homemade pepperoni.

It is easy to get around to all the wineries without having to drive yourself. A fleet of shuttle vans runs regularly between the wineries which makes carrying your souvenir wine tasting glass around so much easier than balancing it on the dashboard as you drive. As we had our very own DD, we hopped back into the car and we were off to our next stop, one of my favorite and regular haunts, Saracina Vineyards. As usual the team at Saracina paired their wines excellently with mouthwatering passed hors d’oeuvres, including delicate morsels of truffle cannellini bean purée with a hint of garlic, garnished with a snip of fresh chive, served on an individual hexagon-shaped pan de mie, a perfect bite sized snack if only I had been allowed one! I did however manage to look mournful enough to get the uprights to share one of the skewers of marinated flank steak served with an olive tapenade dipping sauce; delicious!

At Jeriko Winery

Next stop was Jeriko Estate which I had not been to before. The tasting room is housed in a large hacienda-style building. Your journey into the main tasting room takes you through an intimate corridor surrounded by stacks of oak barrels that set the mood beautifully. Directly out of the barrel and being showcased for the first time was a sampling of 2010 Jeriko Sangiovese—the uprights seemed to enjoy that. The tasting room itself is a huge open space that is broken up with intimate seating areas, a large tasting bar, stand up cocktail tables and, of course, my favorite, back bars full of yummy food with such offerings as aged artisan cheeses, sliced fresh French bread, bowls of pesto pasta salad with vegetables, barbecued sausage, kebabs of grilled veggies, tri-tip and succulent pig that I discovered was all being cooked right outside the open French doors. Had I been made aware of that fact earlier, I might have insisted that we spend more time on the picturesque patio; cooks are always dropping things and it is my duty to assist in the cleanup. While relaxing on our uprights’ laps on a large comfortable sofa, Lula and I greeted many well-wishers who stopped by to give us head rubs. I have to say I got a little jealous as Lula began to flirt unabashedly with a young handsome male upright who couldn’t contain himself from rubbing her belly and fawning all over her. All I can say is she was putty in his hands. I soon got over it when I was offered samples of pig, beef and cheese.

Next stop on our Passport journey was another favorite haunt of mine, Campovida. This spectacular property is being lovingly brought back to life by Anna, Gary, Ken and their team. Campovida is an oasis of relaxation, peace and tranquility. It’s an amazing experience, encompassing a winery, tasting room, organic gardens, meeting space, guest cottages, bocce ball courts and a swimming pool. Campovida is a wonderful place for picnics, events, meetings and gatherings. This weekend Mexico ruled, traditional music was playing and the live music being performed was World Folk, delicious authentic morsels were offered, carnitas, tacos of seasoned chicken and pork, rice, beans, salsas for all degrees of palates, mild, medium, hot and, paired wonderfully with samples of an extensive range of quality wines. A stand out for the uprights was the Talmage 2006 Charbono. During my visit I unfortunately did have a few words with a fellow canine that was not on a leash and came bounding over and was not very friendly. This illustrates perfectly why I cannot stress enough; uprights, PLEASE remember, only bring us to places if we are in a good mood and always keep us on a leash for our safety and the safety of others. Despite this little altercation, Lula, the uprights and I had a fabulous time with all our friends at Campovida as usual.

Yummmm! Steak sandwiches at Rack & Riddle

Next stop was Rack & Riddle, this ‘only by appointment’ wine processing and distribution center also crafts its own line of wines and is particularly adept at making great, affordable and extremely drinkable sparkling wines. Here Lula and I got to wrestle on hay bales, partake of roast beef sliders, had our picture taken and had lots of attention paid to us. At Rack & Riddle, there was a true representation of the diverse people that come out in multitudes to celebrate all things Hopland. From the roar of the Harleys  and their leather clad riders, to the high fashionistas from the City, retirees taking a rest from driving their RVs and locals out and about catching up with friends and sharing the adventure—who wouldn’t be having fun with a mix of visitors this colorful and friendly.

Our next stop was to visit my friends at Terra Sávia and the wonderful owner and operator, Yvonne. It’s a funky, fun-filled fantastic organic winery and olive oil producing delight. Usually open only by appointment, this charming warehouse style tasting room cumart gallery, really encompasses the spirit of the wine, olive growing and local farming communities of Mendocino County. On your visit be sure to take a stroll around the grounds, which are adorned with hand crafted structures of ingenuity and history. The Italian cuisine that was showcased paired very effectively with their wines. Some of the smorgasbord of delectable delights were, olives and olive oil tastings, bruschetta, walnut pesto blanco polenta squares, cannellini beans with pumpkin and sage and the most amazing (according to the uprights) figs poached in Petit Verdot with honey and lavender. The noises of appreciation coming from the uprights  were audible throughout the building. The figs paired amazingly well with the Rosé Sparking wine, which is made from Merlot grapes that add a wonderful depth of flavor. In keeping with the fun and funky atmosphere of Terra Sávia, the band was rocking and way cool, serving up a mixture of great covers that had people tapping their feet and swinging their hips. This is also the place where one of my uprights dropped his wine glass and there was one of those awful moments of complete silence that engulfed the building. Oh, but it did not last as the band struck up another familiar tune and the party continued on.

The grounds at Terra Sávia

Our last stop was downtown Hopland itself, where a concentration of six wineries have tasting rooms along with SIP!, which features 18 vineyards from Mendocino County in its pet friendly tasting room. In downtown Hopland we visited Brutocao Cellars where rock‘n’roll was the music de jour and people were dancing up a storm, playing bocce ball, strolling the grounds and obviously having a great time. Lula and I managed to successfully navigate the tasting room of McNab Ridge and the outdoor sample tables with their Halloween costumed pouring staff offering such tasty morsels as jumbo shrimp, tri-tip crostini, chipotle meatballs and handmade truffles. Next up, Graziano, with grilled pork tenderloin, foie gras and imported Italian sausages—just a few of the delectable edibles on offer. Finally after squeezing myself through the merry throngs of happy revelers into the very popular tasting room of McFadden Vineyards, I was instantly recognized and rewarded with a treat. They were serving wild rice and artichoke salad, beef steak marinated in local olive oil and McFadden blend herbs. Finally, onto the Weibel Family Vineyards where I dined on shitake mushroom bruschetta and salsa verde and Brie while the uprights sipped such taste sensation wines as sparkling pomegranate. Unfortunately for the uprights these wineries were so crowded it was hard to find room, however, when they did finally get in and sampled some of the wines and food they all had that total look of contentment that humans get after being indulged and indulging in a great day of fun, food and wine.

Finally exhausted, Lula and I settled into the car for the journey home. Safe, knowing we had a designated driver, we nestled back to back, snuggling, dreaming happy thoughts and reveling in a much needed nap of contentment. I have to say, I think I know how to show a girl a good time.

So fellow canine gourmands  and wine enthusiasts, what can I say to you apart from, if you get the opportunity to attend Hopland Passport I think you too will have a wonderful time. And if not for Hopland Passport but during your trip to Mendocino County, do make it a point of stopping off at some of the wineries mentioned above and tell them “Hairy sent me.” Sorry I couldn’t visit all the wineries participating, but next time I promise to visit those not mentioned here first.

A few things to note; the weather was very warm so be careful about leaving us in a vehicle unattended. Not all the wineries had water bowls out for their canine visitors, so make sure, uprights, that you bring a container for us to drink from. Waste bags are a must and PLEASE do not forget to clean up after us. Tickets include both days and can be purchased in advance online at www.hoplandpassport.com. If you have a designated driver, that person will get into the festival for free and be able to enjoy the delicious food and entertainment along with us. You can pick up your wristbands/tasting glass or buy tickets on the day at any of the participating wineries, all you do is choose which winery to start at and you are all set.

FYI: Keep checking this blog and www.visitmendocino.com as the publication of my new expanded 3^rd edition Pet Friendly Travel Guide to Mendocino County should be available for viewing and download around Thanksgiving time.

Cheers,

Hairy

View From Gualala Country Inn

Even though I stayed close to home this summer I did have the opportunity to visit the charming town of Gualala located on the Coast at the southern tip of Mendocino County. It was a gloriously sunny day at home and I was slowly making myself comfortable on the back deck to catch some rays when I heard familiar sounds coming from the guest bedroom. For a start, I heard closets being opened and I know they contain items belonging to moi. Finding this activity intriguing, I decided to investigate more closely. Sure enough, on the spare bed, were my overnight case and all the trimmings I need for a road trip that involves a sleepover. I immediately jumped onto the bed to make sure that all the necessities were being packed. I have been told that Gualala is quite the pet friendly place so my dads’ felt that I should go check it out.

Whether you travel to Gualala through Sonoma County or from within Mendocino County, the drive is spectacular and full of sights of historical interest to check out along the way. Gualala, for many, is a name that’s hard to pronounce and even harder to spell. Some people call it “gwa-LA-la”, but the natives call it “wa-LA-la” it’s derived from the Kashaya Pomo Indian phrase “ah kha wa la lee” which means, “where the water flows down”. And it does – right across from the center of town the Gualala River goes out to the ocean, past the big sand bar where the whales pass by every year.

Studio 391 in Cypress Village with friend, Jai Ram

Gualala has a rich and diverse history; originally inhabited by the Pomo, Gualala began its metamorphosis with homesteaders settling the area in the mid 1800s. Soon a lumber mill was opened and commerce began to blossom. Lumber and fishing sustained Gualala and allowed it to grow and prosper until the late 1950s. With the demise of the lumber industry, Gualala languished in a state of limbo for a while until its re-discovery by artists in the early 60s. Today Gualala has become a  vibrant and diverse art community. Visitors are drawn to this tranquil spot of stunning ocean views, unspoiled beaches, river activities and a hiking forest paradise.

After a pleasant drive down the Coast we arrived in Gualala and checked into the pet friendly Gualala Country Inn situated on Highway 1 at the south end of the town. This unpretentious and cozy Inn has uninterrupted views of the ocean and is within walking distance of the beach/river, shops, galleries and restaurants. Owners and operators Linda and Mike Bradbrook welcome guests with warm and friendly hospitality. Both long time Gualala residents and business owners, they are a wealth of information about exploring the area and were great at letting me know all the best pet friendly places I could go. The rooms are comfortable and each room has unique décor that reflects the country esthetic. A continental breakfast is included with your stay. For more information on the Gualala Country Inn, please visit www.gualala.com.

After the car ride down to Gualala I was ready for a romp on the beach and Linda suggested that we head a little north of town to Cooks Beach which is at 526 County Road, mile marker 3.14. Parking is limited and there is a slope to navigate to get to the beach, but is it worth it! Protected from the wind, this beautiful sandy cove is a great place to let off some steam. Please bring suitable waste bags; this is a carry in and carry out beach. After a short but fun time we headed back into town to Cypress Village. This charming area is full of unique galleries, shops and eateries. I was allowed into almost all the shops and galleries, where treats, ear rubs and lots of fuss were made of me.

Placewares in Cypress Village

After all this activity I was ready for some food. A favorite with locals and visitors, and sporting a killer view of the ocean with ample patio space for thirsty and hungry canines is Trinks Restaurant. Gelato, coffee drinks, homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, desserts and specialties of the day make this a fun and affordable place to unwind. There was no water bowl outside for thirsty dogs but when asked for one it was brought out willingly. Trinks serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

I have reviewed St. Orres previously my recommendation still stands, it’s one of the best restaurant dining experiences uprights and their best friends can enjoy together. This time my dads’ were so wanting to go to Bones Roadhouse for some of the best BBQ on the Coast; unfortunately they’ve moved locations after a fire and no longer have an outdoor seating area. This pained me terribly as I had to sit in the car with the windows cracked as the air traveled in carrying with it the mouthwatering smells of flavorful BBQ. It is bordering on animal cruelty to subject a gourmet hound like me to a sensory attack. When my uprights returned they had not forgotten me and a wonderfully tasty BBQ chicken breast was my reward for all my suffering. (Guilt will get ‘em every time!!) Cypress Bar and Grill is another restaurant with patio seating that will accommodate canine diners. I promise a review on them soon.

Gualala Arts Center

The wonderfully scenic Bluff Top Walking Trail is a gentle trail with various access points throughout the town of Gualala and is a great on-leash opportunity to take in the unspoiled majesty of the ocean and headlands. Also worth a visit is the delightful and surprising Gualala Arts Center, nestled in the redwoods at the south end of Gualala. This multi-faceted performing arts center is the hub of the South Coast’s art community. Fifty years in the making, it is comprised of several galleries showcasing a wide range of artists and media, live theater, workshops, gardens, and has hiking trails down to the Gualala River which  makes it a delightful spot to visit. Well-behaved dogs are allowed on the grounds but not inside the building. So bring a picnic, hang out for a while, take us down to the river and enjoy a lazy afternoon feeding your cultural soul. Also, check out the Dolphin Gallery in the Sundstrom Shopping Center off Highway 1 in the town of Gualala for affordable original works of art by the Arts Center members, all proceeds benefit the Art Center.

Gualala has several pet friendly lodging choices and I look forward to staying in them and reporting back to you on my experiences. Gualala is evolving and growing and embracing its canine visitors and I am sure that by my next visit even more pet friendly activities and delights will be available. And I will definitely be doing a Gualala Review, Part Deux.

Milano Family Winery

Located one-half mile south of Hopland, off of Highway 101, the Milano Family Winery and tasting room is housed in an impressive old hop kiln constructed of solid redwood. This historic building has a seasonal creek running by the side and a covered picnic area where you can share your Milano Winery experience along with giant land tortoises, pygmy goats, pot-bellied pigs, Jacob’s sheep, llamas, geese and chickens. As some of these animals roam free it is advised that we be kept on a leash to avoid incident. You know how jealous other animals can get of our pampered lives. In fact, Milano is an animal rescue facility as well as a winery.

There are two sets of winemakers and styles showcased at the Milano Tasting Room, one is owned and operated by Deanna and Ted Starr along with their four-legged children Cuvée and Zeus. Unfortunately on the day that I visited they were not available to play.  The Starrs’ wines are produced using Mendocino-grown grapes. Kenneth Schilling is the other winemaker and he uses Sonoma County grapes for his wines. Milano Winery is a California Certified Organic Facility (CCOF). As well as producing wines in varietals that are more well-known such as Zinfandel, Cabernet and Merlot, Milano produces port, dessert wines and wines from little known varietals like, Carignane, Charbono and Valdiguié. Never heard of them but curious to try? Milano is the perfect place to indulge and experiment in a casual and unpretentious wine tasting experience. A minimal tasting fee is charged but waived if wine is purchased and/or you join the wine club.

Tasting Room

The tasting room at Milano is accessible only by stairs. On the day that I visited, the tasting room was hosted by Sher. No, not that one! Though I do own a bowtie worn by the Sher with a “C” which, had I known that Sher with an “S” was in the tasting room, I would have worn. Sher was very welcoming and friendly, guiding my uprights knowledgably through the wine tasting experience. A tour of the winery itself can be set up in advance by calling 707-744-1396, email tastingroom@milanowinery.com or visiting their website at www.milanowinery.com.

The day I visited the winery, there wasn’t a water bowl or any treats, but I was told that usually they are available and offered! Uprights BYOB (Bring Your Own Bags) as there are no disposable waste bags or waste receptacles on site. So that we will continue to be welcome, please uprights, be considerate.

MILANO FAMILY WINERY
14594 S. Hwy. 101
Hopland, California 95449
T: 707-744-1396
www.milanowinery.com

"Is everything packed?"

Now many of my longtime followers know that I love a road trip, even though it often involves work for me, I have to say the benefits can be delicious. So with the car packed and the sun shining we set off on an overnight adventure.

On car trips I usually ride safely in the back seat with one exception; we live in an area that has lots of very twisty roads. I don’t mind at all being in the back of the car on straight roads but the really curvy ones make me very agitated. So on the occasions that we have to travel on the very windy roads, I have made it perfectly clear to my uprights that sitting on a cushion on one of my dad’s laps with his arms wrapped securely and protectively around me is reassuring and preferable for me.

On arriving in Willits our first priority was lunch. As my faithful readers know I am a huge fan of The Loose Caboose Café at 10 Wood St., (see separate review). But my uprights felt that we should seek out another option with outside seating so we found ourselves at Busters Burgers & Brew, 150 Main Street, Willits. As well as indoor dining, Busters has two pub tables on a covered patio overlooking Main Street and as we were there close to opening we were lucky to be able to get one of those tables. Once I was lifted safely into my chair and we were all settled a young gentleman came out with menus. My dad asked if Busters had a Children’s Menu and could I have a bowl of water, the young man said, “Yes, of course,” and left to fetch them. He was back promptly and he thoughtfully asked my dads where he should place the bowl of water for moi. Now that I had a drink in front of me and passersby to enchant, I let my dads get on with the serious matter of ordering food.

Burgers & Brew offers several burger options along with pub style appetizers like Buffalo wings, hot dogs, chili, wraps and salads. Chicken, salmon and vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives are also represented on the menu. A nice selection of bottled and draft beers along with wine, soft drinks and some hard liquor are also available. For those who have the appetite and stamina there is the Belly Buster, three 1/3 lb. hamburger patties, with three cheeses and plenty of bacon along with a full order of fries or onion rings or a combo of both. If you eat it all in 45 minutes or less your face can adorn the walls of Busters. Even though I am sure I could give it a go, my dads settled for a small hamburger patty sans cheese, bun and veggies for me. If Busters wants a photograph of moi for their wall, however, I will be happy to oblige!

"Waiting for my burger."

One of my dads had a chicken breast sandwich with melted Swiss and avocado and my other dad had a Buster classic burger with cheddar cheese; we shared a basket of fries. My dads were very excited to see one of their favorite Zinfandels by the glass on the menu and ordered two glasses. Busters offer’s no frills American favorite fare with friendly and accommodating service.

After lunch we took a stroll along Main Street. Willits has some charming and funky local stores. Great new and used independent book stores, health food, men’s and women’s clothing, teenage fashion, internet cafes and music are all represented. I was able to do some shopping at J D Redhouse & Company as four-pawed shoppers get to go in this great mercantile store.

We then checked into our accommodation for the evening at the Baechtel Creek Inn and Spa (www.baechtelcreekinn.com). This attractive and well-maintained Inn has a wide variety of well-appointed rooms with luxurious modern touches. Nestled in a quiet creek-side setting, it’s located at 101 Gregory Street off Highway 101 in the town of Willits. From the moment I entered the lobby I was greeted with a very enthusiastic welcome by the front desk clerk along with a goodie bag which included a note of welcome with pet guidelines, biodegradable waste bags and wipes and my favorite, organic treats which we were told are made by the students in the Willits High School workability program. Yum were they delicious!

Baechtel Creek Inn

Our pet friendly room, located conveniently on the ground floor, was immaculate, very comfortable and tastefully decorated; it was even equipped with an ornate brass and pillowy dog bed that I felt immediately at home in. The room also had a microwave and small refrigerator, great for preparing my dinner, There was also a dog bowl, a very thoughtful and welcome surprise especially if your uprights forgot to pack yours. There is a home-cooked breakfast (for uprights) included in the price of your room, we are not allowed in the indoor dining area but there is an outside patio with tables where we can accompany our uprights while they enjoy a delicious selection of several hot breakfast items, cereal, baked goods and several beverage choices. A national daily newspaper is available in the lobby for guests’ enjoyment. While at the Inn we were able to get internet access so I could answer my bark mail, Twitter my followers and keep my Facebook page updated with all my latest adventures. HBO and a nice selection of TV stations were also available in the room.

"Comfy!"

The Baechtel Creek Inn also has a day spa with a comprehensive variety of treatments, an outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Unfortunately I was unable to take advantage of these facilities as they are for uprights only. The Baechtel Creek Inn has gone to a lot of trouble to make an eye-catching and charming oasis with an emphasis on comfort and elegance. With tasteful whimsical statues, gardens, patios and quiet contemplative spots it is easy to immediately unwind and relax. I heard my uprights remark that they have spent far more on far less agreeable accommodations and highly recommend the Baechtel Creek Inn.

Willits is known as the Gateway to The Redwoods and is a delightful place to stop off. You can even take the Skunk Train through the redwoods for a steam train ride from the past. No matter what season you visit Mendocino County, the town of Willits and the surrounding country offer you so many things to do and see; river rafting, train rides, bicycling, wine tasting, museums, boutique shops and dining, to name just a few. Willits is also close to over 60 boutique and well known wineries. For a break from the everyday consider an overnighter or mini vacation stay in the heart of Mendocino County.

Travis & me

Tour Mendocino Wines specializes in private, customized guided tours of several wine regions including, Mendocino, Sonoma, Napa, and Lake Counties. The tours are designed to focus on the preferences and tastes of their guests. Travis first wanted to know if there were any specific wineries that I was interested in visiting.  I suggested a couple and asked Travis to select some of the pet friendly wineries in and around the Ukiah and Hopland, focusing on several that I had not visited before.

A date was set, then a picnic was packed and we were off. My traveling companions and I were picked up promptly at the scheduled time in an immaculate luxury SUV tour-mobile. Travis immediately greeted Lula and me with a delicious gourmet treat and plenty of ear rubs. On the seats of the vehicle were printed copies of the day’s itinerary including a brief history and synopsis of each location/winery we were going to visit. Bottled water was also waiting in the cup holders for the uprights in my party. Once we were comfortably settled in our seats we ventured forth to our first stop.

During the drive Travis explained why he had chosen these four particular wineries that were on our tour, regaling us with some history of each location and interesting factual and fun tidbits of information which kept us entertained and informed on the uniqueness and specialness of each place.

Testa Winery

Our first stop was Testa Ranch and Vineyards; tours and tastings are by appointment only. This family owned and operated ‘slice of Italy’ has been producing wines since 1912 on their ranch in Calpella, California. Here you step back in time into a living tradition and intimate family hospitality. Testa produces two delicious blended wines called simply Black and White. A Rosé is due for its first release in Summer 2011. Upon arrival I was immediately greeted by name by Maria and Rusty Testa along with crows and clucks from the wandering rooster and chickens nearby. Unfortunately, our uprights wisely kept Lula and me on our leashes, which was very frustrating, however, we have been known to chase chickens. Travis immediately produced two water bowls and fresh water for Tallulah and me and another gourmet treat. Tallulah and I were allowed on every part of the tour of the grounds, wine cellar, tasting room and the ranch’s vacation rental home.  After an hour or so of Maria and Rusty’s delightful and friendly hospitality it was time to move on to our next destination, Campovida in Hopland.

Campovida picnic area

Campovida is, in a word: Amazing. Brought back to life in less than a year from an overgrown and neglected former winery estate, it is currently being lovingly restored and developed into a state-of-the-art facility of incredible beauty and functionality. This gem of a complex was an ideal choice of Travis’s for our picnic lunch. Tour Mendocino Wines will arrange a picnic lunch for you or you are welcome to bring your own. We had opted to bring our own and our uprights soon got to work arranging the table of goodies while Travis organized the wine to accompany our bounty. The water bowls and treats were once again set up for us in the picnic area. While we were soaking up the ambiance and grazing on delicious food, several of the Campovida staff stopped by to say “Hi” (and they also knew me by name). Travis had arranged for us to have a tour of the property along with the 5 acres of flower and vegetable gardens. Ken, the head gardener and tour guide, made sure that the uprights had wine poured by the very friendly tasting room staff and off we went. This is a wonderful way to tour the facility and walk off a very satisfying lunch.

Patio at SIP! in Hopland

Prior to our tour, when my uprights and Travis were discussing which wineries to visit, we discovered that some locations are not set up for tours or tasting on-site. Travis had the perfect solution with our third stop at SIP! Mendocino, Hopland. At this unique wine/gift store and tasting room you can taste a lot of the wines from small production boutique vineyards as well as more established wineries. Daily SIP! has 18 wines to sample, along with Mendocino County beers; appetizer platters are also available for purchase. Water bowls and treats were provided for us canines while the uprights got to savor the wines in the cozy and comfortable tasting room and on the pet friendly patio. The SIP! staff, like all the places before, welcomed me personally by name and we were even allowed to go off leash in the back patio. However, no sooner had I been let off the leash, while in the middle of doing some exploring I noticed an open door and “whoosh” I was back in the tasting room and making myself available for pats and attention from fellow tasters, much to my dads’ embarrassment. How does the saying go?  Oh yes, one door closes and another opens! My dads were anxious to sample wines from Naughty Boy Vineyards (this winery label proudly portrays the winemaker’s faithful dog Little Lucky). From the satisfying grins on the uprights’ faces I could tell they really enjoyed the 2007 Pinot Noir a lot. It also got me thinking that I know a great face that would look awesome on a wine label! Wine growers take note: ‘Hairy Putter’s Vintage Reserve’ has a wonderful sound to it!!!

Even though I had been fortunate enough to visit Saracina Vineyards and Caves on a previous excursion, Tallulah and her upright parents had not. This was our final destination on our tour. My review of Saracina is published on this blog, and on this visit I was equally impressed and once again we had a very enjoyable and intimate tour and tasting experience.

After all the excitement of the day Lula and I were sleepy and settled down for naps as Travis drove us back to our drop off point. However, the treats and surprises were not over, Travis had parting gifts for us all, the uprights each got a gift-wrapped Tour Mendocino Wine souvenir goblet and Lula and I got a paw print gift sack with handmade organic dog treats from one of my favorite pet stores, The Barkery in Ukiah.

Faithfull readers and travelers to Mendocino County—there is no reason to exclude your canine companions from a tour of pet friendly wineries. Note: Pet friendly winery tours are just one type of tour Tour Mendocino Wines has the knowledge and capability to design and arrange. Tour Mendocino Wines offers an array of wine adventures tailored exclusively for you without the hassle of driving, setting up appointments and organizing the tours. They take the work out of the equation and you get to have all the fun. For more information please visit www.tourmendocinowines.com and happy tail wagging, vine sniffing, and wine drinking.

Outdoor seating at the tasting room

On 600 acres of bio-diverse property, 300 of them vineyards, John and Patty Fetzer have created a touch of Tuscany; right here in Mendocino County. Saracina Winery is a small production, California certified organic winery with several unique surprises, located a hairsbreadth outside of Hopland, California. As soon as you turn off Highway 101 onto the property with its rolling hills framing the fields of vines, you are immediately transported to tranquility and serenity.

The several ranches, vineyards and winery that encompass this magnificent setting are home to roaming sheep and goats, groves of 100 year old olive trees, pomegranate orchards, bamboo gardens, wild azaleas, hiking trails, vegetable gardens and tranquil ponds and attract a myriad of wildlife. The buildings and grounds of Saracina have a touch of an east meets west aesthetic, which delicately balances rustic and modern style.  Saracina is named after a centuries-old farmhouse and vineyard in Tuscany, where John and Patty spent their honeymoon. A replica of the cottage has been lovingly recreated on the grounds.

Upon arriving at the winery, 100 year old olive trees stand at attention like sentries on duty to greet the visitors, the trunks are hauntingly beautiful in their incredible twisted and gnarly state. I made my customary greeting and proceeded to follow the walkway through small ornamental gardens and patches of circular lawns sniffing my way curiously towards the current tasting room. A new and bigger tasting room is under construction and will be ready to receive visitors in the summer of 2011. For now your tasting room adventure begins, quite literally, at the entrance to the caves.

The caves took two years to create and the rock was so hard that normal rock cutting methods were ineffective and the cutting machines that dug the Channel Tunnel from England to France were brought over to break through the stubborn rock to create the labyrinth of caves.  As you travel through the tunnels on either side you will marvel at the volume of oak barrels and the welcoming (especially in the summer) coolness of the caves.

The tasting room in the cave.

The tasting room guru, Elliot, a very pleasant young man, greeted us at the entrance to the caves; he is very knowledgeable about the history of the vineyard and the nuances of the wines themselves. Saracina winemaking emphasizes a respect for tradition and for hand-crafted techniques, including the use of indigenous yeast and bacteria, minimal intervention and no filtration of the wines. They are California certified organic by CCOF California Certified Organic Farmers, wines with limited production; varietals include Sauvignon Blanc, Petite Syrah, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Zinfandel. A couple of tasty and quirky blends are also produced under the Atera brand; a red blend affectionately named Old Soul Red and a classic white Rhone-style blend soothingly named The Choir.

On the day I visited Saracina a very special treat had been arranged in advance for me, and for once, it was not some gastronomical delicious delight (though I would have liked that too). I was given the opportunity to visit The Choir! Yes, Saracina has its own choir. Now this choir doesn’t actually sing with voices, but while standing before them you can hear the music of the ancients radiate from their eerily majestic forms. This collection of sculptured torsos and heads are based on a modern interpretation of the Chinese Terracotta Army, circa 210 BC, discovered in 1974 in Xi’an, China. John and Patty fell in love with the artist’s interpretation on a visit to China and imported several to guard the caves of Saracina. This modern Chinese artist’s homage to the priceless originals is a captivating, if not a little scary, sight. They have faces that, to me, resemble (He Who Must Not Be Named) from my namesake’s bestselling books and film series. The choir is worthy of a toast from your caregivers, but we, however, should not raise our legs.

I look so small sitting in front of The Choir

When you have had your fill of tasting and sampling, may I suggest purchasing a bottle and taking it to one of the picturesque outdoor seating areas and savoring the view over the vineyards? Watch the gentle sway of the weeping willows as they bow before you and cast their reflection in the crystal clear ponds and close your eyes and dream (like me) of one day being in Tuscany.

For more information on Saracina visit www.saracina.com. Saracina is a beautiful winery.

Water bowls: Yes
Waste bag dispenser: Yes
Treats: No