Tucking in the Vines for Winter

 

With winter fast approaching it was high time to take care of the sleepy vines today before they launch forth into their annual dormant period.

Able bodied boys were called into action to haul uphill multiple heavy bins of beautiful, black fertilizer hot off the pile from a friends' sprawling dairy ranch in Sonoma.

Although this did not immediately appeal as a top of the list Sunday afternoon family activity, the spritely offspring and friends found their fertilizing escapade a breath of fresh air (pardon the pun) from homework and other household chores.

To pamper the vines is the prerogative of the winemaker, who was intent on doubling the afternoon's duties in racking this season's recent vintage into new oak barrels. 

Judging from a wee barrel taste mid-afternoon, the '08 is going to be the best yet for our full-bodied, spicy Que Syra.

With miniature Yorkshire Puddings billowing out of pans in the oven, the vineyard gang's going to have a head start on Thanksgiving dinner with this evening's roasted turkey breast, fluffy, white English-style roast potatoes and a pan of roasted parsnips.

Comments

[mum]

wonderful memories of my only thanksgiving dinner ever. Spent ? 2 years ago in lovely weather with my lovely family in Califoria,wish i could be there

[mum]

ps not just for the wine !!!!

[Frances]

There's still time, you could hop on a zippy Virgin Atlantic and surprise us! PLUS, opening of Dickens Christmas Fair this weekend, which is one of your favorite Bay Area holiday events. I'll be there in my Victorian guise, pouring tea for the regional press!

[mum]

Oh wish i could but going to see Jason donavan with loads of women from work friday then at a duke of edinburghs award saturday at St guthlacs .. Dads involved! not entered but council stuff.... next year ...xxxx

[Frances]

goodness, mother, you really ought to get out more!