Pinot Noir: a little (and I mean little) history and information about the grape and then more about our adventures in the wine areas we loved so much. So join us on a Pinot Noir journey to find out more about this wine. It is the 10th most planted grape in the world.
Tag Archives: Wine Country
Industrial Eats in Buellton California is one of the best restaurants in the Greater Santa Barbara area
We had one of the best meals at a place called Industrial Eats in Buellton, California. If you didn’t look for it, you wouldn’t find it – and you would be missing probably the best restaurant in the Santa Barbara Wine Region (outside of Santa Barbara proper). It is an amazing, quirky little place with a unique vibe – like communal tables. It is in an industrial area. You would never expect a great restaurant to be there, but that is a big part of its charm.
Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn, Santa Ynez, California
This was the second time we ate at Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn. We wanted to go to Mattei’s but found out it was closed for a while (It has since reopened with different owners). Brother’s restaurant is owned and operated by the same two guys (brothers Matt & Jeff, Nichols) that started Mattei’s, so we thought it was a good bet to be a nice place.
The first time we ate at Brothers Restaurant, we thought it was one of the best restaurants in the area. This time around, we thought the same thing again! The hostess seated us right away. The service was very good, but the food came out a bit slowly.
Continue reading Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn, Santa Ynez, California
Day 22: Mendocino
Saturday April 28, 2012, 22 miles (35 km)
Total so far: 467 miles (752 km)
Today’s plan is to ride the old logging haul road that run parallel to the Big River for about 8 miles from the beach in Mendocino. It’s only a mile or so from our hotel, so we head out right after breakfast.On the way to the beach we make a quick stop at a turnout on Highway 1 that affords a great view of the beach and the surrounding coastline.
Day 21: Healdsburg to Mendocino
Friday April 27, 2012, 5 miles (8 km)
Total so far: 445 miles (716 km)
Today was a fascinating drive. We follow CA Route 128 north and west for almost 70 miles from Cloverdale, a few miles north of Healdsburg, through the Alexander Valley to the Navarro River headlands on the Mendocino Coast. The road twists, turns and winds its way past tiny villages, farms and vineyards. I am extremely glad I am not cycling this route. The posted speed limit is 55 MPH. It’s only 2 lanes, there is no shoulder to speak of, and it is filled with blind corners and rolling hills. We do see a few brave cyclists, but I don’t think I would ride this road.
Day 20: Healdsburg to Sebastapol
Thursday April 26, 2012, 22 miles (35 km)
Total so far: 440 miles (708 km)
After the usual huge bed and breakfast meal, Nancy and I get ready to ride in Sonoma. Today’s plan is to make our way on surface streets to The West County & Joe Rodota Trails. This is a local rail-trail built along land that was once the Petaluma and Santa Rosa Railway, a line that linked Petaluma and Santa Rosa with Sebastopol and Forestville. The trails total fourteen miles long. The trails are paved for walking, bicycle riding, and roller skating. An unpaved equestrian trail runs parallel to the paved trail. Designated as a Community Millennium Trail by Former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, the trail offers beautiful views of farms, vineyards, and other agricultural lands.
Day 18: St. Helena to Calistoga
Tuesday April 24, 2012, 28 miles (45 km)
Total so far: 418 miles (673 km)
The Shady Oaks Bed and Breakfast sure knows how to make breakfast. We gorged ourselves on waffles, fruit and sausage, before heading out to explore the local area by trike. We settled into the seats and cruised on quiet streets to the Silverado Trail. “The Trail” is a relatively major thoroughfare, but it has a really wide bike lane. We didn’t find the traffic disturbing, although it was steady.
Day 17: Sacramento to St. Helena
Monday April 23, 2012
Well, another rest day for us as we take the 90 minute drive from Sacramento into the Napa Valley. Our destination – the little town of St. Helena and the charming Shady Oaks Bed and Breakfast.
We can’t check in until 4:00, so arriving in town at 11:00 we decide there is only one thing to do. Wine Time!
Day 16: Sacramento / The American River Trail
Sunday April 22, 2012
31 miles (50 km) – Total so far: 390 miles (628 km)
Today is TARTAR – the Tour of the American River for Trikes and Recumbents. This ride is organized by our friend Wayne Leggett. Wayne owns and operates the 3-2-Go trike shop in Ventura. We first met Wayne a couple of years ago when we rode with him, his wife and a group of recumbent riders from the Ventura area on a weekend getaway to Ojai. We really enjoyed that first ride with Wayne and his crew, so when we learned he organized this ride in Sacramento, we just had to join in!
Continue reading Day 16: Sacramento / The American River Trail
Day 10: More Cambria
Monday April 16, 2012
Nancy and I spent another day together in Cambria. I have really fallen in love with this place. The laid back atmosphere and natural beauty have made a distinct impression in me. I’m going to be sorry to leave it behind.