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| Sterling Winery and Three Palms Vineyard |
After the late Fall flurry -- the fruit is in, the crush done -- peace descends on the Napa Valley. For about two weeks the sweet musty smell of grape-becoming-wine is everywhere. Then things change. The night lights guiding the pickers are gone. The port-a-potties in the vineyards are gone. The flatbed trucks flying down the Silverado Trail are gone. The rhythm returns.
Celebrate the end of the season. Take a deep breath and think about the approaching winter rains and the next season. Mother Nature celebrates. The vines are going to sleep and, together with the
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| Clos Pegase |
hardwoods, first they celebrate with a riot of color. California has a two-season climate. We are not renowned for Fall color-- but you don't have to go to Vermont for a great show.
Growers are fertilizing (manure), planting cover crop, installing erosion control, doing basic maintenance.
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| Barn north of Calistoga |
And taking in the color.
Summer vacations don't happen here. In summer you manage your vineyard. A lot of Napans "leave Dodge" after Thanksgiving. Hawaii and Cabo are popular destinations. There's not much going on here in winter. It rains like hell with temps in the 40's and an occasional frost.
It's a great time to visit. The restaurants will welcome you. A lot of the wineries will make private appointments. If it's raining find a cozy spot and build a fire. Take a walk -- the rain and the mists are magical.
Don't forget the Fall. It explodes with color. Each year -- each 'vintage' -- is different.
Don't forget the Fall. It explodes with color. Each year -- each 'vintage' -- is different.
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| Peach Orchard at Deer Park and Silverado Trail |
