Springtime in the Vineyard - Berryessa Gap: Wonky Weather and Wine

So we got lost on the way there. Then it started raining. When the invitation says "Springtime in the Vineyard" it turns out it means IN the vineyard. I seriously thought about turning back as we were already past fashionably late, fighting through the Davis bicyclists to get to Winters, it wouldn't be a crazy thought that it would be at the winery. Wrong.

Taking the invitation to heart, re-reading the email via iPhone (LOVE my iPhone, it has saved me so many times), Google-mapping the direction we make our way back, through the suburbs, and past hay rows for days. Then we hit the hills, and the dirt roads, and now I'm thinking were really lost, and wondering where we can stop for a quick drink. Next to me my friend is yammering away about who knows what, and is telling me that "there better be a bathroom there?" ...really?

This picture depicts the actual gap in the foothills behind the label of Berryessa Gap Wines

Then we enter the vineyards, there are green rows for as far as the eye can see.  With labels to each wine varietal as we go up, red clay soils, gravel roads, and irrigation canals we finally see other cars! 

Civilization, and wine can't be too far away! 

The weather this year is crazy, and this isn't just water cooler talk - for the last week we've had beautiful sunny days and on Memorial Day Weekend we have rain? Where's the justice in that? So we swap heels for sneakers and head to the party. Here is the main reason I seem to love Berryessa Gap more than many other wineries/growers/wine establishments: They are GENUINELY nice, to everyone. Now I know that can sound trite, but in a industry stifled by pretentiousness they remember their customers, and are excited to see people passionate about the community spirit of their wine, as well as how good it tastes. 

From the carnitas and shrimp, the bluegrass band, a great many glasses of my current favorite Durif, and trading stories with people that within the short period of time I've know them have become great friends - not even the rain could make us leave early. And it as raining sideways at this point.

But the staff of Berryessa Gap were troopers as always and were pouring wine under tents, huddling around the BBQ, and ringing up sales without skipping a beat; even with the addition of pint-size wine schlep-ers to make it up the hills in the rain. All in all, I can't wait to go again next year, and this time I'll even know where it's at!