Eric "Howsitgoing.eh?" B.'s Profile

Francis Ford Coppola Winery, re-opened in July 2010, is the latest venture from its namesake, whose passion for wine, food and adventure is nowhere more evident than in this new production - a winery resort located in the heart of Alexander Valley. The many attractions here include a wine tasting bar, two restaurants, swimming pools, a movie gallery, a performing arts pavilion and a park area with game tables and bocce courts. It's all a bit over the top (think Disneyland) and is certainly seems like not only a monument to Francis' ego, but also the confirmation of the notion that wineries help folks turn large fortunes into small ones.

Of course, who am I to argue Mr. Coppola's notion that this winery is meant to be "a wine wonderland, a park of pleasure where people of all ages can enjoy all the best things in life - food, wine, music, dancing, games, swimming and performances of all types. A place to celebrate the love of life." As proof, there were lots of folks that were having a great time. It just that I would have been happier with a little more contemplative love of wine and life in this setting.

The Francis Ford Coppola Winery offers a wide variety of wine and I really enjoyed my tasting experience. Our host was knowledgeable, friendly, and welcoming. I particularly enjoyed the Sofia Blanc de Blanc (also available in a hot pink can), the Director's Cut Reds, and I ended up going home with a nice bottle of Sofia Rose. My only disappointment was that their Port was currently sold out.

Later on, we wandered into the 2 story gift shop, complete with a recreation of a Tucker automobile and lots of other movie memorabilia. And of course ""I love the smell of napalm in the morning"

Kendall-Jackson has a soft spot in the hearts of both Gayle and her Sister, as this was the wine that their dearly departed Dad served them when they came to visit. As further proof, this was the first stop in our Sunday Limo Tour and a day later, Gayle's Sister returned and joined their Wine Club. So with that, this place can do no wrong in the Family eyes.

I'm wasn't as enamored, although the French Chateau, the surrounding gardens, and the wines were all very good and impressive. We got a full and friendly tasting the Wine Bar, with a personal note to make any future trip include the food pairing option with our wine. I remain happy with the 2 Tasting Clubs we belong to (Audelssa and Navarro), but Kendall-Jackson will always have a favoured spot in our wine rack.

Hanna Winery was founded in 1985 by Dr. Elias Hanna, a world-renowned cardiac surgeon, who was eager to find a place in the country to continue the farming heritage of his upbringing in Syria. In the 1970s he realized his dream with the purchase of 12 acres in the Russian River Valley. Dr. Hanna's oldest daughter Christine now runs the winery. Hanna owns 600 acres of land in the Sonoma County's Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley and the Mayacamas Mountains, 250 of which are planted.

Hanna is another beautiful little winery that is off the beaten track and a joy to hang out, taste some great wines and take in the scenery. Some in our group thought this place was the highlight of our afternoon and they might be right! And whether it's on the deck for the view or for a picnic down below, Hanna Winery is a great opportunity to relax, contemplate, and enjoy.

After visiting the Circus that is more often called the Francis Ford Coppola, it was nice to stop in at the deLorimier Winery for a little peace and quiet. It's also a beautiful setting with lush vines surrounding the property and with a nice view into the hills.

Founded in 1986 by Al deLorimier, these Alexander Valley vineyards were planted and developed with an eye to producing world-class "Bordeaux" wines including single vineyard designate Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and their signature Meritage (the hands down favourite in our wine tasting group). Ken and Diane Wilson became the new owners of deLorimier Winery in 2008.

The guy pouring the wine was a real hoot, both in terms of his casual but "listen up" wine education approach and his Boston Red Sox pedigree from Upstate New York roots. Later on we bought a couple bottles of wine and enjoyed sitting on the patio, relaxing, and just catching up. It was a gorgeous sunny (but not too hot day) and when Family Fellowship, wine, and scenery come together this way, life truly doesn't get much better than this.

The Ruth Bancroft Garden is a 2.5 acre dry botanical garden containing more than 2,000 cactus, succulents, trees, and shrubs native to various sundry parts of the World. The Garden began in the early 1950s as a private collection within Bancroft Farm (a former provider of prize pears), when Ruth brought home a single succulent, an Aeonium grown by a Ms. Glenn Davidson. By 1972, the collection had outgrown its location and was moved to its current site, then an orchard of dying walnut trees. The Aeonium "Glenn Davidson" is still growing in the Garden.

In 1989, it became the first garden in the United States to be preserved by The Garden Conservancy, and has been open to the public since 1992. Today the Garden is an outstanding landscape of xerophytes (dry-growing plants) and a tribute to Ruth Bancroft who is still hanging in there at the ripe age of 103.

Gayle and I stopped by last Saturday as part of Mayor Bob's monthly walks through various open spaces in Walnut Creek. This 4.5 mile stroll was a Garden walk and besides the Ruth Bancroft Garden, we saw a future plot in the Shadelands and ended up at Heather Farms. While here, we were given a nice tour and enjoyed our too short stroll through the gardens. I'm all for coming back during one of the Sunset Socials for a little music and further admiring the succulents.

Gayle's Sister and her Husband own a timeshare through WorldMark. They have used their membership well and have gone to a lot of nice places for not a lot of money. In fact, Gayle's first reaction when we were invited into the Weekend Windsor Condo was why we shouldn't be doing the same thing. That later turned into a broader conversation about mutual Family travel, including the possibility of an Italian/Croatian/Greek Cruise next Summer.

Gayle's Sister reserved a 3 Bedroom Condo and we were both impressed with space, comfort , amenities, upkeep, and friendly staff service. We had a great time hanging out on the Deck, enjoying snacks together inside, playing a little shuffleboard, grilling some chicken, and soaking in the hot tub down below, and staying over. Plus we were only a short drive from lots of convenient Wine Country or Russian River venues. Best of all, it was a great as a Family to catch up, spend some quality time together, and plan for the next time.

First of all, I'm not a Limo type of guy, whether it be for Weddings or Wine Tastings. However, Gayle's Sister and Brother-In-Law were in Town and the wheels were soon rolling for a Mother's Day Limo outing that included the 4 of us, plus the Nephew and 3 of his friends.

We had a great time together and were well taken care of by Mitch our driver. I have no frame of reference for Limo rides, but ours was comfortable, safe, and fun. During our 4 hour reservation, we visited the Kendall Jackson, Francis Ford Coppola, deLorimier, and Hanna Wineries before we ran out of time and any subtlety in our taste buds. And as I watched our Gang thoroughly enjoy each others company, I'm sure glad that I wasn't driving and had the chance to enjoy the journey.

I finally made it to this larger Safeway store that partially fits into the footprint of the Mervyn's that came before it.  Gayle has been here several times, including the gas station that offers a "heck of a deal" if you have a Club Card and a decent purchasing stream going. Doncha Know?

My Son has been here too, but he kind of got turned off by the rule that you can't take any free samples unless you're over 18 or have direct permission from a parent. Welcome to the world of food allergies and its legal consequences.

My excuse for my tardy visit is that I've been separately enhancing my thrifty shopping expertise at the nearby Grocery Outlet and I'm otherwise comfortable at the nearby Lucky Supermarket. It's certainly not because of nostalgia for the old and small Safeway near DVC or the current one in nearby Pleasant Hill.

This Safeway is big and is probably the model for what their new stores will look like.  I'll see for sure after the changes to the Albany Safeway are approved and implemented. There's lots of selection, several specialty islands, workers that are eager to please, and with my trusty Club Card to guide me through the aisles. Right now it's all a bit overwhelming in its plenty, but without much of a soul. It doesn't yet feel like my neighbourhood grocery store where I know where to go for what I want and recognize my favourite checkers with a short friendly greeting (or formally in the case of Albany, a song).  As big is not always better, we'll see how it goes.

I've seen their flyers in and out of the newspaper, and eventually I knew I'd have to stop in and take a look around.  That's a good thing as it saved me the trouble of making an online order for something I probably didn't want or need in the first place.

This is an OK discount tool store and you really do get what you pay for. However, since no one will ever mistake me for a master craftsman, there's a lot of "putter potential"  here for those odd household jobs that sometimes require a quick trip to the hardware store.

It's happened to most of us. We remotely order an item and soon the FedEx (or UPS)  delivery comes and nobody is home. And of course a signature is required. The worst thing that has ever happened was several years ago when I ordered something from Canada and soon after left town for a few weeks. FedEx sent it back to the Great White North and it literally took weeks to get it out of brokerage at the Border.

This is where I go from my Pleasant Hill Home and when I don't want the same thing to happen again. The after work hours are convenient and the folks here are helpful in efficiently getting me in and out.  And that's all I can ask when I didn't really want to make this trip in the first place.