On a very cold and then wet Saturday morning I departed for the Ranch to pick up a few cases of wine and continue with the journey down to San Francisco for the SF Chronicle Wine Competition’s Public tasting.  The night before had dropped a thick blanket of snow over the mountains and quite a few trees had cracked under the pressure.  Power lines were spaghettied on slick one lane roads, but somehow, as if by magic, most of the damage had been cleared during the dark hours.  I made my progress like a turtle on an ice rink and wound my way down to the warmer lowlands surrounding the bay.  Both of our 2009 Sauvignon Blancs were awarded gold medals in the competition and this was our first time particapeting in the event.  It felt a bit strange leaving the county, knowing many folks were without power, to pour wine for thousands of others enjoying day full of wine, food, and fun.  After talking with some friends that hunkered down at home they enjoyed their enforced “downtime”.  The tasting began with a slow pace, plenty of time for chit chat.  Just the way I like it.  It was super fun to taste both of the SB’s side by side with folks and talk to them about their impressions.  Our marketing ninja Susan was my partner in crime and, of course, as soon as I stepped away to do a little tasting myself the crowd swelled.  Bam, busy until the end of the day.  I arrived back home late that evening to Lake County, it was as chilled out as always… snow or no snow.

Left to Right: The NBC crew knows what Six Sigma is all about: These cats were pouring a few tables down from us.  The Wine is called Raised By Wolves, good juice and cool presentation:  Susan keeps the vino flowing in our VIP tasting zone: Happy Sauvignon Blanc Fans:  Bottles of Michael’s Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc kissed by SF sunlight