Amador Wineries: Behind The Cellar Door 3-3-2012
If you're from the Sacramento area, and like wine, you've probably heard of Amador County Wineries. If not, it will probably come as a surprise to you that Amador County (East of Sacramento County) has a Vintner's Association with 36 member wineries. Most of these are on, or within walking distance of, a 5-6 mile stretch of the Shenandoah Road in what is referred to as the Shenandoah Valley.
At one time the Shenandoah Valley was the main viticultural region of California, but along came Napa, Sonoma, and all that jazz... and now... most people I talk to are surprised to hear about it... or consider it their own little getaway that they don't want ruined by Napa crowds. Come to Amador and you will not pay for the privilege of tasting their wines, you will not stand in line for a pour, you will not spend 30 minutes to drive a four mile stretch of road, and you will most likely have your questions answered with a smile and patience. The scenery is even better than Napa for my money. Spring in Amador is something to behold, and something to remind you of the secrets California still holds outside its urban sprawl... there are no McDonalds or Walmarts in out here. There are vineyards over 100 years old though... and that's one reason why you should check it out.
Why are they not spoken of in the same breath as Napa? I'd guess it's the lack of 'serious' wines that consumers have gravitated toward. You'll find very few, if any, Cabernets, Pinot Noirs, or Merlots here. Amador is best know for its Zinfandels. You will also find plenty of Barberas, Primotivos, Syrahs, Sangioveses, Savignon Blancs, Viogniers and quite a few Ports (or Late Harvest) wines. 1 comment Read more
From the Sea to the Source
In April, my Dad (Rick Maybe-Bressler) and Uncle (Allen Maybe) did something that nobody one else has done. They navigated personal water craft (perhaps better known as "Jet Skis") from the Pacific Ocean to the source of the Sacramento River. They started by passing under the Golden Gate bridge, then navigating the San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, Suisun Bay, and the Sacramento Delta region. They passed through the cities of Sacramento, Chico, and Redding, while continuing north to the source of the Sacramento River (somewhere past Lake Shasta). In all, a trip running four days and a little over 400 miles, some of it across pretty rough and debris-prone waters (at least for a Jet Ski).
Neither of the two are strangers to this sort of modern day exploring. In addition to other notable accomplishments on a PWC, Allen Maybe has traveled the entire Santa Fe Trail and Oregon Trail on horseback (one of only a handful of people living to have done so). Rick Bressler has traveled the Santa Fe Trail on horseback, done extensive 'Jet Ski' exploring of Sacramento River tributaries, and hitchhiked across country.
They didn't make too big of a deal out of it. There were a couple receptions with folks who provided the gear and such, but I couldn't even talk Rick into sending out a press release beforehand. There was extensive preparation work though, as they talked with most of the law enforcement agencies on the way. San Francisco, in particular, is very sensitive to bearded guys on jet skis riding under the Golden Gate.
Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention that they are both over 65 years old. I thought that was a pretty big deal. I sure hope that when I'm 65 I'll be physically able to ride a Jet Ski for four days straight. To be perfectly honest I'm not so sure I could do it now and I still have 20 years to go.
Good job fellows.
1 comment14 years and nary a scratch on 'er
Fourteen years ago today we picked up a scared little terrier from the Sacramento SPCA. She was about seven months old. I remember suffering the horrified glares of a little girl and her family as I stole Phoebe out of the cage, while they debated getting her themselves. Another 5 minutes and we would have never seen her.
Fourteen years later, Phoebe is still going strong. She's not the little tough she used to be. The legs are getting shaky and the hearing is shot, but she's still getting around fine, going for short walks, avoiding Fianna expertly, and tussling with Dutch in the backyard.
Back in the day, she used to purr when pet, smile and squint when pleased, and, for the first year or so, get so happy when the people came home that she tinkled. She's always been a charmer, winning over every household visitor with her good nature, smiles and wags. She's always been our best friend.
Add new comment2010 Scottish Games in Woodland
A big group of us made it to the 2010 Scottish Games in Woodland. The Carmichael Bresslers (JB, Jennifer & Fianna) and the Wilson Gang go every year, but this year we also met up with the Sacramento Bresslers and The Favettis who were visiting from new Jersey (Tony, Lauren & the Twins).
As always, there was too much to do and too little time to do it... but plenty of island beer to pave the way. Unfortunately, I was trying to spread my time among everyone (who wanted to do different things) and ended up not seeing enough of anybody.... such is life.
Forgot to do take much in the way of photos, but posted a few here.
Add new commentMarch Madness
Rumors on the internets mention 'March Madness' as some annual sporting event conducted with a round orange dimpled ball, carried between opposing goals. I wouldn't know much about that, but around here March Madness refers to the annual combined birthday celebrations of myself (JBMoney), Jennifer (Buffy), Laura (Princess B), and Sean. We all have birthdays in March (in the order listed above: 20th, 14th, 31st, 17th). Unfortunately, Fianna (born 2-28) missed it by one day, but she was allowed to attend as an observer. The four of us have been doing this for quite a few years. This year it was San Francisco's turn to 'host'.
