I am off work this week and have to say I’m enjoying the indoors and a fire crackling in the background. It’s a gloomy rainy day today in the Sonoma and Napa Valleys and I’m glad I am looking at it through double-paned windows.

The Wine Country is very interesting in the winter. North of the San Francisco bay we get the heaviest of the rain and suffer through the occasional flood. For those of us that commute between the two valleys this time of year can be trying.

For those not familiar with the the roads that run between the two valleys the important thing to note is the feeder creeks that occasionally overflow and flood, can make a drive between the valleys a challenge. However, despite the challenge, I can’t think of a better bad commute.

I’m one of the lucky few who see nothing but rolling hills and vineyards from the time I leave my house until the time I get to work 40 minutes later. Sure, there is still the occasional dairy farm but for the most part it’s the braided hills woven tightly with vines.

This time of year is the most barren for the vineyards. The vines are dormant but not yet pruned so the vines appear to be reaching out and stretching after having been relieved of carrying the last seasons fruit. It’s a quiet beauty after the excitement of crush and foreshadows the mustard weed that is about to blanket the hills and begin the traditional mustard season and festival.

Although tourism is important for this area it really is a nice time for the locals to get out and taste the new releases with the winemakers. It really is a “long-time-past” experience to be able to sit down with the winemakers and listen to them tell you the story of the last years harvest and discuss the complexities of the new releases and hear the passion that is their art.

Winter is a wonderful time in the Wine Country. The slow pace makes it an ideal time to visit, the hotels are offering great rates and if you call ahead you can even line up some time with the winemakers.

Cheers!