A Day In the Fields, A Night At The Winery.

Yesterday was a big day here at the homestead.  We bought transplants to supplement our seed crops, put dirt into the last raised bed, and worked on the irrigation system which will water our lower field.  We planted heirloom tomatoes, Ichiban eggplant, beans, squash and pumpkins. 

But at about 5 p.m. all work stopped so we could shower and change, because it was time for the twice-yearly Pick-Up Party at the winery.

Most wineries offer two options for getting your wine shipments when you join the winery -- you can have the wines shipped to your home or come by in person to pick them up.  For the people who live locally (or are willing to travel to the winery) they get to attend pick-up parties, where a casual meal is served, wine flows freely, and at the end of the night you take home your six or twelve bottles. 

So last night found us sitting under the stars out in the huge, softly lit garden area with a plate of fresh, make-them-yourself grilled chicken tacos and glasses of sparkling grenaché (followed by several glasses of Mouvedre and Cabernet Sauvignon and I can't even remember what else).  We hung out with our dear neighbors, David and Ray, as well as another couple we met at a previous wine dinner, and some new folks, too.  There was a band, dancing, plus cookies and coffee served inside the winery for whenever you decided you'd had enough partying.  

It was the kind of evening where everyone I walked by smiled and said hello, all in fine spirits, relaxed and happy.  Wine will do that to people, but so will feeling like you're within a community and among friends.

A day in the fields, a night at the winery.  That, to me, is the perfect blend of a life.  Work hard during the day, then enjoy friends, great food and wine in the evening.  If it gets better than that in this lifetime, folks, I certainly can't imagine it.