Fields of Lavender

Wine is a visceral pleasure.  What's that you say?  You've heard that expression but are not really sure what it means?  Here's a great explanation: "Any of the faculties by which stimuli from outside or inside the body are received and felt: hearing, sight, smell, touch, taste, and equilibrium"

When you visit Matanzas Creek Winery in Sonoma the last - equilibrium - comes into play first.  Not that the others don't.  It's just that when you turn into the lane leading up the hill to the winery itself you are so overwhelmed by the waves and unending rows of deep purple lavender that your equilibrium is challenged. You feel the earth move slightly.  You actually have to stop and touch some of the beautiful plants.

And then - you taste the wine.  Yes - that's right - you can actually taste the lavender in the wine.  Where?  Right there as you take in the sight of the deep purple in what is surely one the top 5 Merlots in Sonoma if not Napa as well.  You breathe in the smell of the lavender and try to decide - is it coming from the glass or the fields outside? 

As you leave, you hesitate one last time at the foot of the lane.  There it is. You hear the wine  and the lavender calling you back!

Is Matanzas Creek on your itinerary?  Cheers!