Greetings friends. We have not forgotten about this blog. On the contrary, one of our favorite things to do is write about the beautiful Wine Country.
We will be taking the month of May off while we work on other projects.
Please visit us again very soon this summer.
Petaluma is famous for its poultry and eggs. In honor of this, every April, the entire town of Petaluma gathers on the streets to watch the annual ‘Butter and Egg Days’ Parade.
Mr. WCC and I never attended this festival event until a few years ago, but now we never miss it. Parade day is pure small town fun, and as American as baseball and apple pie. Everyone loves a small town parade, with rock bands, cotton candy, hot dogs, lemonade, face painting, and local vendors selling their products.
Here are a few scenes from this year’s parade.
That’s our famous piano player Petaluma Pete
Tomorrow is the Antique Fair up and down Kentucky Street, and I can’t wait.
The southern most town in Sonoma County is Petaluma, famous for its eggs and poultry. The Butter and Egg Festival in April is Petaluma’s biggest annual event. Just about everyone in this town comes out to see the parade. Before the parade is held, proud Petaluma parents dress up their little ones in homemade feathery finery in the hopes of being awarded ‘The Cutest Little Chick in Town’.
All the contestants are lined up for their turn to show off their original costumes. Parents preen and primp the ‘chicks’ as they await their moment.
All the contestants are given ten seconds to strut their stuff in front of the judges. Extra points are awarded to those who have personality, or if their getup is theme related.
The winner gets to ride in the parade float, and of course, a feature in the local Argus Courier newspaper.
This small town pageant for Petaluma parents is part of the local charm. The contest gathers a large crowd every year, and with chicks as cute as these, it is easy to see why there are endless “aaaaawwww” sounds heard throughout the crowd.
Yesterday, I took a tour of Gundlach Bundschu in Sonoma, the oldest family run winery in Sonoma County, established in 1858. As we walked part of their 400 acre vineyards, we were educated about their sustainable farming practices for tending the vines. It was quite an appropriate subject in celebration of Earth Day.
Gundlach Bundschu (pronounced “gun” + “lock” + “bun” + “shoe”)has been around since before the Civil War. The winery has survived the Depression, the Prohibition, and its warehouse destruction in the Great Quake of 1906.
Walking the vineyards was spectacular. You could smell the good earth. We learned about the beneficial predators introduced to control undesirable pests, the use of organic compounds, and the use of biodiesel tractors. Most fascinating was the water reclamation and irrigation program. The winery recycles 70% of its water. Having recently introduced solar panels, the winery will soon reclaim 100% of its water. See this discussion to learn more about their farming practices.
Our guides Shannon and Linda poured the 2008 Gewürztraminer as they gave us the history of the Gundlach Bundschu family.
Along the trail, we were also privy to complimentary tastes of the 2006 Pinot Noir.
We were given a tour of the 10,000 square foot wine cave and gathered as a group for a tasting of the 2006 Merlot, the 2006 Zinfandel, and (my favorite) the 2006 Cabernet Franc. The cave is a fantastic spot for hosting 20 of your favorite friends for a special indoor event.
We like Gundlach Bundschu because they take wine seriously, but obviously, not themselves too seriously. They have a great poetry contest, and signs like the one below appear on the property.
For all of you summer travelers, note that Gundlach Bundschu is hosting several festivals this year in its outdoor amphitheater. In July, the Midsummer Mozart festival. A local Shakespeare troop will be performing The Taming of the Shrew in August and September. Go here for dates.
Visitors can’t miss that the grounds of this winery are absolutely beautiful. Picnickers are welcome. Here are a few parting shots of their garden splendor.
Gundlach Bundschu is open daily from 11 to 4:30 p.m., and tastings are $5. For directions, look here.
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