Monday, October 21, 2013

Beer and Bubbles Under the Redwoods

It’s been about a little over two weeks since my last post as life has managed to get in the way of my creative flow; however, during this time, I have had an opportunity to reflect on a wonderful trip that I had with my mother to Mendocino. What this experiences has taught me is the importance of simplicity and plain, old-fashioned fun and how they should be the most important ingredients in any occasion.

Let’s start with Mendocino. This coastal village has been a long time family retreat of ours and was the same place that Ashwin and I spent our honeymoon before jetting off to India this summer. The village is charming, tranquil, and has an all-around relaxed vibe. My mom and I had a three night, four day weekend planned for ourselves in this little haven, starting late Friday morning. Our plan was to stop at Roederer Estate in Anderson Valley, which is a winery that makes some exquisite sparkling wine. My mom and I had stopped at this beautiful estate on our previous trip to Mendocino two years ago and Ashwin and I also made a visit to the winery on our way up in July Each visit was pleasant and we enjoyed the tasting experience, even retreating to the outdoor patio to take in the spectacular views with a glass of bubbly.

The Roederer Estate tasting room sans snobby staff and patrons
Unfortunately, this visit was far from charming and relaxing. My mom and I met at the winery, dressed in casual but decent clothes and found a spot at the tasting bar and waited to be served. Our attendant had to finish her conversation with some middle-aged pseudo-rich guy who was bragging about his burgeoning wine collection…you know the type. Long story short, after one measly pour and being blatantly ignored by her and some older woman with a large set of keys (I think she was the tasting room manager), my mom and I just left the winery. The alleged manager looked right at us and went on to pour glasses for people who arrived after us. I had never had such lousy service at any winery nor have I ever felt so invisible.

I drove along Route 128 angrily until I decided to pull into the Navarro General Store to calm down and get a bottle of water. My mom joined me inside and we ended up purchasing a beer and a small bottle of sparkling wine (albeit bitter and made in Ceres, CA) and sat out on the picnic benches under the redwood trees.

Navarro General Store - a welcomed retreat on Hwy 128 on the way to Mendocino

We ended up having a great conversation and laughing about the whole ridiculous, pretentious attitude of the winery staff as well as the “Muffy and Biff” crowd that bellied up to the bar that particular day.  We continued on to Mendocino and had a wonderful, relaxing weekend, which I will detail in another entry. Right now, I just want to reiterate the importance of having a fun experience, regardless of what you do. It shouldn't matter where you are or even how you are dressed (just be clothed), as long as you are having fun and enjoying the company of those you love, whether it’s at a French chateau or a roadside general store in the heart of the redwoods.


Cheers!

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