S is for Summerwood

Whenever I think of Summerwood Winery and Inn, the words beauty and grace come to mind. I think of gardens and trees, and, of course, grapes. 

Summerwood is another of my neighbors east of me on Highway 46 West. I have visited many times, and each time I see some different aspect of it, depending upon the season. Most people driving 46 West from the 101 Freeway as far as Arbor Road will notice this Summerwood sign on the corner.

When I was in the tasting room some time ago, I did take some pictures, but I can't find them tonight. So to see the interior, check out the Summerwood website.  I will concentrate on the views most people just passing by don't see. For example, this shot of the vineyard was taken on March 23, 2012 from Live Oak Drive, looking south  toward the tasting room and Highway 46 West.

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All  those vines produce the grapes that make the wines. I took this photo in the Summerwood vineyard, though  I'm not sure which variety this is. This, and the photos below were taken in June, 2014, as the grapes were beginning to plump out, but while they were still green.

Summerwood Grapes in June, © B. Radisavljevic 

Grapes don't, of course, become wine without human help. Humans harvest the grapes. Winemakers also get some help with their equipment. The photo shows some of that equipment which is stored behind the winery until it's needed after the harvest.I call this the business end of the winery.

Summerwood Winemaking Equipment, © B. Radisavljevic

You can see how some of this equipment is used in my video of the wine-making process at Croad Vineyards.

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These next two photos show some of the outdoor places one can enjoy tasting the wines. Summerwood has some lovely garden spots and unlike most of the local wineries it has a lot of tree varieties -- not just the oaks you see in most vineyards. That makes it a colorful place in autumn, but this photo on the left was taken in June behind the tasting room.

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I took this last picture in front of the tasting room, also in June. Most of the flowers are in bloom. The large oak provides shade when the temperatures rise. Highway 46 West is on the other side of the barely visible fence behind the oak tree.
     

Summerwood Tasting Room Garden, © B. Radisavljevic 

It's unfortunate that I don't drink wine myself, since alcoholism runs in my family and I don't want to chance getting to like wine too much. That's why I don't talk about the tasting experience. You can read the reviews of the wines and the Summerwood Inn on Yelp. From all I've read, you will enjoy a wine-tasting stop at Summerwood.

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C is for Croad Vineyards and Tasting Room

The View from Croad

It seems the wineries and vineyards I love most are very close to where I live. Croad happens to be the very closest to me. Martin Croad's vineyards are on the other side of my back  fence,  and I've been  watching those grapes grow since they were planted. I enjoy the harvest season every year, and I've watched it in progress. I've also seen what happens to the grapes after harvest.

I have visited many other tasting rooms in Paso Robles and Templeton, and Croad's definitely has one of the best views in this area . One can sit on the patio outside the tasting room by the fountain and see all the neighboring vineyards near highway 46 West and Vineyard Drive. I see Kristi Trimmer, who stayed in the Inn at Croad for two days, agrees with me about the view. (To see my photo better, just click to enlarge it.0

Unlike Kristi, although I watched the Inn being built from across my fence, I've never been in it. But I have walked most of the property taking pictures during harvest season. You can find the rest of my photos and the video tour of both the harvest and the wine making process here: Croad Wines from Vineyard to Bottle, A Photo Essay.

 Patio of Croad Tasting Room, Paso Robles Beverage Coaster

Sculpterra Is a Great Place to Find Unique Gifts from Local Artists

See Large Sculptures by John Jagger and Dale Evers at Sculptera

Sculpterra Winery  is known not only for its wine,  but also for its art. As you enter from the parking lot you are greeted by this big cat sculpture, "Golden Morning," by John Jagger. As you enter the garden, you see even more sculptures by John Jagger, and some newer ones by the new resident artist, Dale Evers.

Find Smaller Replicas of the Sculptures for Sale in the Tasting Room

Not only does Sculpterra feature these impressive large sculptures in its outdoor sculpture garden, but you can find smaller replicas of some of them inside for purchase in the tasting room. This display in the window show some of Dale Evers' work for sale. John Jagger's work is displayed in other parts of the tasting room.

Sculpterra Also Displays and Sells Wall Art by Local Artists

Art on display at Sculpterra is not limited to sculpture. Each month there is a wall devoted to a visiting artist.  The Artist of the Month for April, 2015, is Jack Oliver and you can see most of his wall display here. The work of other artists using different media can be seen throughout the tasting room. If you enjoy art or giving art gifts, you are sure to find something unique there as you are enjoying your wine.

Find more photos and a video tour of Sculpterra.

This book features beautiful color photographs of Sculpterra and other spectacular central coast wineries. I first saw it at the Lavender Festival one year at the Sculpterra booth, and that's how I decided I wanted to pay Sculpterra a visit.
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Day in the Shade Memories

One thing I love about my county is the opportunity to see local artists exhibiting their work in multiple places. One annual exhibit happens at Templeton City Park on the Saturday before Mother's Day every year. By that time the weather is nice and people are often looking for just the right Mother's Day gift. They know they will see many one-of-a kind items. The man in the picture to the left has probably seen a lot by now and is trying to decide if he should buy here or at another booth. This booth is Barry's Woodturning. To see more detail, click to enlarge a photo.

All kinds of artists come to exhibit. We see photographers and painters. People bring what they have created from glass,old flatware, old wine barrels, and any number of other inventive materials. There is always lots of handmade jewelry, as well. This booth features recycled metal objects. Things made from old flatware are very popular and were seen at more than one booth.

Besides the art exhibits, which I've barely introduced here, there is music on the stage and face painting and art activities for children. There is also wine tasting for the adults who want to relax and recover from all that "window" shopping. In the photo below you can see two of my winery neighbors exhibiting their wares.

These photos came from Day in the Shade 2012, but many of the same exhibitors come each year. If you'd like a more comprehensive tour of this event, I made one for Day in the Shade 2011 that give you a better idea of what there is to see, Besides the photos you will see a video of Dan Shattuck's very crowded booth of recycled flatware products, and an interview with glass artist Rachel Tamagni. 

Photos from A Short Visit to Steinbeck Vineyards and Winery

Steinbeck Winery Exterior Photos

I normally only visit westside Paso Robles wineries, but tonight I went to the east side to attend a meeting at the Steinbeck tasting room which you see pictured here. This is the side view.

Side View of Steinbeck Tasting Room, © B. Radisavljevic

Since we arrived late to the meeting, I couldn't take any pictures until after the meeting ended, and by then the sun was beginning to go down. I took the photo below after the meeting was over and people were talking outside near the entrance afterward.

Entrance View  of Steinbeck Tasting Room, © B. Radisavljevic

Historical Artifacts Inside the Steinbeck Winery Tasting Room

I was surprised at how different this tasting room was from most others I've visited. The Steinbeck tasting room is almost like a historical museum inside. The walls are full of artifacts, old photos, musical instruments, paintings, and other items that are related to the history of the winery. Since the tasting room was officially closed, there was not enough time to linger and learn more about what I was seeing. I know I will go back as soon as I have time.

I do want to show you some of that interior in the photos below. First is the old wine press used by the Ernst Family from 1884-1950.

Old Wine Press in Steinbeck Tasting Room, © B. Radisavljevic

The next view of the interior was taken from the middle of the room with my back to the entrance. You will see Cindy Steinbeck on the right in the pink shirt, talking to someone who attended the meeting. The chairs were put up just for the meeting.  I thought I should let you see some of the wine on the far wall. There are cases of it for sale on the front left by the window.

Interior of Steinbeck Tasting Room, © B. Radisavljevic

This corner of the tasting room near the door had a display on the walls that almost reached the ceiling. I loved seeing all those old instruments hanging there. There are also historical plaques and photos that help explain them and the other things you see on the wall. If you are interested in the history of the wine industry in Paso Robles and in the pioneering families, a visit to Steinbeck Vineyards and  Winery is a must.

Historical Artifacts on Walls of Steinbeck Tasting Room, © B. Radisavljevic

The Vineyard

I did want to get some photos of the vineyard before I left, but it was dusk and there wasn't a lot of light left. I was, however, able to capture this shot.  I hope it reflects the peace I felt  when I stood looking at it as the sun went down.

Dusk at Steinbeck Vineyard. © B. Radisavljevic

The Vine Speaks, by Cindy Steinbeck

 The Vine Speaks
Before leaving, I bought a copy of Cindy Steinbeck's book, The Vine Speaks. I'm eager to see her insights into John 15 as one who truly understands both the life of grape vines, as well Christian life. Read more about Cindy's faith and ministry.  I will review this book as soon as I've had a chance to read it. If you'd also like to read it, just click on the book cover to get a copy. It comes in both a paperback and Kindle edition.

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Two Unique Tasting Room Sights at Peachy Canyon

I have lived for at least ten years surrounded by wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms, and it seems more move in every day. At least three have changed ownership in my own neighborhood during the time I've been here and another is in the process. I have visited at least 33 tasting rooms while living here, but today I saw sights at Peachy Canyon Tasting Room I've never seen anywhere else.

What's new is the chair. I'm not sure of its significance, but it seems to have been built for a giant with short legs.  I don't remember seeing it here before, and it looks like the vineyard beside it has also been replanted.

Herbie and Peaches, the Peachy Canyon Maine Coon cats, are also unique to Peachy Canyon's tasting room. They are not new. I look forward to seeing them every time I visit. Today, though, they were interacting together in a way I've never seen them behave before, and I was glad I had my camera. Remember, you can enlarge the photos by clicking on them for a closer look.

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