Brews, Views, and Wine on the Russian River

We arrived at River Bend RV Park after a LONG drive from Yosemite.  David was whipped and I had white knuckles from “side seat driving” through San Francisco!!   So we were really glad to settle into our site near the river.  Wednesday night we went into Santa Rosa to Russian River Brewery.  I LOVED the sour beers and Dave is ready to vote for “Pliny for President” one of their hoppy brews. 

Thursday we visited Robert Rue Winery where we had been graciously greeted before by Robert and Carleen Rue.  This time was no different and we were able to see their completed tasting room.  When Carleen found out we had segways in the back of the truck her eyes lit up.  We got them out and gave everyone rides.  We all had a blast, even their daughter who stopped by for “just a minute” on a break from work.  Carleen suggested some other wineries and we found Battaglini Estate Winery to be a truly old world Italian winery.  We swapped tales of Tuscany with the owner who was from Lucca.  At Harvest Moon we were not quite as impressed, and I’m sure it had to do with the fact that neither the owner nor winemaker was there.  Dave went to the grocery and in search of firewood while I toured the Charles Shultz (writer of Peanuts) museum.  Some of the art work was fun and they had his studio set up as it was in the 60’s,  and many cartoons framed.  Dave was glad the gallery and gift shop were closed for repairs.  We got back just in time to walk over to the Russian River Pub (vs. Brewery) next door to our campsite where they were showing the Panther/Giants game.  The beer and food were good anyway…. lol

Carleen and Robert Rue enjoying the Segway
in their new tasting room

Lucy is a compilate of Peanut Cartoons!!

Friday we had a leisurely morning and then went into Santa Rosa to the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens.  Our docent was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot about some of the plants he “invented”, though did not make any money from many of them because plant patents had not yet been secured.  He married late in life  - he was 60ish and she was 30ish – and his wife lived in the restored house until the 70’s. 

From there we decided to catch a few wineries and the first was Paradise Ridge.  Again we probably would have bought more if we had not been served by twentysomethings (though Dave enjoyed the view!)  Adjacent to the winery was a sculpture garden with some amazing sculptures. Deb had fun watching a wedding rehearsal. 

Can you see the LOVE sculpture in the far background?
hint:  double click on the pic to make it bigger

Dave thought this sculpture was the "Cone of Silence"
from Get Smart

The find of the day was “Old World Winery”.  We truly enjoyed talking with Darek Trowbridge, the young owner who Carleen had recommended.  After getting a masters in winemaking at Fresno State, he dumped most that he had learned and went back to making wine like his grandfather had taught him.  According to him he has 4 acres of Aborious grapes, which are “very rare” in California.  We loved the Zin blend with them and also bought a 100% varietal which we look forward to sharing with the “group”.

As I write this, we are “chillin’” in the campground which has filled up in anticipation of the Jazz Festival tomorrow and Dave is playing the “bands” in preview through Pandora.  George Benson is the big draw.  The campers beside us just introduced themselves:  they are vendors tomorrow selling creole and soul food!   Should be fun!!