Gamba Vineyards and Winery: The 2014 Harvest

Noon dominated the wine country and the sky. The hot light was too bright to see. I stepped onto the stones of the driveway that ran the length of the Gamba Vineyards and walked into the glare of the old Zinfandel vines.

I wanted to see grapes on the edge of the Harvest. All the magic of the land left the soil and melted into the perfect grapes and became part of them. I took a few pictures and left the vineyards with a spell still upon me... 

And did I mentioned that I've joined the Gamba Wine Club? :)

Kir-Royale at The Fairmont San Francisco

Over the years of its history San Francisco absorbed the unique look, character and culture that would be quite impossible to repeat anywhere in the world ever again. A parade of remarkable skyscrapers and bridges, measured by the number of things; people one could be arrogant or charming about; a culture that rich in all aspects - politics, arts, traditions and brilliant ideas.

On the striking Mason street of San Francisco, between California and Sacramento streets, stands The Fairmont San Francisco Hotel, proud of its own history. Lately it has become a little tradition for me to stop by for a glass of Kir-Royale at the Fairmont when I am tête-à-tête with the city on my walk up and down the hills.

The Wine Country Polo Club: The Wounded Veterans Polo Benefit 2014

A light breeze from the ocean blew the heat and sunshine around The Wine Country Polo Club grounds on Sunday, September 7th, straining it through the trees above our picnic table and sending little colorful leaves on my hat and my long skirt.

It was The Wounded Veterans Polo Benefit 2014, presented by the Commandery of St. Francis, Order of St. John, Knights Hospitaller, supporting wounded veterans in the Bay Area and marking the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landing.    

Watching the opening ceremony, two polo games, and a 1940s-era fashion show, I felt a purpose, a direction, an act of good will and love. The atmosphere was so easy and friendly, the place looked so beautiful that I had a wonderful feeling of homecoming. 

Michael Kors brings on the Desert Chic to the Wine Country

My early August slipped by in a haze - a haze of long evenings of driving Healdsburg side roads and wine tasting with friends. Sonoma County is a land of beautiful vineyards and great wines, where a single glass of wine can be a real pleasure and expression of life, where the shades of afternoon skies and sunsets seem to reflect only happy moods.

One evening, while driving into Santa Rosa through the ache of a setting sun, I thought how well a new Michael Kors ready-to-wear collection "Desert Chic" fits into the nature of the Wine Country. This collection is inspired by a cool sensibility, adding a chic twist on graphic camouflage. The season's natural palette infuses earthy cream, khaki, olive and camel with bold accents of orange and green.     

               
MICHAEL Michael Kors Zebra-Print Top & Skinny Ponte Pants - Christopher Creek Winery, Healdsburg

MICHAEL Michael Kors Faux-Fur Vest & Studded Peasant Top - Limerick Lane, Healdsburg

Michael Kors Roll Sleeve Belted Shirt Dress - Sbragia Family Vineyards, Healdsburg  

MICHAEL Michael Kors Leopard-Print Stud-Trim Maxi Dress - Santa Rosa

Sbragia Family Vineyards: Chardonnay and Lobster Dinner Party Extraordinaire

It was hot at four and still hot at five. It seemed that in this heat nothing mattered. It seemed that all  life of the Historic Dry Creek Valley was weather, a long awaiting for the cool breeze from the ocean when events had no significance.

But not this time! It was 5th Annual Chardonnay and Lobster Dinner at Sbragia Family Vineyards and a glass of refreshing Sauvignon Blanc in my hand was cool and caressing. Growing anticipation for the newly released Chardonnay and fresh Maine lobster was trembling in the air. The place was heaven...