Truett Hurst Winery: Unique Wine Country Atmosphere

Part of the pleasure of wine tasting, one that lies in a long tradition of the industry, is being able to identify the wine more nuanced aromas from the grape variety or the blend, which define the culture and quality of wine at any given moment, which presence in the wine shapes the way it looks and influences the way we like it. There are so many aromatics happening at the same time and it's hard to separate one smell from the other, but it is fun to try.

Truett Hurst Winery is one of my favorite places to sample wines. There is something undeniably down-to-earth and relaxing about this place, where the time makes it possible to forget about your phone :) and enjoy the wine and wine country ordinary moments.  

Donald and Maureen Green Music Center is a New Wonder of the World

The wealthy and generous sun glittered in bright gold through large windows, lighting upon the interior of The Joan and Sanford I. Weill Hall, upon the Bahia Orchestra Project of young Brazilian musicians; upon the conductor Ricardo Castro; upon the pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet; upon the casually-dressed audience; upon chairs, made of European steamed beech wood; upon the lovely concert program in my hands. And the music began...

The sound was rich, clear, and true. The Orchestra performed Tchaikovasky (Romeo and Juliet Fantasy), Ravel Piano Concerto in G Major, Revueltas - Semsemaya, Villa-Lobos (from Bahianas 4), Arturo Marquez - Danzon 2, and a uniquely Brazilian finale. The finale started with high samba cuica drums, then the strings kicked in, and the musicians began standing up and sitting down by groups. All the parts of the concert were sensational.

The Hall, the Bahia Orchestra, the music, the sound, and the sun were phenomenal.