but much more scenic. 
Glen Ellen is also the town where the author Jack London lived and died and had a ranch (He called himself the "sailor cowboy.") We went to the Jack London Historic State Park and visited London's house and saw lots of memorabilia. It was very interesting and different from seeing lots of grapes and olives!
This is the Viansa Winery near Glen Ellen. Our school superintendent's husband told us to be sure to visit this one because of the scenery and because it is a small independent winery.
We saw this chateau from the highway because it sits way up on a hillside of vineyards. It was so incredibly beautiful that we turned around and went to check it out.
Mamaw and Jo had to stop to admire all the flowers. The aroma in the air and
the views were fantastic.
No matter which way we turned, the views were incredible.
If you look closely, you will see sheep in the pasture across the way from this chateau--even the black sheep of the family. If you were able to look as closely as we could,
you would notice that these are just sheep cutouts!
We drove on to the town of Sonoma which had lots of interesting shops around a town square. We really enjoyed the Sonoma Cheese Factory which had lots of samples--no pictures because we were too busy eating cheese :)
The sign that said "Chocolate Tasting" drew us right in to this shop.
We did taste the chocolates and were not disappointed.
This is a cow made entirely of wine corks. Isn't he cute?
We had lunch on the patio of a little French Bistro called The Girl and the Fig on the
square in Sonoma. Strange name but really good food.
After Sonoma we drove to a community called Glen Ellen. This is the Figone Olive Press. Most wineries also grow olive trees since they need the same climate and growing conditions as grapes. We tasted several olive oils and bought some citrus-infused oils that were really good. This picture was on the wall of the olive press room and told the family's story.
Glen Ellen is also the town where the author Jack London lived and died and had a ranch (He called himself the "sailor cowboy.") We went to the Jack London Historic State Park and visited London's house and saw lots of memorabilia. It was very interesting and different from seeing lots of grapes and olives!This is the Viansa Winery near Glen Ellen. Our school superintendent's husband told us to be sure to visit this one because of the scenery and because it is a small independent winery. Again, the view from the chateau was incredible.
Ed and Mamaw had a seat at a little bistro table on one of the Viansa terraces. If they look relaxed, it's because I told them to sit for a picture, but after I snapped this shot I told them to get up and keep moving before they got used to the leisure time! Aren't they good actors?
We went inside the chateau and enjoyed looking around, but we especially enjoyed seeing the wine cellar down below. Here Ed is checking out the section of 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon barrels.
Ed and Mamaw had a seat at a little bistro table on one of the Viansa terraces. If they look relaxed, it's because I told them to sit for a picture, but after I snapped this shot I told them to get up and keep moving before they got used to the leisure time! Aren't they good actors?We went inside the chateau and enjoyed looking around, but we especially enjoyed seeing the wine cellar down below. Here Ed is checking out the section of 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. Stay tuned...tomorrow morning at 5:30 we take our hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley.
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