OLIVE COUNTRY TOO & HINTS OF GREEN

WHERE OLIVES GROW

    Last year's designation, by a leading wine magazine, as the best wine region in the world has assured the Paso Robles appellation of continued attention. But it is also a burgeoning olive growing district. This view is from Kiler Ridge where some great olive oil is grown and processed. 

DROUGHT BLUES

    The dry heat, when it should be damp or rainy cool, has confused nature. The drought continues. These hills should be green.  

    Coastal California has three seasons, golden, brown and green, but the drought has taken us from brown to concrete gray.

THIS IS NORMAL WINTER

    These are scenes from 2 years ago, the last season we had adequate rain.

Now, only a tinge of green

    The rolling hills have taken on a gray cast, instead of the normal winter/spring "Green as Ireland" look. Believe it or not we are pleased by the tinge that you may be able to spot on the western slopes.

     This is normally a lagoon, used by birds and water fowl.

     For the time being central and southern Californians are hoping and praying for more rain, so we'll see more of this-a product of the only 3-4 inches we've had this season.

   This narrow strip near the road and mailbox is the most green we've seen.  Wish those who have had an abundance of rain or snow could pipe it west.  

    See you down the trail.

      

VINES AND STEEL

A VIEW WITH A ROOM

(Paso Robles Appellation)  Aside from the generally excellent wine, a visit to the Denner Winery is enjoyable because of the excellent view.

Approaching from Vineyard you are taken in by the

interaction of steel, vineyard setting and artistry of

architecture.

When owner Ron Denner built his tasting room, he hired San Luis Obispo Architect John R. Mitchell.
Mitchell created a spectacular building, with equally spectacular views.
Denner is a excellent spot to watch the play between
structure and nature, steel and vines.

Even the skies over the vineyard are framed by

the modern structure.

Cheers!
See you down the trail.