This past Sunday morning I led a group of 12 on a hike up to the ridge above our Edna Ranch vineyard. While the vines are planted down near Orcutt Rd. our property stretches far back into the hills. Much of it is a working cattle ranch and some of it wild rocky chaparral. The hike to the top of the ridge took us a little over an hour of hiking - parts of it strenuous, but most of it easy. We walked over serpentine outcrops where only a very limited amount of plants can grow, including the Persian Carpet, which was in bloom. We hiked through a creek bed with giant Sycamores and ended up on the open ridge top which is the typical oak grasslands. The views from the top were spectacular on this fog free day and we could see from Pismo to the south and Morro Bay to our north. Most of the morros that make the San Luis Obispo area so unique geologically could be seen. We then made our way down and out another creek bed, visiting one of the better Chardonnay blocks on the way back to the pool house where we had a simple lunch and three wines. The 2008 Sauvignon Blanc was my favorite on this balmy day, but the '08 Rose and the '06 Estate Pinot were delicious as well. It was very pleasant to sit in the shade by the pool and relax over food and wine. I particularly enjoyed the day as it motivated me to learn a bit more about the local geology and natural history. I look forward to doing it again.
Larry Brooks- Stay tuned for pictures coming shortly...
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