In early May, I finally got the chance to do one of my bucket list items - I went to California wine country! I had thought this would be a “one and done” experience, but I have since created a “do-over” bucket list as the trip was amazing and I MUST go again. Below I share some of my musings about the trip and one big lesson I learned about hydration.
Anticipation before departure
I am about to embark on a bucket list adventure I had only dreamed of - I am going to Sonoma on a 5 day wine tour.  I leave in 3 days. To say I am excited is an understatement. I am nothing short of giddy. With my motion sickness I am not excited about the flight there or back, but the part in between will be amazing. Â
My plan is to document my experience every day so I can remember it forever. Not that I will ever forget a trip of a lifetime. Stay turned.Â
Day 1
The flight to San Francisco was uneventful, which was just fine with me. We boarded the tour bus to head to Sonoma County, popped open some wine and ate our box lunch. We stopped at the overlook to view the Golden Gate Bridge, city and Alcatraz, then headed to Kendall-Jackson, one of my long-time favorite wineries. As Roberto described the rose he was pouring and the history of the vineyard and winery, I started to feel lightheaded. Next thing I knew I was on the ground surrounded by a number of people saying my name and asking me if I was okay. I had fainted. How embarrassing!Â
The winery manager wanted to call the paramedics to check me out. I very reluctantly agreed just because I had no idea what had happened. My blood pressure had dropped like a stone and I was dehydrated. Not exactly the tasting room experience I was hoping for. Everyone was so kind and compassionate. I felt very blessed to be with such good people. By the way, everything you heard about California firefighters/EMTs is true - they are gorgeous! No wonder calendar sales are off the charts. :-)
Although I missed the rest of the tour and tastings at Kendall-Jackson, others in my group told me how outstanding the Pinot Noir and Cabernet were. I recall Roberto saying how important it was for K-J to ensure the quality of the wine from year to year, how consistency is critical and a priority for the winemaker. They pride themselves on sustainable farming practices and are proud of their water conservation efforts with respect to wine making. According to their website, Kendall-Jackson wines are produced with one-third less water than industry standard. Since 2008, they have reduced their water intensity 41% by investing in conservation technologies like barrel washing, recycling and precision drip irrigation that saves over 28 MM gallons per year.Â
I know a quality product when I taste it, and Kendall-Jackson is truly one of the best. On my next visit I plan to make it through the entire tour and look forward to seeing them again. I highly recommend a visit if you are in the neighborhood.
