Do You Know the Way to San Jose....

Picture the scene: a switchback drive into the mountains, passing Redwoods just inches from the side of the road, green foliage made more brilliant by a bright rainy day, deer raising their heads at your passing, the sound of gravel crunching under the tires as you pull in past neat rows of vineyards leading up to a chateau-style winery.   

Last Saturday we took a little day trip to San Jose (California, that is). The event was a surprise birthday party for my Aunt and Uncle-in-law at Byington Vineyard and Winery. I met just about the rest of my family-by-marriage and my brother-in-law. Admittedly, it is a bit questionable to include him in the group with the rest of the "family-in-laws" since, until Saturday, he had not acknowledged my presence on Planet Earth. That would also go for my apparent sister-in-law, and since I have not met her and she wasn’t present, I really don’t need to even include her in my writings of a fine day in California.

Other than teeth chattering rainy/windy conditions that caused me to shiver my red wine right out of my glass onto my more-or-less white jacket (whodathunk?), it was all very enchanting. Catered by Il Fornaio including desserts…oh my…yes, I chose – and ate - 3! Wines by, who else, Byington, music by a hip trio who actually prompted dancing at some point – I have pictures and I will use them. Add in a lovely fire in the giangantico stone fireplace and a good time was had by many.

If I hadn’t slept the mostly two hours on the way home, I would have been awake for just under 24 hours…still catching up.

Comments

[Stephanie]

Sounds divine. The pic is gorgeous. Wine, Il Fornaio, music, vineyard... what more could you ask for? I love San Jose!