Nelson Family Vineyards

The Nelson family settled in the hills between Ukiah and Hopland back in the 1950s. Today, their 2000 acre ranch runs from the Russian River up over the hills and across Highway 101. On it, they grow pears, Christmas trees and amazing grapes.

We were lucky to discover Nelson Family Vineyards shortly after I bought Brewery Gulch Inn in 2007. Since then, I have gotten the chance to know not only their wines, but Greg and his family as well. Recently, Greg and his wife visited us at the inn and poured a tasting of their Cab, Zin and several other wines. If you are up in the area, take the opportunity to stop by Nelson Family Vineyards .(http://www.nelsonfamilyvineyards.com/)

Art In The Gardens

As the primary fundraiser for the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, Art In The Gardens features local artists and winemakers showcasing their works in vignettes and venues spread throughout the 47 acre coastal botanical gardens.

Today's event enjoyed a sunny day and a dahlia garden at its peak. I found a great Adirondak chair painted by local artist, Lynne Prentice (http://www.prenticefineart.com/prentice/lynne-prentice.html), for the back deck of the inn. Once it is delivered, I'll put a post of it up so you all can see an example of the talented artists living in the area.

Our Furry Friend

It's a menagerie here at the inn. In addition to the wild turkeys, the deer, the otters in the pond and the occasional mountain lion, this little guy has adopted our back deck as his home. He loves to hang out with the birds. He drinks out of the bird bath, he hangs upside down so he can get the seeds out of the feeder. Before he showed up, the Stellar Jays were the bullies of the neighborhood. But now the squirrel rules the roost.