Every day brings an opportunity to learn something new-yesterday my husband and I visited a vineyard in Ramona... Chinook Vineyards and then lunch at Salerno Winery, also in Ramona. First, We were educated by Elaine and Norm on how they planted two thousand vines of Petite Syrah and Zinfandel grapes only 4 years ago, and all the hard work that goes into it...it was truly eye opening! I really had no idea how much work it takes to make sure your precious plants thrive and produce, despite the gophers, rabbits, wind and fires that may come your way....Much success to them. We had a delightful lunch at Salerno Winery owned by Herman and Rose Salerno...he is originally from Calabria, Italy and she from New York...tours were given and then we were treated to a lunch of sausage of peppers, pasta, mixed greens with balsamic dressing AND then Delicious homemade pizzas made by Herman himself in their outdoor brick oven...and of course a few glasses of their award winning wine. There was an Italian singer serenading us, and then Herman burst out in song...he used to be an opera singer! Who needs to go to Italy when only 40 minutes from my home I get to enjoy lovely Italian food, music and drink amazing Petite Syrah...
OK, I need to go to Italy, but this was a great substitute!
