Vineyard Diary

We've just returned from an amazing camping trip on the Big Sur coast. Immediately after boxing day (you'll have to look that one up), we took the Nacimiento-Ferguson road from Jolon, which winds over the Santa Lucia mountain range to coastal Highway 1, where we settled in at a campground near a craggy beach, probably just 20 miles or so (as the crow flies) from Escafeld.

We spent mornings overlooking a sparkling ocean with steaming coffee cups in hand and breakfast sizzling on the grill; afternoons exploring rock pools, or hiking through quiet redwood flanked creeks; and evenings around a roaring campfire enjoying some of the best BBQ we've had in some time, paired, of course, with Escafeld 2003 Merlot.

This Merlot is a great compliment to wintertime grilling; the fresh black cherry and berry flavors, and soft oak undertones were a wonderful combination with the dishes we grilled over our oakwood firepit.

My favorite dish this trip was half chicken, liberally seasoned with garlic pepper and a pinch of wild aniseed, then barbecued and basted with garlicy melted butter.

No interruptions, no phone service, no e-mail, no TV, just good friends, gorgeous scenery, adjusted perspectives, great food and wine, lots of exercise, and treasured memories.

Elsbeth
Escafeld Vineyards