Surface Tension - Andy Goldsworthy in California Wine Country

Andy Goldsworthy - Hess Museum

Surface Tension

Rock Pools ... kiln melted stones on floor

Snow Ball Drawings ... shown on walls

Surface Tension

10 x 16 ft. - On permanent display at the Hess Art Museum - Hess Collection Winery - Mount Veeder, Napa Valley. (Installation photos above: Courtesy Hess Art Museum )

Assembled by Goldsworthy in 14 hours

'Leaf stalks from a Horse Chestnut wetted and then pinned

with Hawthorn thorns.

Thorns hold entire piece to wall, ceiling and floor.

No glue or hardware.'

Ornamentals, Edibles & Herbs -A Biodynamic Garden

Sheep Photo: Colby Eierman

Biodynamic Discovery Trail - Benziger Winery
Photo © Alice Joyce

Benziger Winery now boasts a self-guided Biodynamic Discovery Trail, inaugurated at the Glen Ellen estate on Earth Day. Inspired by biodynamic agriculture, a movement associated with philosopher and founder of anthroposophy, Rudolf Steiner, the Trail melds ornamentals, edibles and insectary plants. Demonstration stations describe the farming practices Benziger employs on its 85-acre Sonoma Mountain ranchland, while a flow form water feature exhibits an aerating, recirculating vortex pattern.

I'll be lauding the Benziger's overall approach: A respect for the land and for the environment (rather than summarize the herbal preparations or more esoteric techniques of biodynamics). What I found to be outstanding: Unlike most winery settings, the Benziger landscape is incredibly diverse.

On a beautiful day in wine country, I toured the estate with Colby Eierman, the director of sustainability, seeing first-hand the integration of sheep, cows, and chickens in the vineyards. Yep.... that's Colby's photo showing the sheep posing for the camera! As Colby explained, in the complex topography of the site, sheep do a great job of mowing under the vines, and on the steeper slopes.

Then, too, there is land set aside for insectary habitats to attract the good bugs, and edible gardens teeming with herbs, veggies, and fruit trees that provide fresh organic ingredients to the chefs at El Dorado Kitchen; a Sonoma destination restaurant. (Disclosure: I enjoyed lunch there with Colby. As it happens, however, I can highly recommend the restaurant and the El Dorado Hotel. When I was an about-to-be-published, first-time guidebook author, I booked a beautiful room overlooking the outdoor dining area, and had a memorable meal. In all, my stay there turned out to be a high point among my research forays for West Coast Gardenwalks.)

My photo of the east facing slope of Sonoma Mountain reveals a lovely arrangement in its terraced construction, where a variety of habitats are created amid plantings of lavender, echiums, bottlebrush, and groves of olive trees.

All of which contributes to the health of the organism that is the larger farm system. Grounded in holistic methods, the Biodynamic farming at Benziger surely affects the soil in distinctive ways, coloring the flavor of the grapes and the quality of the wines.

A Riot of Rhodies - Sonoma County Getaway

Sonoma Horticultural Nursery

It was a glorious day for a getaway! Driving west to the Coast, we aimed for Bodega Bay, site of Hitchcock's, The Birds. 

The route took us along the back roads, through Sebastopol, for a stopover at Sonoma Horticultural Nursery: A Northern California destination for plant geeks and garden aficionados. 

Sonoma Hort features 1-1/2 miles of pathways winding through moist woodland gardens. The magic touch of proprietor Polo de Lorenzo emerges throughout the nursery's leafy surroundings; an environment befitting the nursery's emphasis on rhododendrons and azaleas. 

Once, during a visit in early May, I witnessed the heart-stopping performance of a legendary dove tree (Davidia involucrata), its white bracts likened to fluttering handkerchiefs. In a circular driveway, one particularly enchanting dove tree has been designated a Sonoma County treasure--Heritage Tree #20. When blooming in May, Empress trees (Paulownia tomentosa) are another revelation!

The densely planted 8-acre property encompasses a pond & Blutcher Creek - a preserve for countless water-loving specimens, which add to Sonoma Hort's beguiling vignettes and picturesque vegetation. A lavish exhibition at this time of year - replete with the riotous colors of rhodies and azaleas - also takes in the strapping foliage of primitive-appearing Gunnera chilensis, accompanied by swathes of pretty primulas. Clematis cultivars are beginning to bloom, and soon, towering foxgloves will emerge along with masses of flamboyant clematis blooms decorating vertical posts and pillars placed along the paths. 

The nursery sells species, and choice cultivated varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas, along with exceptional selections of trees, shrubs, vines and shade-loving perennials. Scheduling a springtime stroll is a must for local gardeners & anyone touring Sonoma Wine Country.  As it's open year-round, Sonoma Hort is always a lovely spot for a getaway.... and plant shopping!

Mustard blooming in Wine Country.... Artesa Winery

Artesa Winery

Mustard blooming in wine country ... Text and Photos © Alice Joyce

I'll return to Spain soon, but today I offer a diversion. Yesterday, I toured one of the most beautiful and dramatic settings in Northern California wine country - the Carneros region. Only 30 minutes or so from my home, the vineyards are glorious on a winter day when the mustard is blooming. You'll find a perfect spot to sip a glass of bubbly at the architecturally intriguing, Artesa Winery.

Situated atop a knoll, it's a low, broad structure built into the hillside: a masterpiece of design with smoky quartz windows, and a slanted grass-blanketed facade planted with native grasses. Approached via a stairway flanked by fountains, reflecting pool and narrow channel, the music of moving water is ever-present as you take in the stunning views. The interior - cool and contemporary - features a central courtyard and sculpture exhibition.

I opt for the terrace to enjoy a perfect, albeit, brief afternoon get-away. And yes, there is a connection between Artesa and Spain, the current theme running through my blog. Artesa began as Cordoniu Napa in 1991, in association with Spain's Cordoniu wine cellars; founded in the mid-16th century. Thus the sparkling - methode champenoise - wine I love so much.

More recently, Artesa has been crafting fine Merlot, for all red wine lovers to enjoy. Next time you're in wine country, seek out this special place, tucked away off Dealy Lane on Henry Road.