California is such a great place to live. We have some of the most expensive real estate around but it is worth it to have sunshine most days, a view of the beach or of the mountains. I can drive a couple of hours and be in the heart of Mexico or on Big Bear with snow on the ground.

I started spending time on Paso Robles and Solvang after a friend moved into the area. People make wine for the love of it, some for the love of money. I like the folks who do it for fun. Standing at the bar at Penman is one of my favorite things to do. Beth and Rosie are quite a pair. They feed you, I like to compare recipes with Rosie and discuss different ways to use any of the many oils and vinegars they also sell. The pouring is free in more ways than one and oyu must pace yourself as Tobin James and Pretty Smith are also on the east side of the 101. TJ makes you feel like you have indeed fallen into the old west. Having a designated driver is great. If you are tasting to buy though remember that it is ok to NOT DRINK the whole pour!! Lisa Pretty is a singular woman. Now running the winery with little help and without her ex (the Smith part) she puts out some exemplory wines. She is often up at the house as you drive in but comes running as she hears her dogs start to bark as you approach the tasting room.

There are so many wineries starting up and sometimes just changing hands. This only discusses 3 of my favorites on the east side. These wineries make afew whites but what is life without a little touch of color?!
I will need another time for the west, Santa Barabara, Napa, Sonoma....... How many reasons are there to love California?