Two-lane roads

I've been fighting a nasty cold all week, so I haven't been drinking any wine - a real bummer. As a result, tonight's posting will focus on wine country rather than wine and food.

I'm a driving enthusiast. Of course, you wouldn't know it by my current vehicle, although it is the sports car of minivans. One of my past careers was in the car business. During that time, I was able to experience many great cars and some of them I was actually able to take out and drive - if you know what I mean. It was completely thrilling for me.

One of the things I love about Sonoma County is that almost all the roads are two-lane roads. In fact, there are only two roads I can only think of that have more than two lanes. Two-lane roads (like the one pictured below) just seem to say, "take it easy, roll the window down, enjoy the countryside" and so much more.

I feel a sense of nostalgia when I'm driving on these roads. It reminds me of a time when life moved at a slower pace, when people used to wave and smile at each other driving down the road. Not because they knew each other, but because it was the polite thing to do.

But today, things are different. If you're not going 5-10 miles per hour over the speed limit, there's someone tailgating you impatiently waiting for you to move over or looking for an opportunity to pass. I guess it's what we get with our instant gratification society.

Think about it, how often do you make a facebook posting and check back two minutes later to see if anyone responded? Or how many of you pace in front of the microwave? We want instant results. We want everything to go fast.

I admit I have my moments of impatience. Like when I'm driving in a 55 and the person in front of me is going 40. It's frustrating for sure. But most of the time I drive around with no music playing and the sunroof open - just taking in the sights and sounds.

This is stunningly beautiful country that we live in. When you're on a two-lane, take it slow, turn the music down and cell phone off (or at least on vibrate) and just enjoy. Maybe even wave or smile at people as you pass them. It just might change your whole perspective.

The Super Bowl

I'm not a big football fan. I never really have been. Sure, I know some key names, know how the game is played and can get into it when it's called upon me. But if I miss the 'big' game I won't be disappointed.

However, this year we were invited to a Super Bowl party which made the game not only a game, but a social event too. And what happens at social events? We drink wine! And eat lots of food. Now this sounds like fun.

Here's what I brought to the game....For starters, we opened the Tandem Pinot Noir, 2006 Sonoma County. It was typically light, but did not disappoint on the nose or palate. Pinot loves cool climate and lots of fog and wind (sounds a lot like Chardonnay). When it's grown in colder climates, generally the result is more earth and less fruit. I like my Pinot Noir earthy, not fruity. This one was all barnyard and forest floor and made for a perfect sipping wine while dining on pre-game food.

We also opened up a 2006 Matanzas Creek Syrah, Sonoma County and an 05 Quivira Grenache. Both we're bigger, bolder wines with tons of fruit and character. In my opinion, these bigger, bolder wines were the perfect pairing for the Super Bowl. After all, is there a bigger game in the season than the Super Bowl?

Game day foods included chips and dips, chicken wings and bread bowls filled with homemade chili. All the wines worked well with the food, but the Syrah and the chili seemed to be the best pairing.

I know what you're thinking, "shouldn't you be drinking beer on game day?" But I'm not a beer drinker and never have been. Guinness is my beer of choice when I do drink it, but wine is generally my drink of choice.

The game is over now (and the social event is too), but maybe I'll look forward to the Super Bowl next year to see if I can better the pairings. But for now, I'm content.

Cheers!