Je Fini
Recently I had the opportunity to visit California with my family; my niece was getting married and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. A few days prior to the ceremony, a handful planned to fly in early to enjoy California’s beautiful wine country.
First stop was Pride Mountain Vineyards. The drive alone was spectacular, hills and valleys around every curve. Upon arrival we were greeted by our host, Paul, and within a short time handed each person a glass of wine, then started the tour. There was a couple celebrating their first wedding anniversary, and a woman celebrating her birthday.
The grounds were breathtaking, and the caves matched the same beauty, but with a rustic flair. Paul told of the history, and the characteristics of each wine. He also let us taste right from the barrel, and because of a question I asked, decided to take us further into the cave for another barrel tasting, something more complex and bold. The entire group appreciated Paul’s attention to detail. We laughed and joked as if we previously knew each other….wine tastings will do that….HA!
Paul was not offended if people didn’t like the wine, and pour buckets were provided throughout the cave. My Mom, on the other hand, would use my or my sister’s glass as her pour bucket, when she didn’t like a wine. Paul and my Mom were becoming fast friends, and by the end of the tour she had announced they were starting to grow on her, referring to the wine. Paul kidded around and mocked her by saying she was starting to grow on him, too. We all laughed. The tour went on much longer than scheduled, and Paul decided since there was an anniversary and a birthday celebration, he would wave all tour fees…..that Paul, what a guy!
After lunch we headed to our second winery, and even though the grounds were pretty, and the wine was good, the tour guide was focused on selling wine. Once again, my Mom used our glasses as her pour bucket. By the end of the day, she had her fill of wine and announced she was done with wineries. That’s a problem since we had two more scheduled for the next day. We told her to rest up, and she’d be good to go in the morning.
Morning came and again she announced she was done with wineries, but we had already paid for the tour. We assured her she didn’t have to drink the wine, she could just come along for the beauty of the land. Iron Horse was the first stop of the day. The road was narrow, dusty, tree lined, and set well off the beaten path. We parked right up against rows of ripening fruit. They were within arms reach and we decided to taste the red grapes. There were plump, ripe, sweet, and very delicious.
Once we got up the hill, we were greeted by Carl, our host for the day. His men were harvesting green grapes for chardonnay. He grabbed a bunch for us to taste, they were equally sweet and delicious. He popped open the first bottle of wine, and to our pleasant surprise learned the vineyard produced nothing by sparkling wines. This was right up my Mom’s alley. I turned to look and she is enjoying her first glass of the day. As we toured the grounds and facility, it was on a much smaller scale than the wineries from the day before. His knowledge and passion equaled Pauls, as he opened another bottle. By this time my Mom put her glass down and officially announced, “Je Fini!” She walked away admiring the view while talking with my Dad. Carl opened another bottle and the next thing I notice is my Mom taking her glass back from Carl as he pours her a taste. She finishes and once again announces, “Je Fini!” This happens one more time, as she grabs another taste from Carl of a new sparkling wine, finishes and announces, “Je Fini!” She also decided she needed a cracker, but Carl didn’t have any. He did however, confess she could have the bread from his sandwich. She then asked if he had any cheese…….he did, and believe it or not, pulled a small little wheel of brie from his lunch that his son made, and offered it to her. She took it and couldn’t have been more delighted.
Je Fini means I’m finished in French….haha. Well, actually it’s Je Suis Fini, but she shortened it for the day. By this time, you can imagine Carl’s amusement, along with everyone in the group. They loved my Mom. My Dad, and sister’s husband Steve, stood back and watched the three of us drink more bubbly. I’m pretty sure they enjoyed the show. By the time the tour was over all three of us chimed in and announced, “Je Fini!” We took our leave, headed to lunch, and enjoyed the little wheel of brie. Next stop, Bella Caves!
xoxox…..Sheryl