Cato's Republic

My Neighborhood:Christmas in Napa

I rarely use Highway 29 because it is jammed with tourists and trucks going very slowly. But on a Monday morning it is safe to take a short trip. Wild mustard is already blooming despite the fact that it is a winter annual and usually flowers in January.

My neighborhood in the fall

If you want to have a beautiful drive with very little traffic and few tourists this time of year, take Highway 128 from Calistoga and drive through Knights Valley to Alexander Valley. It is beautiful this time of year.

This is Hanna Winery and Vineyards on Highway 128.

This stand of trees in the Alexander Valley Vineyards was remarkable last year. The rain has thinned the leaves a bit this year, but the color is still lovely.

Old Oaks on the Fieldstone Vineyards property are covered with hanging moss. Acorns crunch underneath your shoes as you walk through the mossy short grass. I loved the bright yellow leaves of the grapevines in contrast with the trees.

Rutherford Dust

Early Sunday February 18th on Conn Creek Rd. Glorious mustard and the promise of a fine day for horse back riding.

Frogs Leap Winery is not far down the road. Past the winery is the town of Rutherford. I had the complete view of Rutherford dust.

My neighborhood

Down Dry Creek Road in Sonoma County and around the corner from Quivira Vineyards.

Further down Dry Creek Road.

On the way to Healdsburg

Still harvesting grapes on Hwy 128 in the Alexander Valley Vineyards.

Grapes with red leaves at Hanna Winery.

My neighborhood

Spring is almost here.

Rain on the vines makes them shimmer.

Fog in the St. Helena Valley.

My neighborhood

Mustard in a vineyard outside St. Helena in the Napa Valley.

Just before the storm. A flock of wild turkeys were walking along this road the day before.

7:13 a.m. in Congress Valley, Napa. Further down the road, I braked for a coyote.