The day started off wet and drizzly as I loaded bikes and gear in Santa Rosa, so I was a bit nervous about the upcoming tour. However, by the time I got to Healdsburg to meet my guests the drizzle had disappeared and the streets were beginning to dry.

We started the day off in front of Dry Creek Vineyards and proceeded north, up West Dry Creek Road, heading for Bella. The sky was very dramatic, but the rain failed to appear so we were able to fully appreciate the beauty of the storm hovering over our heads and the play of light and dark upon the mustard-filled vineyards that lay before us. The heady perfumes of various flowering plants wafted across the road as we road along. On reaching Bella at 11:00 we were first in the caves for an awesome tasting of Dry Creek Zinfandel. We then proceeded on down the road to Preston Vineyards where, as it was a Sunday, we were treated to some of their Jug Wine straight from the barrel. After that it was on to Zichichi Family Wines for some more barrel tasting.

By this time the sky began to show signs of some blue so we opted to head back to Dry Creek Vineyards for our luncheon. We enjoyed a wonderful picnic of fresh green salad, assorted fruits and cheeses, olives, fresh baked bread, hummus and a variety of sliced deli meats and cheeses.