See ya, 2018.

No messing around this New Year's Eve, Vinomaker and I planned on simply imbibing in our two favourite Champagnes.  The Widow is undoubtedly my go-to non-vintage bubbly, whilst the Cordon Rouge is most definitely Vinomaker's.  Sometimes it's good to stick with the tried-and-tested.
Vinomaker decided to blind-taste me on the two wines: nailed it.  Not that it mattered, I then proceeded in drinking equal amounts of each tipple.  It is no secret that I love bubbles.
The year 2018 is now history.  I'm hoping 2019 is the fabulous future.
A Happy New Year to all!

Trois French fizzes!

On this, the seventh day of Christmas, not wanting to bother trying to procur three French hens, and being four days late anyway, I am making do with three bottles of Champagne for my annual New Year's Eve festivities.  As one can see, The Widow is heavily featured.  Go 'ed, Mrs. Cliquot!  I hope a bubbly-filled night is ahead for all.
Have a very Happy New Year, everyone!

2016: Done and dusted.

This is the bubbly line up for Vinoland's New Year festivities.  Can't wait.
2016 was a funny old year, neither good nor bad - which is a good thing I suppose.  But time marches on and here we all are on the eve of a new year.  I, for one, am ready to embrace the next 365 days.
I hope 2017 is prosperous, safe, healthy and blessed for all those that I hold near and dear. And for some other, random folks as well. Cheers!
Have a very Happy New Year, everyone!

Birthday: 2016.

I had the pleasure of having another birthday today, whoo hoo!  I turned 29, again - it's a birthday miracle!
Really good day; good pressies (even got a gopher trap), good food, good drink (including two bottles of bubbles) and good weather.
I did a tiny bit of work (in the vineyard); had lunch out (at the Oxbow); went wine tasting (Goosecross Cellars); did my favourite walk with V2 (down at the Napa River); had dinner out (Ca' Momi, Napa).  Busy, busy having fun, thanks to Vinomaker.

Oh...and Happy Birthday John Toshack.

Vinogirl loves birthdays.

Happy Bubbly-Birthday to me!

Started my birthday off in just the right way with pink bubbles, thanks to Vinomaker.  The bubbles paired nicely with some new pruning gloves and a new pair of Felco 6 secateurs.
Actually, rain woke me up which for me wasn't a particularly good way to wake up, but the day just keeps getting better.  Had a nice FaceTime chat with the family and a nice walk with Vinodog 2.  I have a few, fun things going on this afternoon and dinner tonight.  Fun!
Oh...and Happy Birthday John Toshack.
Vinogirl loves birthdays.

Wishing you a bubbly New Year!

Although I advocate the consumption of Champagne and sparkling wine at any old time, there is no denying that imbibing in a glass, or three, of something bubbly on a special occasion heightens the enjoyment of that particular festivity.  So as I embark on my annual New Year's Eve bubbly tasting, I want to raise my glass and wish you all a happy and safe New Year and the continued enjoyment of your favourite wines, the nectar of the vine, all the way through 2013.  Cheers!

They say it's your birthday...

...We're gonna have a good time!  Yes, once again, it's the anniversary of my birth (thank you, mother).

Aren't birthdays great?  I had a bit of a lie-in this morning, and then the festivities began.  Over a leisurely breakfast, I opened my cards and my presents - jewellery (including the antique spoon-ring above) and bubbly. What more could a Vinogirl ask for?
Oh...and Happy Birthday John Toshack.
Vinogirl loves birthdays.

It's a boy!

Well, of course it's a boy. I already knew the new bundle of unmitigated joy due to be delivered into our family was going to be a male child, the first in almost a dozen years. What I didn't know was how tardy the little tinker was going to be. After a long delay, which necessitated changing my flight to extend my holiday by 5 days, my new nephew finally made an appearance...in 45 minutes. Seemingly he was making up for lost time!

Welcome to the world little one, your Auntie Vinogirl loves you very much.  Now, Veuve Cliquot all round!

Happy Blogday.

There is nothing like a celebration to merit a glass, or two, of bubbly. I personally could drink champagne every day and I think it's a shame to relegate it to special occasions only. But, today happens to be a special occasion: it's my second anniversary of blogging.
I had no idea when I started to blog back in 2008 that I would have so much to say - however I think Vinomaker and my family would beg to differ....yikes! So, in honour of a mini-milestone in my viticultural meanderings, a glass of the most sublime Veuve Cliquot rosé champagne was in order.
~

I just want to say a sincere thank you to those who regularly comment on Vinsanity (you know who you are.) It is always a pleasure to read your comments and I am always grateful for your input. Cheers!

Roll on year 3!

Take a seat.

Sit down, relax. It's time to take the weight off your feet and enjoy New Year's Day. There aren't many days throughout the year when you get quite as much time to do, well, nothing.
I had intended to get out in the vineyard today and have a quick look at the vines and figure out when I should start pruning, but as soon as I came back from walking the Vinodogs it began to rain...so I watched the Rose Bowl instead.
A happy, healthy, mellow and bubble filled 2010 to you all.

Oh deer me!

It's amazing what you can find when you go out to the mailbox.
I just hope this antler belongs to the young buck that has been loitering in our creek bed and not to Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, or Blitzen.  Or, God forbid, Rudolph! Who would deliver that magnum of Veuve Cliquot that I have on my Christmas wishlist?

Happy Birthday, to moi.

Yes, today is Vinogirl's birthday. In spite of the fact that I am getting older...I...LOVE...BIRTHDAYS. Anybody's, not just my own.
It looks like Vinomaker invited 'The Widow' to my celebration. I think she might be a surprise guest, but I found her in the wine fridge so I invited her out for a drink. Let's get this party started!
First though, I have to put on my new, lime green Hunter wellies and have a wade through the creek with V2.
Oh...and Happy Birthday John Toshack.
Vinogirl loves birthdays.

Happy Christmas.

Merry Yuletide wishes from Vinogirl, Vinomaker, the Vinodogs and The Widow.