Rutherford Hill Winery (Thanks Bruce)

[Calnumismatist]

Drove out to the wine country today to meet with Bruce at the beautiful winery that he works at.
Nestled high atop a hill covered with grapevines, the stunning dark wood building is a marvel in and of itself.
Bruce is a wonderful host and quite informative about the whole process. Caves filled with barrels of wine were among the most interesting for me. The vinyard offers some very stunning views of the hills in the distance. I believe that I would have a very hard time concentrating on work with the views offered just outside.
The harvest has taken place already so there were but a few handfuls of grapes left to be seen.
Bruce was kind enough to share some other picture taking spots with me for my drive to the winery.
For those who have not been to the Napa region, it is quite the contrast compared to the cities just to the west. So beautiful... So onto a few of my favorite pictures of the day...

The caves. (without flash)

http://cygnus-studios.smugmug.com/photos/410881138_rcudo-L.jpg

The last of the grapes.

http://cygnus-studios.smugmug.com/photos/410886971_r4KUQ-L.jpg

The beautiful building.

http://cygnus-studios.smugmug.com/photos/410888026_NhpPg-L.jpg

For more winery photos (http://www.cygnusstudios.com/gallery/6474781_ex3Tw#410881138_rcudo)

[yellalablady]

I love the 1st shot. It definitely shows off the cave.

[brucep]

It was fun seeing you again, Steve. I was happy to show you around and get to know you better. The Napa Valley is especially pretty in the fall.

As you saw, right now most of our wine/grape must is in our many stainless steel tanks and the barrels are in the warehouse. In a week the recently harvested grapes will have fermented and become young wines which will be aged in the barrels which will be stored in the caves.

Your D3 does a great job at high ISO's!

[nickw]

Super pics Steve! The Napa Valley is on my list of places to go when I go back to the States!

[Ron77]

Cool pics, that cave is really cool and you got the light just perfect on it :-)

[marshall2]

Very nice Steve. The high ISO performance on your new camera is impressive. Wonderful shots, all 3.

[Skippy]

Nice job on the cave Steve. Love the colors on the grapes. I like the picture of the building in your gallery better than this one. It shows more of the building and the approach. Sounds like a good time.

Skippy

[Landis]

As various Zo members post their photos of their visits to Rutherford Hill Winery and their visits with Brucee, other than the fun photos of the winery, I am most pleased with their comments on the friendliness of Bruce and his willingness to show Zo people all around, even sharing his "Private Photo Spots".

Steve, it looks like you had a great time and your photos are excellent.

Bruce, I thank you for being such a wonderful example to all of us. :up:
One day, I may show up on your doorstep.

[Ron77]

One day, I may show up on your doorstep.

Now after saying all that nice stuff, why would you threaten him like that? lol lol

[Landis]

Hey.........careful!!! I would be bearing gifts: A nice gallon carton of Gallo's best wine.......wrapped in a ribbon.

[Ron77]

lol It only took you 10 minutes to catch me on that heh heh