You, Slow Down!

YOU, SLOW DOWN!

Don’t ever plan a surprise party for me.  It isn’t that I don’t like surprises.  In fact, when I was little and Christmas rolled around, Mom didn’t need to hide the gifts.  I knew if I opened them before the actual day, the fun wouldn’t be the same. The idea of rallying more than 5 people to celebrate a milestone birthday, hiding them under tables and behind curtains, planning food and libation, gives me the hives. And about that guest list,  I may have more than five friends but you would have to look long and hard to find them.  Hide and seek was not my strong suit as a child and beyond that I have a strong sense that something is a foot or at hand.  I would know and the surprise wouldn’t be fun.  When invited to be a member of the party, my first question surrounds the margaritas!  Where are they and they had better be made from scratch.  No mix for me and let the party begin!

My husband’s niece was not deterred when the occasion of her mother’s 60th birthday rolled around.   Megan, the niece has a nickname in the family. It takes a a force of nature to plan a surprise event for 100, the girl was well named.  Her Mother, even if she had a sense there was a plan,  would have been terrified to spoil anything that weekend.  May the force be with them!!

The 60th brought me to Sebastopol and promised a weekend of slowing down, like the sign says on a Sonoma country lane, allowing someone else to do the planning and merely showing up at the time I was told to.  Refreshing!

Not enjoying big box hotels, I searched for the perfect bed and breakfast in the environs of this sleepy suburb of San Francisco.  Fifty-two miles into beautiful Sonoma County, great wine country and the dream of adventurous food expeditions had me searching for a quiet respite from the world, my work week and 100 revelers promised at the aforementioned surprise.

Pearlessence Vineyard Inn, founded in 1992 by Linda and Greg Pearl fit the description perfectly.  Situated on five acres in the country side, we strolled through two acres of pinot blanc and pinot noir.  The relaxing pond area has chairs for contemplation alongside the quiet neighboring, neighing horses and romping, child-like goats at a distance.  Pastoral and yet only ten minutes from downtown Sebastopol.  Slowing, slowly.

The evening of our arrival, the Pearl’s graciously opened their home for wine and cheese.  The table was beautifully set with local cheese variations, olives and a sweet jam complemented their wines.  The couple are at home as inn keepers and are consummate hosts, knowledgably about the area and full of stories about life, children, wine and the end of their rat race bringing them to their piece of heaven.

The Pearl’s wine was a delightful surprise.  The pinot noir is produced under the Failla label and scored a 91.8 on Cellar Tracker.  It’s nose is clear with hints of tart cherries.  A totally enjoyable bottle to share. The Pinot Blanc, crisp and chilled perfectly, is a fun wine and worthy of finding, if possible.  The Pearl’s gave the remainder of the bottles for our room enjoyment.

Our suite, attached to the main house, yet respectfully distanced from potential noise issues, has a lovely ramp to the one story bedroom and living area.  Soft hues of moss green envelop the bruised city-psyche immediately upon entry.  A comfy couch begs for shoes off/feet up time.  Hidden across the room is a flat screen for those that cannot unplug and a table for two finishes the room.  The bathroom is dominated by a shower the size for two with the rain forest shower head at your head.  Another nozzle massages the cares right out of your back!

There is a convenient wet bar with coffee maker and fresh milk in the refrigerator.  Breakfast was arranged for 9 am and was promptly presented by our gracious hosts.  The first morning upon our awakening was an incredible artichoke frittata in an individual ramekin. Homemade cinnamon buns hot from the oven and a lovely melon with raspberries mounded in the center. French toast was in order of the morning before our departure, served on a decorative tray and lots of colorful china and napkins.  Padding across the heated slate floor, I indulged in a short nap after the tasty repast.  Slow had been achieved!

We had heard and read about our next outing before the surprising evening; lunch at Zazu.  Stay tuned for part two.  Who would have thought there could be a part two in Sebastopol?  We have just begun to learn about this little berg nestled in Sonoma County.

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