Like Water for Wine

Dockside Dwelling: From Ship to Shore

By Denise Dohogne
Published: February, 2007 

In past issues, I have told of my waterborne experiences alongside my leisure pastimes and professional pursuits: living aboard my boat, moving back to a home on land, identifying new waterfront real estate developments and defining small ship cruising; however, water, boats and real estate aren’t the only benefits of waterfront living. Another one of my passions, which also pairs well with Valentine’s month, is the world of wine. Interestingly, wine plays a noteworthy role in waterfront living Wine Country-style.

In the boating community, there is a slang term called slip sailing, which, in its truest form, means enjoying a cocktail or two on a sunset cruise…that never leaves the dock. A slip sail wouldn’t be complete without a great California wine, some nice cheese, smooth jazz and a warm summer breeze.

From a personal perspective, water and wine are original elements of, literally, who I am. My significant other, Dennis, and I are both named after Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, dance, merriment, vegetation and fertility. The only good thing that Dionysus isn’t the god of is chocolate! He was celebrated during the harvest of the grapes, and is depicted wearing a wreath of vine leaves. Another interesting tidbit is that Dionysus was also a sailor. And, according to mythology, the god had a favorite island where rivers ran with wine, instead of water.

Much of Bay Area Wine County can be explored via waterway on small ship cruises from San Francisco up the Napa River - something I know a little bit about - but, previously unbeknownst to Dennis and me is that grapes top the list of one of the most chemically treated categories of produce on the market today. With the country seeing a big spike in both wine-making and wine-drinking from coast to coast, some California wineries are seeking organic alternatives to conventional wine making. For example, Benziger winery in Sonoma offers a tractor-pulled tram ride through their vineyard for an up-close view of their organic vines.

Going organic means much more than simply renouncing the use of certain chemicals (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and other cides); it implies a greater respect for the land and an attempt to reacquire the balance that is lost through the use of chemicals. These chemicals are not only expensive but are absorbed by the soil and can contaminate water systems.

It was our namesake and our extensive appreciation of wine that led us to ponder trends in winemaking. That, and, since moving from ship to shore to our waterfront townhouse in Downtown Benicia, we have been anticipating the grand opening of our downstairs neighbors international wine shop and pairing / tasting bar. With this Dionysian addition to the Harbor Walk development at the bottom of First Street, the social scene in downtown Benicia looks to become even more charming. Cheers to that!