By Dianne Boate and Robert Meyer There were some spectacular floral events in San Francisco that really got our attention this Spring: The Pacific Orchid Exposition; Bouquets to Art; and the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show
Published: June, 2005
There were some spectacular floral events in San Francisco that really got our attention this Spring: The Pacific Orchid Exposition; Bouquets to Art; and the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show.
At the Orchid Show in February, we were absolutely delighted with the bonus of a special wine-tasting happening right along with the orchid show. We like a sentence from the press release very much: “Aromas of fine wines will mix and mingle with the exquisite colors and shapes of orchids from around the world, as guests enjoy a feast for all their senses.” Now, if you want to go and drink wine, we think you might as well go to something that has more of a purpose than just trying out wine. Granted, this was a special opening night event, and for the price of $30 — that’s really inexpensive when compared to other show openings. And on these occasions, it’s dinner-in-spite-of -yourself because the catering is usually sumptuous!
This opening night event was held at Fort Mason in one of the large pavilions. It was an evening filled with astounding orchid displays and thousands of orchids for sale, enchanting, classical music played by the San Francisco String Trio, 24 winemakers pouring and one lavish buffet.
As we were checking out everything that evening, we came upon a wine called Jeriko. The young couple, proud owners of the Mendocino County Winery, told us that theirs is the only place in the US that produces a 100% organic chardonnay sparkling wine. Now that is news, but there’s more. The young man is none other than Danny Fetzer, the youngest of 11 children of Barney Fetzer, the man who made wine headlines starting in the 1970’s with his Mendocino County grapes.
In 1981, when Danny was 16, his father passed away, and 10 of the 11 children took over the winery, again making headlines. They built the business their way with great success. Some years later, Brown Foreman (originally a whiskey distiller that expanded its operations into the world of wine) took over the operation. Today, five of the Fetzer children are still in the wine business. It was a great moment sipping their wine and reminiscing about visits to the old Fetzer winery, which had a whole secret village tucked away in the back for private parties.
You can buy the Fetzer’s organic, sparkling wine online at jerikoestate.com, or visit their tasting room in Hopland, California. They also offer chardonnay, Sangiovese, Syrah, merlot and something brand new, Pinot Noir Rose. Prices range from $20 - $35.
MORE WINE AND FLOWERS
A lot of vineyards along the highways in Napa and Sonoma counties have thick borders of roses. Yes, it is very attractive, but there is a practical reason for this. Roses are more susceptible to the damage of airborne pests. The roses serve as watchdogs for the vines.
Over the years, Cline Cellars has added even more roses, which makes that stretch of the highway truly delightful. Once on a trip to Rudesheim, Germany, Dianne noticed a continuous spread of roses guarding a vineyard that stretched for about a half mile. The next year we went back and took photographs. It took an18-picture panorama to capture the entire scene!
This year we were invited to the press reception for the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show at the Cow Palace. It was just fabulous! There was an hour of meeting people, munching great appetizers and drinking very good Mondavi wine. There were private tours of the exhibiting gardens with a chance to speak to and ask questions of the designers.
Toward the end of the evening, there was a presentation by the Fiskars Company — you know the one that makes all those orange handled scissors we all have. What a surprise to find out Fiskars is one of the oldest manufacturing companies in the world, and maker of some of the finest garden tools you would ever dream about. They have won many awards for their attention to ergonomic design. The company, originally based in Finland, is headquartered in Wisconsin. Isn’t it amazing where the world of wine will lead you?
Recently, a chance visit to a local florist, House of Flowers, revealed something — wine and flowers! Seems folks like to buy them together for a special gift, since it is such a perfect fit. Just what we said in the first place.
Dianne Boate is a freelance writer and photographer, who also designs hats. Her photographs can be seen at danielakart.com. Robert Meyer is a consultant to the wine and spirits industry. She cooks, he pours the wine. When she asks “Anything special tonight?” for 26 years the answer has always been, “No, Dianne, you decide.”
He says he makes a great meatloaf. So far, she doesn’t believe it
