We are having a very cool summer here in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. The last few days as I walk the vineyards I spot grape clusters that seem all of a sudden to have turned from bright green to dark purple. I love the rhythm of living in wine country. Part of it is this important step, now they look more like the prime red wine they will become!

The skies parted in time to offer this stunning view over Blucher Valley from a new listing on 2 acres up Camp Road. Great spot-great potential for only $729,000!

Downtown Forestville in Sonoma County is hopping as last minute shoppers crowd tiny Nightingale Bakery, one of many artisan purveyors of local foods. In addition to wonderful baguette, foccaccia and sourdough, you can find local goat cheeses, butter and locally produced salumi. I have never seen this new litlle shop so busy!

Happy Holidays!

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A cold storm is blowing down from Canada tonight and may bring snow to the upper elevations of Napa and Lake Counties, which are visible from here in Sonoma County. In a couple of days all the leaves will be gone from the vineyard. It will be time to think of pruning, which has already begun in the Dry Creek Valley in Healdsburg. Two months to go till the mustard is up and early spring gets underway.

I stepped away from the office to admire the sun streaming through a
very large Japanese maple in the back yard. It is brilliant red orange
sorrounde by the lemon yellow leaves of two adjacent mulberry trees.
This was shot with my iPhone.

I am offering a break from all the market stat and technology posts. This video has great views of some Sonoma county back roads. Did you know you could do 2 rides a week for a year and not do the same ride twice? Courtesy of the Press Democrat, the Santa Rosa Cycling Club and today's spring like weather!

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Today is an absolutely glorious fall day in West Sonoma County! Crystal clear skies, about 65 degrees. As good a time as any for me to preview a country property for some clients. The vineyards are golden and red. The grass is lush and emerald green after the first rains last month. This is one of my favorite scenes along The Gravenstein Highway. A magnificent row of liquid ambers line the driveway overlooking an expanse of Russian River pinot noir.

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Today I had the pleasure of walking a 7+ acre pinot noir vineyard property with my client, planning our strategy for a maximum impact market debut of her Russian River appellation home. Here's a sneak preview picture of the Mt. St. Helena view to the Northeast. What a tough day at "the office."