Halloween 2021 -- Revenge of the Spirits

​It is Halloween as I write this, and I have been in contact with the spirits for two days now.  Wine spirits, that is, beginning Friday night as a select few were given preview of what was to be.  This event, at the Old Julian Winery, was brought together to conjure up support for the 9th Annual Ramona Art & Wine Festival, being held November 5, 6 and 7.  Baskets of spirits and strange concoctions were given out to those with the temerity to raise their wands and offer money to free the baskets, taking them to safety in their homes.  On display were works of art to be seen (and auctioned off) as part of the Festival.  Ah, you ask, why such an undertaking?  To support murals on Ramona walls.  But are the murals painted to ward off spirits, or to improve the appearance of the town?  Hopefully not to ward off spirits – that would really put a crimp in the Ramona wine industry….
We handled that visit quite well, though greatly overbid on all fo the baskets without being too consumed by the spirits.  Boldened by our success, the next day we gathered our group of intrepid wine lovers and set off on yet another adventure, returning to Mermaid Valley Vineyards.  Our luck did finally run out – the spirits were too strong!  We tried to resist (that’s a lie), but eventually they wore us out, many even returning with us to our abodes!  Not even our funny hats helped!  I mean, how do you resist a high black pepper Zinfandel?  I actually like their Grenache, and I am definitely not a Grenache lover!
I’ve attached some pictures of the art to be auctioned off next week.  For more information on the Festival go to www.ramonaartandwinefest.net.  Participating winery include Correcaminos, Hatfield Creek, La Finquita, Old Julian, Principe di Tricase, Ramona Ranch, Schwaesdall, Three Hills, and Vineyard Grant James.  They should add a special award for anyone who can properly pronounce both Principe di Tricase and Schwaesdall….