So know that we’re back, Erica’s given some topics to research- some of which may make it into her inspiration for BLOOD WINE:

• Bacchanalia
• Cult of Dionysus Revival
• Ancient Wine and Shaman Ritual
• Characteristics of a cult
• Bohemian Grove  

These are just the beginning seeds of ideas, but I’m  sure they’ll mix together and grow into a wine- i mean spine-tingling flavor of a novel. 

Cave at Bella Vineyards 

2/13/08

Another full day of work!  But how can a girl complain when the setting is so exquisite, and the details so gritty!  Erica and I spent a full morning with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office (or the “SO” as Captain Dave calls it) learning the ins and outs of the force, their facilities, and the sometimes strange happenings around wine country.  Then it was time to roll into the Coroner’s office.  We were given a full tour of the autopsy room and refrigerated storage (including one recent arrival awaiting exam.)  Strange how creepy all this crime and death seems at first; but a little time in the morgue and I was ready to learn more… just nothing too up close or personal.

Erica with Captain Dave Edmonds

Autopsy Room

2/12/08

Our gracious hostess (and wealth-of-knowledge), Lisa Albertson of Frank Howard Allen Realtors, drove us all around Sonoma’s streets and mountain lanes.  A native of the area, we could not have asked for a better guide.  Lisa gave us Sonoma- then, now, from the elite to the everyday- she was full of fun history, info, and tidbits- from stories of riding her horse to school to knowing which valley the MaxFactor make-up heiress owned and offering us a peek at a $5 million Craftsmen masterpiece overlooking hillside vineyards.  She was generous enough to set us up with an exclusive tour and tasting given by Ted Seghesio- a fourth generation winemaker and owner of his family’s world-class winery. 

At the Seghesio tasting room: Evelyn Marshall, Erica Spindler, Ted Seghesio, Lisa Albertson 

By Evelyn-  Erica’s very lucky assistant!

Wow, where to begin?!?  California was terrific.  We lucked out on perfect sunny days for the whole trip, everyone we met was incredibly helpful and friendly, and the wine was delicious!

Evelyn’s First Impressions:

Sonoma County is an interesting blend of pastoral countryside, chic living, and rustic western charm.  The dormant vineyards filled with blooming mustard flowers are breathtaking.  But, as we learned at Fleury Estate Winery, the wine-making process requires plenty of gruesome machinery and can be a dangerous endeavor.  I saw Erica’s sinister wheels turning and decided to step away from the open tanks…