Post Card From Napa

     For the past two months Napa Valley has seemed to be a rain forest.   Records were set for the most days of rain for the month of March, and April has been much the same.  In many areas of Northern California highways have been closed for mud and rock slides, homes have been damaged or destroyed, and sadly some lives have been lost.  But here in Napa, except for a few temporary road closures, there has been no major damage so far.

     Today, April 13th, was a beautiful sunny Spring day.  The sun illuminated the effects of the daily downpours, and emerald green was the color of the day.  Napa is now the color of Ireland.  The weather forecasters say we should return to a more typical pattern in a few days, after more showers.  They say the worst is over. 

     Wine and tourism are Napa Valley's most important industries, so the uncommon weather can be a major concern.   Some vineyards are soggy and a small amount of standing water is visible.  Ground cover between the vines is lush and growing with vigor.  Fava beans between the rows of vines at Laird's Red Hen vineyard have beautiful blossoms, symbolizing the hope of Spring.  The ground cover helps protect the soil and give it nutrients.  As soon as it dries out enough for the tractors to be used in the vineyards, the ground cover will be cut and plowed into the soil. 

     The prediction of returning to normal comes at a very good time.  Sun and breezes will dry out the vines and the vineyards while the damage, if any, will be minimal. That is the Spring wish for the vineyard managers and winemakers. 

     Tourism has only been slightly effected.  March is usually a slow month and many wineries schedule their wine club shipments, which compensates for the loss of walk-in business.  Many tour companies from San Francisco enjoy bringing small to medium sized groups to less crowded tasting rooms.  Some individuals prefer visiting Napa during less crowded times.  Although there was rain, many visitors considered it an adventure, enjoying the individual attention in the tasting rooms.

     What I find surprising and amusing are the bicycle tour groups pedaling undauntedly through the drops of rain.  Laird is a favorite stop for these planned excursions because of our central location and outside tables and chairs. When it is too wet they find another spot for lunch, but come in to taste wines nonetheless.  I sometimes forget, living in Napa, that people in other parts of the world deal with inclimate weather daily.  What I think is extreme is normal for others.  Some guests from Norway were visiting today. They had come from snow and rain and thought Napa weather was just fine!

     There is an old saying that every cloud has a silver lining.  Because Spring is a time of hope, optimism and newness, it is appropriate to look for some silver linings in the clouds.  It will help to remember that the Summer will be green longer, and the waterways will be wonderful for outdoor activities.  Golf courses will be lush and attractive.  Napa Valley will be a picturesque outdoor playground for picnics, hiking, and absorbing nature.  Gardeners will be amazed at the quality and quantity of their backyard crops.  Wildflowers will be in all their glory, dotting the green meadows with flecks of brilliant color.

     Thinking of the positive effects of all this water certainly can have a benefit of lifting the spirits.  It is easy to be optimistic this year.  Is the glass half full or half empty?  This year it is filled to the brim.