Stone Brewery Report

But first, a prior gathering.

At the excellent suggestion of my local correspondent, Jeff, we stopped in at Cordiano Winery, a place of great beauty.

The group assembles.

 A varied and far-flung group arrived by twos and ones.  New Haven, Rochester, Oceanside, Poway and LA were represented.

The view is striking.

They also make wine.

We drove past a dry lake on the way in.
There is a foundation atop this hill where people used to live.
They did not evacuate when fires roared through, and can no longer enjoy the view.
Sad.

Perhaps I'll investigate this rocky outcrop if I return.

The people living here are men and women of means.
The haze in the distance has been imported from Tuscany.

Margot and Mike are demonstrating that if you are fortunate enough to be here,
you are fortunate enough.

Russ and Anne demonstrating the same concept.
Isn't Anne lovely?
As the designated driver, she was clearly the loveliest one there.

Movie stars hang out at the winery.

Mary with yet another star.

But we did need to move on.
The hot air balloons arrived to ferry us to our next stop.

Stone brewery is obscured by the gardens.
There is no sign.
Talk about arrogance!

(Caption unnecessary!)

It was a good thing we stopped in an got our tour tickets prior to going to the winery.

What's with the gargoyles?
I forgot to ask, but the images go nicely with a brewery that
questions your worthiness to drink their ale.

The slightly worn Stone Book answers the question.
The Gargoyles ward off the evil sprits of fizzy yellow beer.

Ingredients and finished products.

Our guide said he loved his job.

Stainless steel all around.
Cleanliness is...well, you know.

You can see the brilliant idea flashing through the mind of Russ.
I think you know what it is.

Mike shows off his ability to concentrate.

Branded stainless.

I'm thinking I need lines like this in my house.
The "Beer To" concept is appealing.

A lovely view, don't you think?

Thank goodness!

A parting shot.
I've always loved the look and feel of stainless.

But wait, there's more!

A chip off the old block.

A tasting room without peer.
This man also loves his job.

Russ experimenting with Stone Ground's lenses.

We sat outside in a fine courtyard and enjoyed a meal under heat lamps.

In addition to fine photography,
Russ provided extra warmth to the conversation.

Karen and Jeff, fondly thinking of future growler possibilities.

After dinner, we explored the grounds.

An lovely and interesting place.
Can you hear the frogs croaking from the pond behind the fronds?

But alas, all good things must end.
Jeff prepares to go home.

ENERGIZE !!

All purveyors of spirits should have transporters.
How thoughtful.

But I had to crawl home.