Alameda Wine Tour

Recently my friend Desiree Salas, a fellow designer, mentioned to me that she thought we should organize an Alameda wine tour. "What a fantastic idea!" I thought to myself with a Mimosa in one and and a (flat head) screwdriver in the other.   You see, she had come over to help me build my daughter's bedroom furniture.  We got to talking and one thing let to another....so last weekend Desiree and I set out to taste wines and spirits at 3 of Alameda's best Wineries.

First Stop - Rosenblum Cellars - We met up with Desiree's friend Lilian and enjoyed the sunshine out on their lovely patio.  Rosenblum is right on the estuary next to the Ferry Terminal.  The weather was breezy but nice so we sat and talked quite a while before going in to taste.

Here we are - Ready to go (from left to right - Lilian, Myself & Desiree)!
Our flight started out with a white and we moved on to several Zinfindels.  I've never been a fan of the Zin variety, but I tried it and was pleasantly surprised. 
After about an hour of tasting, we moved outside to have some snacks - Cheese, crackers, nuts, fruit and Soda - Perfect.

We bid Adieu to Lilian (She's from Switzerland originally) and walked to our next winery, deep in the navy base - Rock Wall Winery.  It was about a 20 minute walk from one place to the next and the wind started picking up.
We got inside and were ready for our next flight.  It was hard to choose.  Flights cost between $5-$15 which seemed very reasonable.  We both ended up picking the $5 flight which had more whites.  Now we needed chocolate and they accommodated us supremely.  The truffles were out of this world.
10 minutes late for our next pouring, we had to skate out of Rock Wall without finishing our flight.

Racing through the heavy downpour (how did that happen?) we made it to St. George spirits just in time to meet Maria Janeff, owner of Calliope.  All wet and ready to drink, we joined my neighbor and excellent spirit adviser- Emily Winston, who poured our flights for us.  I have to say, St. George was my favorite - Hanger One Vodka and Absinthe as well as Pear and Raspberry liqueurs.

My Favorite being the Budda's Hand infused vodka.  What a special treat.  I'm ready for more!
Such fun to hang out with friends.  Come join us next time and let us know your favorite Alameda or Bay Area Winery!

Budda's Hand!

Alameda Style: Your Home is Your Sanctuary

This is the first installment of my Interview with Style series.  Taken from an article I wrote for Alameda Patch:

 Interior Designer - Kelley Flynn


In 2010, Kelley won the Best of Oakland reader's choice award for Professional Who Can Make Your Home Look Like A Million Dollars, and she works wonders with personal space. She's  not only concerned with each person's style and how your house will look, but also with how it will feel. Kelley really addresses the spiritual nature of our domestic existence.

 

What Do You Do? I specialize in residential interior decorating, design and color consulting.
How long have you been doing this work? I’ve had my business for five years, but I've been in the architecture and design world my whole career. I grew up with design. My father was an industrial designer.
In five words or less, describe your style. Modern, elegant and simple with a calming effect.
Do you have a style philosophy? I personally like a mix of old and new. Old things immediately give a room patina and history and a story. But I am always informed by my modernist sensibility.
People need a respite when they go home. They need that sanctuary, that space that refuels them or calms them down. Whatever it is for them. We live such hectic lives that we are not aware sometimes and we don’t take the time to do simple little things.
It’s like the analogy of cooking or the slow food movement. We have to ask, “What’s really important in our lives?” Interior design provides that backdrop for what’s really important: To be able to slow down, to notice that beautiful flower sitting there or that beautiful painting or special object or whatever it is that gives you pleasure. If you can create an environment of pleasure, then your senses are slowed down a little bit.
What do you think Alamedans need to know? They can mix sophisticated elements with vintage in a stylish and family-friendly way.

What possession to you cherish most? My Waterman fountain pen with a gold tip and my Japanese scissors.
What is your favorite style secret? Knocking around the antique and consignment stores here in town.
What do you like best about Alameda? The community, the small-town feel, the people.

Do you have a cherished item you won't give up if you redecorate?