Hopkiln Estate, Landmark Vineyards.

The major industry in this part of the world was at one time not grapes and wine but hops. There are still quite of few hop kilns still dotting the countryside, but this one in the Dry Creek Valley is beautifully preserved and still in use as a tasting room.  Landmark also has a winery in the Sonoma Valley just down the road from us. It's beautiful countryside with hilly vineyards reminiscent of the hilltop vineyards of The Langhe in Italy.

Matt and I took a run up to Healdsburg, had lunch in a Mexican restaurant with tables in the street under the ubiquitious white tent and took a turn around the shops surrounding the square. People were strolling around, having picnics in the park and lunch in the many restaurants and enjoying the nice weather. 

When John was attending San Rafael High School in Marin County, Healdsburg was a sleepy farm town.  Now it has become a tourist mecca with expensive hotels and restaurants. Wine tasting rooms have replaced many of the more interesting little boutiques and shops. A shop I used to like in Sebastopol moved up to Healdsburg before the shutdown and I had never been in there (or any shop) in the last year and a half. They have a very comfortable 'man chair' so Matt was happy and they remembered me which I always think is impressive after that long an absence. I tried on a few things and made a few purchases.  We hit an upscale men's store too but it wasn't quite Matt's style with it's button down striped shirts with flowered collars and cuffs and pink shorts laid out on the hood of a  yellow sports car of indeterminate vintage.

A leisurely drive through the Dry Creek got us home in time for a little nap to rest up for our dinner at Willi's Wine Bar.