On our first trip to Sonoma last summer, we were in desperate need of a bathroom after the drive as there is about half an hour of nothing to stop at on the way. We pulled in at the first possible chance – Ram’s Gate Winery.
Not surprisingly Sonoma Cornerstone host many weddings by this lake. I swear this an actual photo of an actual place – not a copy of a painting by Monet.
Another detail from the ‘garden’ in the water. And you know, it’s all for free. No entrance! Cornerstone Sonoma. Go there!
Detail from another of the art gardens. This one lay in the water.
A glimpse from one of my favorite artistic gardens at Cornerstone Sonoma – pure magic.
Surreal?
There’s a place called Sonoma Cornerstone. I thought it was Corner Store and so we never stopped. It turns out to be a collection of small art gardens as well as wine tasting facilities, restaurant and a rather unique vintage store.
How about sitting at a picnic table with a glas of cool red wine? Sure beats the winter here…
Tantalizing wine casks in a row from Larson Family Winery.
Does that sentence also make you want to say something obscene? Yesterday, though, I had to very reluctantly agree as a little piece of magic happened.
I was asked to take some shots of the very first spring flower. It should be in the small patch of green surrounded by buildings and it was raining so no light to speak of. There was only a drizzle left when I ventured out with my non-weather-proof camera. Below is what I found. First straight out of the camera, the images are only compressed. Nothing else. Next you’ll see the result of a bit of Lightroom time and a vignette preset. Not exactly original, not even completely sharp but a whole lot better than what I would have thought after 5 minutes of shooting where there was nothing to photograph and no light.
Visiting a winery is a must when you’re staying in Marin. We prefer Sonoma to Napa and we especially like Larson Family Vineyard – relaxed and pleasant for the whole family.
Karins Fotos 