California and the rest of the West Coast was slammed by a recent series of storms. Here in Carneros we received our share of howling winds and pounding rain. I have always loved rainy weather, and as I was telling a friend with Midwestern roots, if the worst weather of the winter is wind and rain it’s a reminder that we Californians have it pretty good.

All the vines are dormant right now so the rain is just much-needed water. The deluge of water can erode out vine stakes and the soil around the roots, while the mud can make pruning a nightmare. I bet, however, that most farmers are just grateful for plenty of water this season.

On Saturday, a break in the rain provided for a great chance to enjoy how the storms transformed the countryside. It’s wonderful to walk through the vineyards discovering new creeks and ponds created by the rainfall.