All Aboard the Pomar Junction
Club members Jim and Jean Corey invited Catherine and I out to Pomar Winery last Sunday for a Mardi Gras feast that was grand indeed. Overcast and cold began the morning yet skies cleared at mid morning to reveal a gorgeous sun shiny and warm day. 
It was our first trek to the winery, located in the beautiful Templeton back country, that boasted a hill top view of the surrounding rolling countryside. At our arrival we met Matt who offered us a mini tour of the winery, a brief history of the area vineyards and the wine room displaying stainless steel vats holding the good juice. He then introduced us to Jim the winemaker who offered some barrel tasting zinfandel later in the day as he guided us up the hill to the festival grounds. Food, wine and music filled the air as we entered an enchanted garden filled with happy and familiar faces. A Mardi Gras theme was apparent as beads and dubloons festooned tables and dolled up the folks dressed down! Gus, sporting top hat and a long tux jacket looked as though he arrived by hot air balloon so close to the Wizard of Oz was the sight! A splendid gumbo served up with shrimp that was superbly grilled to perfection! Rounding out the culinary delights was red beans and rice, bread and a salad and all the Pomar wine you could drink. I was particularly fond of the Pino Noir and the red blend called Train Wreck. We were joined by some other friends Lee and Debbie and had a wonderful afternoon. Live music graced the hillside as we sat and enjoyed a relaxing and comforting day. 
We had the great opportunity to meet Dana, owner of the winery and chat with him for awhile. Everyone there was very friendly and open to meeting all their guests. This event was entirely Free as well! Now that is added value let me tell you. 
We were so impressed that Catherine and I cannot wait for the next event…Train Wreck Friday that is upcoming sometime in late March or early April. We will keep you posted. Located at the the junction of El Pomar and South El Pomar roads in East Templeton the Pomar winery boasts a train theme complete with caboose and box car pictured at the right.
