We took the short drive back to the west side of Highway 99 to our last stop of the day – Ficklin Vineyards. Their address is on Avenue 7 1/2 which is actually their long driveway through the vineyard to the winery. If I had more time, I’d go back to photograph some of the old gnarled vines.
Each time I begin photographing a new location, I shoot a photo of the name so I can accurately remember where I was or when the photos changed from one location to the next. From where we parked, there was no convenient sign so this T-shirt in the vendor area had to be my marker.
This was an interesting place. It has been around for a while – according to its website since 1946. I liked the aged feel – especially the adobe buildings and large older looking wine vats and casks.
Old Wine Casks
Block and Tackle on old Adobe Walls
In a hidden inner sanctum we ran across storage of some old bottles of (I assume) Port. I overheard someone say that some bottles were as old as 1952 – did not verify that claim. Looked pretty impressive in that cool dark room. Then I lit it with the flash for an image and the dust layers really showed up to indicate age.
Dust layers indicating age.
Behind me was this big vat.
Note to Ficklin managers: It would enhance the tours if you posted signs on the walls explaining some of what we are looking at and how it is used. I like looking and taking the images but would like it more if I knew what it did or how it was used and why. Understanding your efforts usually enhances the appreciation of the end results.
I thought the next image was cool. Did not see the wooden mallet that just had to be around.
Bung
Would be interesting to return in the fall to see this wine press at work
I did not see any stainless steel tanks in this winery. Looks like a lot of old world wine making in casks of all sizes.
There were tasting stations all around the winery
Inside the large warehouse we found the wine sales, gift shop, art on display and more tasting tables.
Expounding on the virtues of the products
Not until after I returned home to view these images did the thought cross my mind that all these barrels were held in place with those itty bitty wedges. Interesting.
Impressive stacks of casks
In the second post I mentioned one Jaguar. Here is the other one.
I think he was just being affectionate.
55 pounds of mischievous muscle.
Finally, time to eat. We return to the BBQ set up by the Boy Scouts only to find they had just run out of meat. Sigh. Should not have waited until 4 pm for lunch.
We wrapped up the day with a visit to Lou Rodman’s Bar stool store in Fresno where we made a surprisingly quick purchase of two stools for our kitchen counter (hunger and the wine surely helped a quick decision) and off to a nice dinner at Cheesecake Factory. Overall a fun day with friends and then dinner with my lovely bride.
More images from Ficklin Vineyards here.
