Jeff Stai of Twisted Oak Tweetered me Friday night that it was snowing in the Murphys area. Jeff knew that I want Sierra Foothills wine regions photos and videos with snow at the wineries and in the vineyards for our Wine Questers Discover Wine Regions series.

Saturday AM we packed the cameras and drove a bit more than two hours to the Gold Rush era town of Murphys in the Sierra Foothills. Sure enough there was snow and we got our shots in town and at Ironstone and Twisted Oak wineries. By afternoon most of the snow was gone.

A storm was forecast for Sunday and we decided to spend the night and see if we could shoot a snowstorm. So we hit a few tasting rooms and restaurants.

We didn’t just do dinner, we wandered the main street of Murphys trying a little at each fine dining restaurant. I have many favs here but Mineral is at the top. This high-end veggitarian is where meat eaters hang out.

I can’t describe any of the courses we had but stunning comes close. The chef carefully prepares each plate and then entertained us with his description of the course.

Katya and I split the meal to save calories and money. The six course meal was hardly filling but wonderfully entertaining.

A year ago I would be the only patron in the restaurant and there was plenty of time for the chef to BS with me. Now it is reservations only but we talked our way to the counter.

The veggie meal was hardly filling so we finished the evening at Notos up the main street with a bowl of raviolis. Notos is another Murphys treat and the owner, Lorenzo, spends time with his customers – and his fresh sauces.

As I post this mid day Sunday the rain is starting to turn to snow in Murphys. We’re hanging out at a coffee bar and waiting to see what happens. Photography requires so much patience!

Thumb typing on this iPhone requires patience but my technique is improving. The 19 tasting rooms along the main street just opened but we see no tasters walking along with their event glasses. I’m sure they will rally to the cause.

- jim