Walking and Wine in Fallbrook

Our Fallbrook Airbnb was a lovely, bijou Casita with a west-facing balcony yielding amazing views and sunsets. It was located in the grounds of a beautifully decorated hilltop house owned by Kathy and Ron, who proved to be extraordinary hosts.


Kathy asked if I'd walk with her to Guajome Regional Park and another morning to Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve. This special place is one of the last free-flowing wild rivers in Southern California, and part of the South Coast Ecoregion, a global diversity hotspot but with many species under threat. The A-board when we arrived listed an incredible range of species sitings including a mountain lion and I was slightly concerned about the amount of snakes, but in the end I only saw a duck and a rabbit!


As well as a love of wildlife and walking, Chris and I discovered that we shared a love of wine with our hosts. In fact, Ron had an extensive wine cellar and accompanying knowledge, and after drinks one night, Kathy confirmed we were honoured as one bottle consumed cost more than $100! Even more impressive was Ron's guitar collection which included two of John Lennon's, one signed by Paul McCartney, the Eagles and Eric Clapton amongst others.

On the last night, our hosts took us to their favourite winery - Monserate - and after a tasting we had a gorgeous charcuterie board and calamari. Thinking that was dinner, Ron then took us to Backdraft, a typical American bar and grill with TVs featuring the now historic (apparently) baseball game between the LA Dodgers and New York Yankees. We ate homemade pizza and salad, and I had the best glass of Chardonnay I'd tasted (Ron recommended Rombauer's from the Napa valley). Ever generous, they would not let us pay for anything, so we popped back after checking out with a bottle from the Douro and an invite to the Lake District!





Comments

  1. Ange29 October 2024 at 15:29

    Sounds like you’ve had a lovely time with your hosts x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carrie1 November 2024 at 07:44

      Added a different dimension to our travels x

      Delete
  2. Joan31 October 2024 at 13:31

    Just come across all your pictures of fallbrook ,sounds as though you’ve had a nice time and hit it off with your hosts ,x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jane Atkins1 November 2024 at 07:52

    Nothing like local knowledge! Hope you’re compiling a list of wines Carrie…you know Chardonnay is my absolute fave!
    Thx so much for sharing…esp blue skies….bit gloomy mizzly/drizzly here! Have a fab weekend!

    ReplyDelete

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