A Letter from the Editor.
Our land is nothing if not a story of our times, and times do change. In the 1800s, Sonoma County’s fields were rich with gold—in the form of grain. Sure, today we have grain—at the market. But a few growers and producers are again changing that story. With this issue, we focus on the burgeoning heritage grain movement, which seeks to reintroduce local grains for self-reliance and pleasure. Because, as with so much else made right here, locally grown grains are delicious and fresh, something we haven’t tasted in nearly 200 years.
Michael B. Woolsey Photography
Wine is also cycling back in time to rediscover good ideas now lost. Meet Ted Lemon, proprietor with his wife Heidi of Littorai Wines, a “taste of place” vintner who does as little to the grapes as possible when transforming from field to flask. A new style of winemaking that actually harkens to the ancients, the Lemons practice a vibrant and welcomed trend of the new-style old-style.
Bill Foss and Kenny Belov are among those entrepreneurs who also want to return to the old times, particularly those days when fish were plentiful and healthy. Alas, that era may be past. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of options left, and theirs are particularly innovative. Land-based aquaculture? You bet.
Speaking of reinvigoration, how about having a writer or two contribute to this magazine? (Sheesh.) We’re proud to have a talented clutch of contributors enlivening this issue. As always, don’t hesitate to drop us a line and let us know what you like, don’t like, or would like to see. That’s gold to us.