A “field trip” with my father and grandfather.

Since I didn’t write about it when it happened, this seems appropriate to write about on Father’s Day. About a month ago, I was in California to celebrate Dad’s 70th birthday with him.

While I was there, I had the opportunity to go with my father, grandfather, and step grandmother (Ed, Angelo “Kelly”, and Inez Micheli) to visit the spot where my father was born. I had been there before, but I don’t know the site well, and, possibly because all of my recent visits were on wine-tasting trips (not a good time for family stories, or at least not a good time to retain them), I really didn’t know much about the place.

However, on this occasion, we were there because the vineyard manager for Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves, John Clendenen of Clendenen Vineyard Management, had some questions about a vineyard, and Gramps, together with his father (Adamo Micheli), had cleared that land and planted those 85-year-old vines! (Gramps is 95; here’s a video.) I had no idea! I didn’t know grape vines lived that long!

Adamo and Angelo Micheli cleared and planted the lower vineyard on this hill. The grapes are zinfandel. The caves are a recent addition.


We were greeted by the vineyard manager’s son, Ross Clendenen, an employee of Bella. Photo is of Gramps (Angelo “Kelly” Micheli) and Ross.

Ross was kind enough to take this picture for me. Dad (Ed Micheli) on the left, Gramps on the right, and a very proud me (Angela Micheli Otwell) in the middle.

We went into the caves for a taste of the wine that came from those vines; John Clendenen arrived. Photo is of Gramps and John Clendenen. (Ross in background.) The wine was very good!

Inez Micheli, Gramps, John Clendenen, and Dad discussing the vineyard.

I am very glad I had the opportunity to learn more about my family, and I want to thank Dad for including me and Bella and John and Ross Clendenen for their hospitality! Here’s a little more information on Clendenen Vineyard Management, LLC, if you’re interested.