TheWino.net

Tesla SuperCharger Stations are a Game Changer....literally...

Just took a trip from Bay Area to Los Angeles (and back) with my Model S and exclusively used the supercharger stations. Here are my high level comments for those looking for practical feedback (vs. hypothetical location info - which I appreciate too :)

Process: You pull up (need to make sure your car charging port is as close as possible to charging cord as they are generally not very long), get out of your car, pull the Tesla Supercharger out, push the button at the end of the charger (similar looking to your own home/mobile charger input) and your charge port opens, and you stick it in.

• I'd recommend that Tesla formally creates some etiquette and education around the superchargers. I came across multiple owners who were charging their batteries to the very top (100% full) which resulted in longer than normal waits at Harris Ranch (more on this below). Other than that the process is easy and these stations are GAME CHANGERS imo. There needs to be more education on how the supercharger is meant to be a quick source of 150 mile infusions to owners batteries, b/c the top end (full charge) requires a LOT more charge time and from what I experienced with other owners (who wanted to fully "top off") it resulted in folks spending 1+ hours clogging up chargers.

Stations: I used Tejon, Harris Ranch, Gilroy and have visited Folsom as well.

• Tejon - this is by far the best station (also the model photo on Tesla's supercharger page) b/c there are 6 spots (only 4 operational today) covered by solar panels; and within 300 yards there are (Chipotle, In-N-Out, Starbucks, convenience store and other food options). These appear to all be 90kwh output chargers too - this is a BIG plus.

• Harris Ranch - this is currently a bottleneck for north / south trips as there is only 1 charging port. On my way down I had to only wait 20 minutes but I was lucky as right behind me another two model s vehicles arrived (presumably the last car there had to wait approximately 1.5 hours longer than if there was no line).

• Gilroy - the location of these is great (behind In-N-Out / Sony outlet store; 100's of outlet stores and other food within a thousand yards) however it appears only 2 of the 4 charging stations were of the 90kwh variety, the others were apparently 45kwh.

• Folsom - when I was here only 1 station was operational however they were in the process of installing 3 more. Similar to Gilroy, these are at the outlet mall just off highway 50 (on the way to South Lake Tahoe) with plenty of shopping & food options within a short walk.

Overall I'm extremely proud to be a Tesla Model S owner, Tesla as a company is pushing the envelope in so many ways and these supercharger stations are a prime example of it. The fact that I could drive nearly 400 miles each way (in luxury & performance) in nearly the same timeframe a ICE vehicle can make it is incredible. Yes there are LOTS of things to work out and even little items on my car that need to be tweaked (ie my passenger side mirror is not operational :( but this company is going in the right direction and helping push a revolution to more efficient, cleaner and the most enjoyable driving experience on the road. Thank you!

A Lasting Presence...

The news of Apple & Pixar founder Steve Jobs death sent a chill down my spine.  The man was innovative by how he changed how we communicate, create and consume media.  I grew up on the Apple II, my grandfather had the first gui Apple company called the Lisa, and I used Apple's exclusively until my first full-time job out of college.  Pixar was a revelation in the 90's and animation will never be the same.  Jobs is due all the discussion we'll be flooded with over the next few days, weeks and months.  I'll start the campaign now, I think he eventually wins a Nobel Prize for what he has contributed to human evolution.  

People who know me call me an Apple fanboy.  I've never been blind, working at CNET exposed me to a lot of gadgets and great companies, but over the past decade the Jobs infused Apple has put out products that I lusted for, that elicited an emotional response in a way no other living thing ever has.  That's why this news is a reflection on what Apple products have meant not only to me but the broader impact they're having around the world.  

However it's also a remembrance that what's most important in life is your family and passion.  That making a difference is following one's heart and determination, to being focused on the details while minding the vision.  Life is a precarious adventure, one that must be lived to its fullest at every moment. 

I'm drinking a passionate '01 napa cabernet in memory, here's to your impact!

Work Travel...

I travel a fair amount for my job.  While the actual travel part is never enjoyable, the part of being in new places, meeting new people (or old friends you don't see very often) makes it worthwhile.  However th part that gets me through it is the pleasure of seeking out and finding great food.  

It started six or seven years ago as I got into wine, just a year or so before this blog was conceived.  I think it was an orgasmic potato leek soup and hiramasa appetizer at a customer dinner, and since then I've been fixated on finding great food when I'm on the road.  I go out of my way searching Yelp, Zagat (love this app on my iPhone), local sites to find those hidden (or new to me) culinary gems. The search keeps my mind balanced, and the food, my body healthy (except for the fact I often over consume).  

 

As I've aged, the little things have become important and food is at the top of the list.  So if you know of gems in New York, Seattle, LA, Boston please send them my way.  I've got SF and the peninsula covered, if you need tips there, just let me know.  

In the meantime I'll sleep well tonight thanks to another great meal :)

Sunday Nite Guac

I made a simple but delicious guacamole last night for our weekly family dinner. The picture is of the finished product, which was easily the simplest I've made - combing a third of a red onion (finely chopped), 3+ very ripe avocados (nearly past their prime), a squeezed lime and seasoning (salt, pepper & some crushed cayenne pepper). The key was the state of the avocados which allowed for an easy mash & maximized flavor. At any rate I will be making that version again.

New Year's Resolutions...

I've never been somebody who spent much time or energy thinking about my goals for the upcoming year but for some strange reason I feel compelled to do so this year.  So here they are, n general I'm just looking to enjoy each and every day and not worry much (if at all) about the past or future.  

B Cellars - Wine Tasting Notes

B Cellars, located on Silverado Trail in Calistoga, has been making wine since '03 but just opened up this tasting room 10 weeks ago. They are a relatively small producer (3.5k cases a year) that has ambitions to be bigger (based on the money spent on the tasting room).

August Briggs - Wine Tasting Notes

August Briggs winery, located in Calistoga on the Silverado Trail, is a small producer (4kish cases a year) of mostly single vineyard Pinot's, Syrah's & Cabs. They also produce wine for Jeff Gordon on a separate label.

Barnett Vineyards - Tasting Notes

Barnett Vineyards, up on Spring Mountain Road (on the edge of Napa & Sonoma counties) is a small producer (4k annual cases) that specializes on mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.

Chateau Montelena Tasting

Visited the famous, thanks to Bottleshock and the Judgment in Paris, Chateau Montelena today for a tasting.

Solage Calistoga

An Auberge resort on the Silverado Trail in Calistoga, Ca, Solage Calistoga is a modern contemporary meets urban hip spa resort.