Called “The Eden of the West” or simply Eden, the Fountaingrove Winery was built according to the precepts of the Brotherhood of the New Life, a utopian religious community located in Northern California. The leader, Thomas Lake Harris, called himself the “Pivotal Man” from whom the announcement of Christ’s “Second Coming” would emerge. He believed the winery itself would be physically taken into the “Celestial Sphere” at the turn of the millemium. He also saw Fairies roaming in the vineyards.
Also see Fountaingrove Winery: Part 1. And click here for another photo of the winery.
In surroundings like that I’d have no trouble seeing Fairies in the vineyards either. Do you ever wonder if there are truer versions of places we know in realms beyond our vision?
so many little dyings it doesn’t matter which one is death… that kind of scares me, but also it’s comforting in an odd way, that one might go with a whimper… oh Sera, yer durned right i got the blogger’s blues, in a big way, it’s been building for days… i just want my photography to be good enuff that people will come see me even IF i don’t comment first… i want people to like me for me lol is that too much to ask? probably…. especially since my photography sux lol…. i need a new camera, that’s what i need… don’t worry, i won’t stop caring, i think i care TOO MUCH… and please don’t stop doing encore seraphine, i can’t bear the thought, at least not right now
it’s ok lol don’t get a facebook page, i think people have me talked out of tearing down my photoblog anyway… i just changed the look of it to cheer me up lol
Was he drinking the wine or the Kool-Aid? Good one, Sera.
yes i need a new back, but i have to wait on Jesus for that, whereas a camera seems closer lol and even if i had the new back, i would still want the camera to go running around with, happy, and pain free
tho i shouldn’t say the camera seems closer, God’s healing is ever so close, all the time… excruciatingly close 
I thought everyone had fairies in their vineyards
Great images Sera…I remember part one…something sad about it!
Fairies Vineyards go together like peaches and cream. More nice documentation Sera. It looks like a bit of heritage that should be preserved rather than left to rot. Especially given the exotic back story
It’s not easy to always plenty of sun and time never forgive!
I don’t think all the little deaths ever really prepare you for the big one – your own or anyone’s. Still, the little sorrows can be considered as partial & mini-practice runs for the experiencing of the ultimate sorrow.
he that maketh wine should drinketh wine….wow I’d love to see Jesus
Who would be cruel enough to abandon a winery? That, my friend, would never happen in France!
We should start a “adopt the winery” program. Or not. I kinda like urban decay.
Was someone trying to spell “brain” on that second image? I truly hope not. Seeing that much ruin is interesting but it just makes me feel sad.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with fairies roaming in the vineyards! I think they help the grapes ripen faster with the fairy dust! Great shots of the old winery also!
Spring is back… the donkey will not cry for the winter death!
Lots of very nice textures, great shots
I still can’t believe I never heard about that winery/cult, Seraphine, especially after living in CA for 12 years! But that Kenneth Patchen quote is incredible. It reminds me of my last relationship. So many things got chipped away…all little deaths inside me…till I couldn’t take it anymore and the BIG death came. WOW.
Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future.~ Niels Bohr (1885-1962)
Best wishes
Beautiful shots of the winery, Sera. It looks quite extraordinary…and also a bit creepy.
Amazing what ‘man’ can conjure up, and most of it never comes to pass.
That says a lot for living in the here and now, “one day at a time” and all that.
(Maybe the ‘fairies’ are here and now, too.)
After three glasses of Chianti, I too often make acquaintance with the fairies……. I would never trust a person who describes themself as ‘pivotal’. A little too much self belief or ego there.But there are always gullible people to prey on…..
did you see the tv show from Discovery, the world without anyone? You may like it…it is about how the thing and the world would be without people!
What a really sad sight. Here lies a grave. A dream that went loco.
~` very beautiful shots you have taken !!:) well done!!
Great capture of this abandoned winery. You captured the feeling of disuse, decomp, and loneliness perfectly.
To me… it looks like he was always high.
Even I see fairies after three glasses down. 
where have you been hunny bunny? sorry for being sad, i hope i didn’t bring you down, i’m better now i think
images of decay and gloom. beautiful
Love the story behind this set of interesting images of dereliction. One can believe anything after drinking enough vino.
Once again, great pictures.
very beautiful shots you have taken !!:) well done!!
It is definitely dreary.
Doesn’t look very Utopian at the moment. Maybe a fresh coat fo paint?