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Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Sip, Sunshine, Smile, Repeat: Three Days in Napa

"A loaf of bread, a jug of wine, and thou."
Omar Khayyam

Napa Valley California is our "happy place." Here's a recap of our long weekend:

I flew down to the Oakland Airport on a Thursday afternoon. My husband got a rental car and had arranged dinner reservations at Townhouse Bar and Grill in Emeryville, so we could let the city commuter traffic thin out while we ate. First time eating warm bread in 30 days... We split the Lamb salad and Prime Rib special. Our first night we stayed at the Marriott Courtyard in Vallejo. This choice was due to availability and using "points."

Day One: Calistoga and St. Helena 
Our breakfast was fruit and a Lara bar and we headed up to our first tasting in Calistoga.






Sterling Vineyards was a fun experience. (The $32 basic fee included the aerial tram, a self-guided tour of the lower portion of the winery, scenic views and a tasting of current release wines.) There were four stations ending on a sunny patio. (Make a reservation ahead of time.) 

Next we headed to Main Street in downtown St. Helena. There are so many cute boutiques to explore. Some of my favorites included Napa Valley Vintage Home, Fideaux, and Allison in Wine Country.


I highly recommend you make a reservation for lunch at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch. The grounds are beautiful and our food was unique and delicious. We enjoyed Heirloom Tomato salad, cheddar biscuits, little meatballs with tomato marmalade, and split a pulled pork sandwich topped with coleslaw, avocado and a fresh farm egg... We should have stopped after the meatballs! Mike ordered the “BIG EASY” Beignets with bourbon caramel sauce for dessert. Should have ordered the chocolate cream pie. Their Farmstead wine was very good and it would be a fabulous place for a wedding!








Next we checked into the Shady Oaks Inn, a lovely bed and breakfast for our second night. The hosts treated us to a wine and cheese hour, and we even played Boucce ball. 


We headed to the Rutherford Auberge du Soleil Resort for drinks at the patio Bistro Bar and to watch the sun set. Couldn't afford the over $1000 hotel room, but we could enjoy their view! Get the pommes frites with aioli! My "Sidecar" was delicious and we met an adorable group of girlfriends from Chicago on a Bachelorette trip. 




We shared a late pizza at Tra Vigne Pizzeria


Day Two: Eat, Drink and be Merry in Yountville and Napa
After a delicious breakfast at our Inn (baked apples, waffles and sausage, lots of coffee and juice), we checked out and headed to Yountville.


We explored the shops at the V Marketplace. Afterward we chose to do a tasting at Hope and Grace. We walked in without a reservation, and had received a 2 for 1 tasting coupon at the Chamber of Commerce. The name drew me in...the staff and wine were AMAZING! They were very generous and gave us samples of MANY varieties. How fun to talk with wine servers  from Bulgaria, and Wales! We loved the Pop up piano in the middle of the community center in this cute town!





Rock "mushroom garden"

At the recommendation of one of our Inn housemates, we called the Vincent Arroyo winery to reserve a time slot. There was no tasting fee and if you're a dog lover, you'll love the Labrador.



We checked into our third and final hotel, the Napa Marriott, and enjoyed some lounging poolside and listening to live music.





Dinner Saturday night was at Bistro Don Giovanni. If you love Italian food, go here!


Day Three: Bubbles!
We popped over to the Oxbow Public Market after scarfing down a donut from Happy's Donut Tree Too. As good as Pao's! Cash only...Fun to walk around, but we were ready to head outside.


Where to next? Why MUMM of course! We'd been here six years ago and it's one of our favorite spots. SO beautiful and such delicious sparkling wine! We sat in the vineyard patio and enjoyed the Blush and Cuvee'. The Reserve Pino Meunir, which is only available on site was our favorite!




Just like our last trip, six years ago, we ended up at the Rutherford Grill for lunch. Bubbles, Focaccia Bread, BBQ Ribs and Key Lime Pie!




 Our last tasting was at right next door at BV. A nice young man named Beau served us.


A few tips if you're planning a trip: 

  • Book places to stay WAY in advance before prices increase and Inns and Hotels fill up. Location matters.
  • Get winery recommendations from friends, but be flexible! It's all good!
  • Make some reservations ahead of time for both restaurants and tasting rooms.
  • Drink LOTS of water in between sips and pack some protein snacks.
  • I was comfy in sundresses and only needed a sweater for the morning "Marine Layer."
  • Drive safely and defensively...
  • Don't forget your sunglasses and "readers" or you'll have to buy them at the airport!!
  • Most hotels will ship any purchased wine home for you for a nominal fee.
  • Be open and willing to engage in conversations with the people you meet.
  • Expect to have FUN and be blessed by the beauty of God's Wine Country!
"Great is the fortune of he who possesses a good bottle, a good book, and a good friend." Moliere

As I re-read ALL the food I ate over our four days in California, it's no wonder I gained five pounds! The Whole 30 authors would shutter if they knew how we reintroduced ALL the food groups ALL at once! Time to cut back again... Even so, I can't wait to go back!

Foggy San Francisco

Thanks for reading "See Jane Learn!" 

In His Grip,
xo Jane

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