Heidi and Lisa flew down from WA to have some fun with me! They arrived Friday, late afternoon, and I took them to see our church. Bayside Granite Bay was hosting both the Dead Sea Scrolls and an event called, ‘Thrive’. The place was packed! We were able to get into the sanctuary for a few minutes before Thrive resumed with their evening sessions.
Per Heidi’s request, we had dinner at Chick-Fil-A, (if you have been to a Chick-Fil-A, and you know that WA state does not have them, you understand the reasoning behind this request.) After that, we went to the Fountains for some gelato at Miabella! It was a nice night to enjoy our dessert by the fountain…
Saturday, we left bright and early for Napa Valley. First stop…Domaine Chandon. We sat on the terrace and toasted Lisa and a new beginning with her beloved, Dave, and their engagement! (Gorgeous ring, BTW, nice job, Dave!!)
Next stop… Clos Pegase. This was a new place for me, and I am so glad we went! It is up in Calistoga, and away from the congestion of the weekend crowd. This property is saturated with incredible sculptures and art throughout. It had a different feel from other properties. A side note: this property offers a free tour twice a day. We did not attend it, but thought it would be nice to mention, since most of Napa charges for everything…
These picnic tables were next to the fountain above. Can you imagine spending an afternoon here??
In the distance, you can see Lisa walking from the entrance (and having just changed into a lovely sundress), toward the tasting room…
There is a side room off the the tasting room that has original art from an artist in residence…
The tasting room was made all the more delightful by the fabulous staff. Cher, an employee for 13 years, was friendly and charming, and obviously loved her job. We walked away feeling like we had made a new friend. She made me want to go out of my way to visit this winery again, regardless of where else I might be in Napa Valley.
As we were leaving, we noticed that the artist was painting, using the same colors in Lisa’s dress!
Next stop…Charles Krug. We bought tickets for a special wine tasting, sponsored by the St. Helena Appellation. There were about 30 wineries present, and appetizers were made by celebrity chef, Cindy Pawlcyn, owner of three top rated Napa restaurants.
The woman in the white top is Cindy Pawlcyn. I did not want to be too obvious in taking her picture. She is talking to Heidi. I got to talk with her a bit as well. She is very down to earth and friendly.
Next stop…our hotel, the Lodge at Calistoga. They call themselves a boutique hotel. I would not go that far, but I would say they are a decent “motel-ish” hotel. Lisa and I laid by the pool for a while, before getting ready for dinner.
Side note: I just had to interject here to say that I received a fabulous birthday gift from my friend, Jen Glover. She made me this tote. The detail is incredible, and there are even two interior pockets. Thanks to you, Jen, for your love and talent in making this. I will cherish it always. Props to Heidi for being a fine mule…
Dinner was at the Mexican restaurant, Pacifico, in Calistoga. All I can say is, ‘eh’, regarding the food. I liked the server, though. We walked Calistoga’s corridor and stopped to listed to some beautiful live guitar playing at the Calistoga Inn. This property has a beautiful patio that, combined with the strings of lights, fountain, candles, dessert, coffee, and music, made for a delightful end to our day.
Sunday…
After an, eh…, continental breakfast at the property, we headed out to make the most of our last day. Our first stop was Bennett Lane winery. This was not on my original list to attend, but it was one that was recommended by Cher at Clos Pegase. I am so glad we came here. It is a small winery, off the main path, and I thoroughly enjoyed their wines. I am thinking of becoming a wine club member of theirs…
They have what I think is one of the most beautiful views of the valley vineyards. They also have this sweet side/backyard that is not permitted for weddings! Too bad, because it really is an ideal spot for a small wedding.
Napa Valley has identical signs when coming in from either direction…
Next stop…Castello di Amorosa! This property is one that my boys often ask when can we return. This is always a fun place to bring friends who have never been. Somewhere I read that it’s a Disneyland for adults. Slight stretch, but enjoyable nonetheless.
We couldn’t resist…this is the confessional in the chapel…by the way, they have a Latin service there on Sundays. Next time…
It was lunch time, and a picnic lunch sounded perfect. We moved on to Beringer winery, around since 1876, and broke into our picnic tote that I packed back at home. (Tip: If you want to purchase picnic items in Napa, you need to shop early in the day, otherwise, you will be waiting forever in line with the rest of the Napa Valley weekenders).
Beringer has a beautiful garden and picnic grounds, and on this day, they even had live music!
Final stop…sparkling wine at Domaine Carneros. The ideal ending to a special weekend…
Salud!