Sunshine-n-Wine

This trip was much slower-paced than our usual sojourns to wine country because we took hubby’s parents and aunt with us.  It was also March, which is the earliest we’ve ever visited.  While green, the bud break hadn’t started and the evenings were quite chilly.     We flew into Sacramento and stayed at our favorite winery, The Terraces .     View from The Terraces in the morning.  Check out the hot air balloons! Two of the three days were repeats for us as they are all wine clubs we have so you can find detailed reviews in some of my previous Napa and Sonoma blog posts.  They included DeLoach, Campana Ranch, Buena Vista, Raymond, Pope Valley, and The Terraces.     The three new-to-us wineries were: Artesa is located in the Carneros region with fantastic views of the north side of the bay on a clear day and boasting of biodynamic processes.  They have some interesting varietals, and we really enjoyed our tasting.  I do want to...

  Rutherford Hill Having a milestone birthday in 2020 is a bitch!  We had two cruises cancelled this year due to COVID-19, so when it came time to figure out how to replace my birthday cruise in October, we chose Napa.  Because... duh.  We visited many repeat wineries where we are wine club members so I will not re-iterate those again; rather, I will add the new-to-us ones in this blog post. For those who haven't travelled here since COVID-19 started, here's a couple things that were different on this trip: All tastings were by appointment only, no more than 6 to a group All tastings were conducted outside with no tours It was HOT but the smoke from the Glass Fire was gone Restaurants were still at 25% indoor capacity, with almost all offering takeout or outdoor seating Masks required all the time except when sitting for a tasting and eating In Lodi, all tastings were done in a flight format.  VERY different than what we have seen anywhere in wine country, thank...

There is nothing like celebrating a dear friend's milestone birthday in a place he's never been, a place that I love dearly!  In fact, the Hubs and I totaled up the number of visits, and this was big number 8!  Unfortunately, the threat of Hurricane Dorian on Florida threw a wrench into a bit of our initial planning and then extended our trip by a day - we ended up with a bonus day relaxing in northern Sonoma. Wineries Terraces  - As always, the small but mighty crew that runs Terraces reminded us why we keep our membership there.  The wines are all exceptionally drinkable this year, which is a feat because it's rare that you like and appreciate ALL of the wine offered in a tasting.  We stayed there in the guesthouse so we had run of the property and could really enjoy the scenery and nice walks. Terraces - Balsamic House Peju  - Peju is usually pretty solid for a visit, but the wines seemed a bit lacking this year.  I was also turned off a bi...

We booked this trip with another couple.  He works in the alcohol distribution industry so we had the unique opportunity to get up close and personal at a couple wineries, denoted with *. We flew into Sacramento non-stop on Southwest - yay for non--stop!!  Very easy airport to fly into and out of, and the traffic isn't nearly as bad as coming into SFO. Zinfandel grapes just before Harvest at Storybook Mountain. Lodging Years ago, we stayed at Villa Murialdo with other friends, so we knew how convenient it is to downtown Napa.  We booked the 2-bed, 2-bath option - Unit A.  It's updated and VERY clean and well-stocked.  I would 100% stay here again. There are 2 parking spots in the driveway per unit, so there is no need to fight for parking.  It's a very short walk to the River Inn and Vintage Sweet Shop if you are looking at a map. Here is the review our travel partner submitted to VRBO: "For starters, Keith was an excellent host! Before we left ...

They say that the first step to recovery is admitting that you have a problem.  Well, sorry, but this is one addiction I'm OK keeping!  In fact, now that we've gone mainly paleo, wine is my ONLY vice, and Napa remains a favorite vacation destination! *Remember to check your Winery Finder app for discounts and BOGO's at different wineries when you are driving around! Rental Home We were finally able to take advantage of our wine club membership with The Terraces and rented one of their houses for three nights with four other people.  The two houses are only available for rent by wine club members, so most people probably wouldn't even realize they have guest homes on property.  We loved the location because it was much further north than where we've stayed in the past - on Silverado Trail a quarter mile south of Zinfandel Lane. View Coming in from the driveway to the right side of the house. The house is beautifully nestled among the vineyard and has a hu...

Sadly, my fourth visit to Napa was nearly ruined by a cold-turned-sinus infection that completely took out my senses of smell and taste.  Worst.  Timing.  Ever!  Thank goodness for a great husband and four wonderful friends who saved the trip for me.  Well, them, and the beautiful landscape that makes Napa my favorite vacation spot. Here's a rundown of the trip. Rental Home This 3-bedroom, 2-bedroom farmhouse located about 7 minutes from Oxbow Market is quiet and perfect for 6 people.  It has been updated and re-decorated and was well-stocked with supplies needed for a relaxing stay.  Unfortunately for future vacationers and the homeowner, David LaMonica, one set of neighbors complained to the county after a very loud party night from guests staying there at the time.  It has been removed from VRBO, but it would be worth a look if you would like David's contact information.  He is hanging onto the house for "family and friends." Wineri...

Just home from a quick 3-day spin around Napa and Sonoma. If you can, download the Winery Finder app on your smartphone.  There are some interesting deals out there for a lot of different wineries (2:1's, upgraded tastings, extra pours, etc.).  Please note that, unlike a couple years ago, these deals require a public check-in and photo on either Twitter or Facebook.  I was not happy with this change since we never post about a vacation until we are safely home.  In the two instances we used the app, I deleted the post on Facebook soon after. We had to stay in two different hotels due to SpringHill being booked up for the NASCAR events Friday night.   Hotel SpringHill Suites Napa Valley  - There are probably some that will argue that this hotel is too far south to be convenient to wine country; however, we really enjoyed the hotel itself as well as the location. It is easy to get to either Sonoma or Napa, and it's closer to the airports (we flew out of...

We spent four days in Napa as part of trip to California.  Before reading through reviews, here is a list of general tips: Don't plan to visit more than 4 or 5 wineries in a day. If you can, download the eConcierges app on your droid or iPhone.  There are a lot of 2 for 1 tasting discounts (they are denoted "2:1" on my reviews below).  Split the tastings between two people if possible.  If you taste by yourself, you risk getting too drunk too fast and not being able to continue to other wineries.  For our 2 for 1's, we split them with another couple so four people tasted for the price of one.  Great deal financially and very wise. Take snacks and water with you.  Remember that protein (like a burger) is the best thing you can eat! Wine country is very casual - so jeans will probably be the nicest item of clothing you really need unless you are planning some really upscale jaunts. Hotel Villa Murialdo Vacation Rental - Unit D - 2BR, 2BA ...