Is it possible to have too much fun? I wonder….
Today, we left the kids to be spoiled by Crystal and Eric, and headed for a Napa Valley day trip. The weather was a little overcast, and it sprinkled a few minutes here and there, but it did not detract from a marvelous day.
We started at Domaine Chandon. I read an article that said you should always start off a wine trail with sparkling wine. This was good advice. It really set the tone for fun and festive. We also got to take home a commemorative glass as a souvenir. We met up with Scott and Liann’s daughter, Sarai, who was celebrating her 25th birthday with a friend in San Jose.
Liann and Me
This was the lower part of the tasting bar, illuminated from behind. It was gorgeous!
Sarai and Rosie
Next stop was Chimney Rock. We had not really planned on going here, but we passed the place we planned on going, by mistake, and needed to turn around. We ended up here, and are so glad we did. This place was a major highlight for all of us, with the best reds of the trip.
Next stop, LUNCH! We had tried to go to the Oakville Market, but they had a line out the door. instead, we went to Soda Canyon Store for some sandwiches and chips. It was not as gourmet as the Oakville Market, but the sandwiches were made to order, and were perfect for hungry bellies.
Next stop, Robert Sinsky Vineyards. This was a beautiful winery. I can only imagine what it will look like at harvest time. The wife of the owner is an accomplished chef and cookbook author. As a part of the tasting, they paired the wines with some small bites. Very nice, although I did not appreciate it as much on a full stomach.
The tasting room. This picture does not do it justice.
Looking into one of their caves…
Next stop, Stag’s Leap Winery. Lovely property, but I think we all agreed that it did not live up to it’s hype.
We were deciding where our final destination should be, and chose to end with sparkling wine again, and go to Domaine Carneros. Liann and I went there the last time she visited with Lacey, and we wanted to return.
The property was pretty full, and they had no tables that would accomodate six people. So what did they do? They opened up a tasting room for us! We enjoyed some sparkling wine and said goodbye to Sarai and Rosie.
Happy birthday, Princess!
Soooooo Audrey!
Lovely Father-Daughter
Note to self: If I ever have to wear contacts, I will not place hard contact disinfectant in my eye…unlike two people who shall remain nameless…(and, no, Napa had nothing to do with it!!)
As we were leaving Domaine Carneros, Scott was excited to see Cuvaison across the road. We drove up to the tasting room and went in, but they were already closed. Scott promised he’d buy something if he could have a taste. We all walked away with a few bottles of the Pinot Noir.
We drove back to Roseville and had a mexican dinner, then Eric and Crystal dropped off the boys. They had taken them to the Folsom zoo, a sushi lunch, Toys R Us field trip, and church. We finished the day with the hot tub with Eric and Crystal and the boys. Scott and Liann had returned to their hotel for the night. Whew, what a fab day!!
Great pictures of your visit with the Smith Family. Looks like you all had a wonderful time together!!!
Miss you
Love Megan!