Napa, California

Imagine driving down the road, and acres of vineyards provide a 360 view.  Over 700 wineries are ranging from palatial buildings to small, quaint family dwellings.  The best part of the trip was having my daughter join us as we spent four days enjoying several wineries.  The knowledge gained from each tasting was enlightening.    Lucky for us, our arrival was during the picking season.  The grapes on the vines were plentiful and plump, beginning their journey from grape to wine.  Each morning, the fog was thick with temperatures in the 50’s.  As the day progressed, the fog dissipated, and most days were in the 70s.  It seems this variance of temperatures makes the grapes thrive.

We enjoyed most of the wines tasted, but the most enjoyed ones were where the wineries were in picturesque venues, and no one knew the word rush.  One, in particular, was on the side of the mountain.  Nestled among the trees, one could wander the property to visit the gardens, pond and enjoy nature’s bounty.  It was so relaxing, and the hosts were fabulous that three hours passed in a blink of an eye.

It came apparent after our first visit, Judd Hill, I was a lightweight and needed to pace myself at the tastings.  Mitch and Britney banned me from the next wine tasting as they were not up to carrying me out.  I am told the giggles come on big time when I had one too many.

We visited wineries in Napa, St. Helena, Calistoga, and Oakville counties.  Each area is known for growing a particular type of grape.  Each had a downtown where bakeries, restaurants, and shops lined each side of the street.  We hated to say goodbye to Britney, but we knew we would see her in two months when we visit her in Texas.