Tuesday, September 17, 2013

San Francisco Part Two - Napa Valley

After a long first day we got up and started making our way into Sonoma and Napa and happened onto the cutest little diner.
The Fremont Diner in Sonoma.
Farm to table place with the cutest patio.
 And the best breakfast!
Brad opted for the biscuits and gravy with eggs.
 I went with a breakfast sammie.
Delish!
 We saw this place along the road and just took a chance and stopped.
 I'm sure glad we did and suggest you doing the same if you're ever in that area.
Sounds like they have a killer happy hour that is kid friendly with ice cream and snowballs.
 An hour or so later we met up with our Ohio bffs!
Dean and Kathleen flew in and came straight to Napa.
Our first stop was Cakebread Cellars which was very close to our hotel. 
 If you know wine you know you can't go wrong with Cakebread!!
 Holy Chardonnay!
Which, is of course, my favorite!
We did an entire tasting of 4 different chards.
So fun to see just how different some of them are.
If you're thinking of visiting Cakebread when in the Valley call ahead and make a reservation.
We didn't but didn't get the full experience.
Next stop on our first day in the Valley was Flora Springs.
One of my good friends from college works here and Brad and I visited 4-years ago and he gave us a private tour of their winery and estate.
He agreed to do it again for our friends.
Their wine has gotten better and better over the years which has only driven their price point up.
But, it's totally worth it!
There's my friend Jason behind the tasting bar.
WHAT A HOSTESS!
We drank a ton of some of their best wines inside the estate and outside on the patio overlooking their vineyard.
So fun and special especially giving it was Dean's 45th birthday that 9/11.
The weather was perfect too.
A little warm for that time of year but nice since I'm not totally into Fall mode anyway.
To think this time last year Kathleen and I were both hanging out 7-months pregnant at my baby shower.
We both agree that we don't look too bad for having 9-month olds!
We could have literally hung out at Flora Springs all day,
Part of Jason's private tour was showing us the vineyard.
And, being our photographer.
We also did a barrel tasting to see the difference of a red in French oak vs. American Oak.
French is definitely more my taste!
Getting a little tipsy by this point!
The day wasn't quite over though.
Our last stop was a private tasting at Frogs Leap.
Gorgeous place.
On a gorgeous day!
We did snacks and a light dinner in our room then all cashed out to get ready for a full next day.
Tomorrow our visit to Sterling, a small Sonoma winery and Franks Family Vineyard!

9 comments:

reporterturnedmommy.com said...

You did a great job capturing the day...I loved every second of it! I think we should at least go every other year. As soon as I can find some free time in my day, I'll start blogging again. Wonder when that will be? haha

eas said...

What a fun filled day you had! You both look great with or without having 9 month olds!!

starnes family said...

So awesome!!!!!! Love the pics. Love Napa!

donatelli98 said...

Love that Jason gave you a private tour. So awesome to have connections! Love Cakebread!!

Kate @ Daffodils said...

Ah so fun, we love cakebread! Your private tour looked amazing.

Impulsive Addict said...

I'm living vicariously through you. How did you handle being away from that baby girl?

Fran @ Sassy Southern Bride said...

CA is so beautiful. What an amazing trip! I want wine now after reading this.

Annie said...

Oh my gosh - 4 chardonnay's in one tasting?! It looks like the perfect day!

Sara said...

I've never been to Napa and it's on our list!! Looks so gorgeous! I'm going to have to try Cakebread Chard. I'm usually a red girl!

Love all the pictures!!! And yes, y'all do look great!

Do y'all hire a driver when you go to Napa??