Lately, the weather has been not so wonderful here in Napa. Rain, rain and more rain. The plus side to all the rain is that it helps the grapevines grow and blossom, so they can produce wonderful wine grapes for all our lushy palettes. If the weather breaks this weekend (and by the looks of Weather.com, it should!), might I suggest a fun road trip / wine tasting adventure day to Carneros?
I know what you’re thinking, “That’s not real! YOU MADE A BOB ROSS PAINTING!”
I understand. I feel your anger, confusion, and excitement all wrapped up into one, but believe me when I tell you, this is FOR REAL GIRL (or guy). On a clear (or partly cloudy) day, Carneros is one of the most picturesque places to visit in the valley. Carneros, as many of you know, falls between Napa and Sonoma counties and most famously produces Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines because of its mild climate.
So, take a drive through Carneros and take a gander at those Belted Galloway cows. How I heart them!
You should even stop by Stanly Lane Marketplace for a coffee, sandwich, donut or little knickknack to remind you of your adventure.
Flat Stanley! What are you doing here?!?
ANYWAY!
There are a ton of great wineries to check out in Carneros, including Bouchaine, a breathtakingly beautiful winery. I found out after the fact that the building is “made from recycled redwood from the winery’s original wine tanks.” It is way off the beaten path, but definitely worth the drive. Pick up a bottle or 10 of their Pinot. Yum.
Our good friend, Jérôme Chéry, is the fabulous (and good lookin’) winemaker at Saintsbury located on Los Carneros Avenue.
Oh HELLO!
If not for the wine, go to see this gorgeous man. Saintsbury isn’t open for walk-in tastings, but they do accept reservations Monday through Saturday. You can email tasting@saintsbury.com OR call them at 707.252.0592 to make your appointment.
You should also check out Artesa, which is pretty well known. The drive up there is spectacular, and the views from the winery are simply gorgeous.
Who’s that redhead????
Even if you don’t go for a tasting, it’s worth the drive up there to see these amazing views.
Feeling peckish? You should stop by The Carneros Inn, a sustainable business in Napa, on your way in or out of town. All their restaurants, Boon Fly Cafe, FARM, and MARKET, derive inspiration from locally sourced ingredients all within a 150 mile radius of The Inn.
After all that, you might need a nap or possibly some more food. Whatever you decide, it will all be possible in the land of OZ…er… I mean… Carneros, of course!
THANK YOU so much to Rick Fessenden for the amazing photos shown here today. I mean, they are pretty magical, right?
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