Jen Goes to Napa

Our friend Jennifer Edwards (who's been visiting with us this week) had never been to California wine country, so we decided to use Saturday afternoon driving around and enjoying the beautiful views in the Napa and Sonoma valleys and the Carneros region. There are, of course, lots of vineyards, but this time of the year, when the hills are so green, the vistas can be quite breathtaking. The view above and the next two pics below are at the Vianza Winery. We like this one because of the views and because of all the wonderful sauces and jams and pestos and such that they have out for tasting and, of course, purchase. Good stuff! They also sell grilled meats and deli sandwiches which you can eat at picnic areas on the grounds.

The next two pics are at the Sattui Winery in the middle of Napa Valley. We're not big wine drinkers, but I've always thought the process is fascinating... how the final flavor of the wine depends on so many things... kind of grapes, soil, temperatures and moisture at different times of the year, the kind of barrels used to age the wine, and so many other things I know nothing about. This winery is also one people enjoy for picnics, as you can see below.

We wrapped up the afternoon with some yummy Italian food at a restaurant in Calistoga before heading home. It was a good day, even with what seemed like half the Bay area enjoying the beautiful weather with us.