For those of you who were stuck in the 5-1-8, living semi-vicariously through me on social media, you have no doubt seen a few of these pix already. My apologies to those who had to brave the HELL that was Stella, while I shared pictures of sunshine and vine. #SORRYNOTSORRY After all, I have diligently "liked" all of YOUR vacation posts, while I sat...quietly selling wine...unable to take a vacation of my OWN, until we sold our shop. This WAS, for all intents and purposes, our honeymoon...after 8 plus years...so if my apology sounds a touch less than heartfelt, that's because it IS. This was our first sojourn to what I will now refer to as the HAPPY Valley...the smile didn't leave my face until we had to leave. This post is FAR from a complete travelogue (I am working on THAT as well)...but, a few of you have asked what some of my highlights and can't miss spots were during my trip. The following is the first installment, focusing on Napa itself. Sit down..pour yourself a nice, big glass of Napa Cabernet and enjoy. (and book a flight asap) On the advice of my good friend, Dominick Purnomo (you MAY have heard of him), we stayed right in the Town of Napa, rather than Yountville, or another location. Literally at the southern tip of the Valley that takes its name, this is a great place to stay. Not only is it the location for the beginning of The Napa Valley Wine Train, it's also VERY easy to navigate...restaurants are within walking distance and lodging is fairly reasonable. We stayed at The Westin Verasa, and I highly recommend it. Free nightly wine tastings right in the lobby area...a Michelin-starred restaurant, "La Toque", located right in the hotel...very friendly staff...super accommodating...you can walk to everything in Napa. Oxbow Market is a stone's throw away, as is Model Bakery (home of Oprah's..and MY... favorite English Muffins), Gott's Roadside (FABULOUS burgers and similar fare), several tasting rooms, and The Napa Valley Wine Train Station is RIGHT across the street. Although the restaurants in Napa are not as famous as those in Yountville (hello...French Laundry...heard of it?), we uncovered a little gem called TORC. There is also a Morimoto satellite, Bounty Hunter BBQ, as well as numerous other spots that will more than satisfy, should you choose to lodge right in Napa proper. Stay tuned for my next post, which will focus on CAN'T MISS winery visits, as well as a little thing I call WINE TASTING ETIQUETTE...trust me, a LOT of people need it! Cheers! |