Napa

Let's start with the disclaimer. Carol and I know nothing about wine, wineries, or Napa. Napa is one of Brian and Michelle's favorite areas, and they showed us their favorite places; as well as places we had found on the Internet. Carol and I were most interested in the food. We had heard so much about the restaurants in Napa Valley from not only Brian and Michelle, but from other friends as well. Everyone seemed to have their favorite restaurant. Brian and Michelle's favorite restaurant is Bistro Jeanty in Yountville. We quickly learned why. The food was amazing and the small restaurant had a warm and intimate feel about it.

We started our tour of Napa at the Domaine Carneros winery. A small pond with gorgeous weeping willows beside the driveway set the atmosphere as we approached the parking area. Manicured grounds led our eyes up to the grand chateau on the hill. Vineyards surrounded the chateau on all sides. We were there relatively early, so we were able to take photographs that weren't filled with tourists.

The Peju winery had beautiful grounds with some very unusual arched trees over the driveway, but my favorite part was the stained-glass window in one of the tasting rooms.

Our final winery stop was also the most amazing. The Castello di Amorosa winery looks like a 13th-century Tuscan castle, complete with farm animals. The stonework and exterior design were impressive, but they don't prepare you for the interior and courtyard. The Great Hall was being prepared for a wedding reception and was gorgeous. The artist who painted the artwork on the walls had just finished adding another section and signed it as if it were a giant canvas. All the artwork and walls were painted in bright colors to provide a sharp contrast to the gray stonework. It must be an incredible place for an evening wedding or reception.


Castello di Amorosa Winery	Castello di Amorosa Courtyard	Castello di Amorosa


Castello di Amorosa Chapel	Castello di Amorosa Great Hall	Castello di Amorosa Chapel Painting

We drove the full length of the Napa Valley to Calistoga before returning on the Silverado Trail. We had just enough rain over the past week to turn the hills a deep, rich green. It may not last long, but it was beautiful today.

We returned to Walnut Creek for dinner at the Walnut Creek Yacht Club. The "Yacht Club" part must be tongue-in-cheek. Walnut Creek is 20 miles inland and has no major bodies of water around it. It didn't matter. The food was amazing!

Today was an outstanding day.