Napa Valley Vaca

From San Francisco we headed to the Napa Valley. While we've enjoyed many of the area's fine fruits, I'd never actually been to wine country. It was everything I'd hoped for and more. The weather was incredible - we hit 70 one day (a 55 degree difference from D.C. that same day). 

Making our way slowly North, our first stop was a must see, eat, and drink at the Oxbow Public Market in Napa. Then it was on to Yountville to check into our hotel. January is one of the slowest months in the valley, so we were able to get an incredible rate at the Hotel Yountville. It's a darling town with some of the finest restaurants, including The French Laundry. 

With some time to spare before our first tour and tasting, we enjoyed a tasty lunch at Bistro Jeanty.  

Mustard seed | Dr. B enjoying lunch at Bistro Jeanty
White truffle risotto (it was INCREDIBLE) 

Then it was off to Schramsberg. Not only do they have some amazing sparkling wines (which we had at our wedding), but the vineyard is rich in history. Founded in 1862, Jacob Schram was the first winemaker to grow grapes on the hill, Scharmsberg has the first wine cave (built by Chinese laborers), and the Blanc de Blanc was used in President Nixon's "toast to peace" with China's Premiere in 1972, putting the vineyard on the world radar. 

Clockwise from the top: Standing by a few of the 2.7 million
bottles in the cave | The property's house - built in 1875 |
A hand- carved barrel | Tasting in the cave

Monday morning, after an incredible dinner at Redd the night before, we headed out for a full day of tasting. I'll let the pictures tell the story.

Tasting attire (this blog is about fashion, right?) - Sam
Edelman smoking shoes, Paige jeans, Old Navy Shirt,
Zara scarf, vest from Consign Design

Chappellet on Pritchard Hill

Me and Dr. B

O'Brien and Duckhorn
Our friends B & A drove up from SF to meet us

Then it was back to reality, back to work. 

Travel attire - Cole Haan boots, Paige jeans, Land's End
Canvas shirt, H & M vest

But not without one last stop at Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bakery. Best. Pastries. Ever. 

Now I'm in detox mode making up for the eating and drinking, which was, by the way, 100% worth it.