hanging on to my holiday

<![CDATA[ I'm writing this from a bench in Napa, CA, where we've spent the past week dropping out of the usual rat race. As wine is probably my biggest (and most expensive) hobby, I'd set myself up for a week of heaven (aka wine tasting rooms). My favorites from the week are:

• Anything from Cline Cellars, especially Zinfandel and Syrah

• Buena Vista, which is making great Pinot Noir
• Ridge Wines (more the wine than the winery)
• Goosecross Chardonnay and Syrah (the latter is especially surprising in its long raisin-tinged finish)
• The General’s Daughter, which has the best shrimp and grits I’ve ever had

We went to many other places as well, fifteen wineries in all. Each had their own charms, but the places above are the one’s we’ll definitely go back to.

Pictures from the trip are available on my Facebook photo album.

Update: Virginia just reminded me that a favorite location I forgot to include is Hanna, which offers a great ros