There’s a unique rhythm to a trip to wine country, a blend of anticipation, exploration, and the simple pleasure of good food and company. Our recent visit to Napa and the surrounding areas unfolded with just such a rhythm, offering a delightful escape filled with memorable experiences.
Thursday: Arrival and a Stellar Welcome
Our journey began with a relaxed morning at home, followed by an easy transition through the airport and a smooth flight. The only significant hiccup was the infamous San Francisco traffic, turning what should have been a shorter drive into a three-hour trek to Napa. However, any lingering frustration dissipated with our arrival at Goose & Gander for dinner. The meal was truly amazing, setting a high bar for the culinary experiences to come. We then checked into our hotel, ready for the days ahead.
Friday: Discovering Small-Batch Treasures
Friday started early, greeting us with a delicious breakfast of chilaquiles and croissant French toast. We took time to relax on our expansive patio, complete with a firepit, soaking in the morning tranquility.
The heart of our day was spent at Vintner’s Collective, where we enjoyed two hours of tasting remarkable wines from small producers – a genuine highlight of the trip. A quick coffee stop across the street (perhaps at Firehouse?) provided a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. We then drove to Joseph Cellars Winery for a tasting with David at La Sirena, another engaging experience. Returning to our patio for some rest, the evening culminated in a superb dinner at PRESS.
Saturday: Northern Sonoma and Culinary Excellence
Saturday also began early with a satisfying breakfast of a breakfast sandwich, eggs with sausage, and roast potatoes with kale. Our drive took us to Matanzas Creek, where we had a lovely experience, with Nicole proving to be an outstanding guide.
Lunch in Healdsburg led us to Willi’s Seafood and Raw Bar, a perfect midday stop. A coffee break at Black Oak provided a moment to recharge. Our next tasting was at Ridge Wine, which was nice, but felt a little perfunctory compared to the more personalized experiences we had encountered elsewhere. We returned to rest a bit, and I managed to get some exercise in.
Dinner at Acacia House was a truly memorable affair. We enjoyed ribollita di toscana, a refreshing radicchio and hazelnut salad, flavorful pork belly and scallops, and an exquisite iberico pork schnitzel with caviar and beurre blanc. This was accompanied by a Schramsburg Brut Rose 2018.
Sunday: Berkeley Exploration and Oakland Flavors
Sunday morning started early once more, with breakfast featuring a breakfast sandwich, eggs with sausage, and roast potatoes with kale. We spent some relaxing time in our room and on the porch, enjoying the firepit.
Our itinerary then shifted to Berkeley. Lunch at Funky Elephant introduced us to a range of vibrant dishes, including a rice salad with fermented pork, wings, and pad Thai. We enjoyed a stroll up and down 4th Street, discovering bags at ILE, and stopping for coffee at Artis. The day concluded with a drive to North Oakland, a walk around the area, a pit stop at Peet’s, and a delicious dinner at Wood Tavern.
This journey through Napa, Sonoma, and the East Bay was a rich tapestry of fine wines, exquisite meals, and relaxed moments, offering a comprehensive taste of Northern California’s renowned offerings.
Note: generated by Google Gemini from Chris’ notes
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