Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Tuesday Touring

Some scenes to accompany the post below.

Lynmar and French Laundry

BurtoNZ Bakery in Windsor was out of egg pies by the time we arrived, but we did enjoy other goodies for breakfast before heading over to The Barlow in Sebastopol. Unimpressed with the outdoor market, we decided to start drinking again. We went to Winery Lynmar and enjoyed their estate flight in the beautiful flower garden surrounded by vineyards.

Back at the condo in the early afternoon, we made sandwiches and rested up before our big night out to Yountville.

It was a pretty ride through Napa, but with all the traffic, we just made it to the French Laundry in time for our 5:15pm reservation. The entire dining experience was spectacular and went on for hours...three and a half hours actually! What an incredible treat and amazing luxury! We are lucky ducks!

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Jordan Vineyard and Winery

A big breakfast at the Omelette Express in Windsor made way for a lazy day in Healdsburg. Jordan was a beautiful stop in Alexander Valley. Inspired by their love of French wines, the Jordan family has been producing fine Cabs and Chards for decades. We had a lovely tour and tasting.

Deciding to take advantage of the grill at the condo, Big John's Market in Healdsburg provided dinner fare. After grocery shopping, we walked the bustling square and we're able to do more than window shop this time around.

A simple, yet yummy chicken dinner at home, with fine wine and a movie (Sideways) completed a fun day in wine country.

Monday, May 29, 2017

Sunday in the Russian River Valley

Some scenes to accompany the post below.

Russian River Valley

The fog looked threatening over the distant hills as we began our day at the Healdsburg Downtown Bakery and Creamery with simply delicious egg sandwiches. As predicted, the blue sky emerged and the warmth of the sun in the valley fueled our walk around town square. Sunday morning was quiet and window shopping teased with delight.

The Russian River Rose Co. provided beauty and calm as we lallygagged through the rose gardens nestled among the vineyards. Inspired by nature, we decided it was time to start drinking wine.

The first tasting of the day was Sonoma Cutrer. Martinelli was next. It was a fabulous afternoon under the sun sipping wine, in beautifully curated surroundings, topped off with a picnic lunch.

A respite at the condo refreshed us before another round of decadence. Willi's Wine Bar in Santa Rosa lived up to its hype for dinner. The roasted bone marrow did not disappoint.

Sunday, May 28, 2017

Marin to Sonoma

The fog was covering Mt. Tam as we walked in the brisk morning air to Shoreline Coffee Shop in Mill Valley. Bikers, joggers and pooches coveted the path on a busy holiday weekend. After a satisfying breakfast we rented bikes from a shop in Sausalito and attempted to ride to Kentfield. "Attempted" is the operative word here. Too much dilly-dallying and sightseeing messed up our timing.

We were able to get another hug from Julie and a half-dozen eggs from her backyard chickens before heading to SFO to pick up Candy and Ray. The Bay Area traffic was heavy, which made for a long ride up to Windsor.

Forty pounds of luggage fit comfortably on my side of the room. With jet lag nagging all of us, we opted for a quick dinner at KC's American in the sweet little town. Our first bottle of wine of many, no doubt, was celebrated over lively conversation. Oliver's Market offered a fun night cap of grocery shopping adventure before crashing into our comfy beds.

Saturday, May 27, 2017

Kentfield CA

It is still such a thrill to get upgraded by the airlines. Such was the case in route to SFO via HOU. The first leg of the journey to wine country was a roomy delight.

Julie and the girls welcomed us into their world with a loving and tender night in Marin County. Over rosé and appys we caught up while playing with toys and chickens in the cool Cali air of the backyard. Julie was creating a paella on the grill.

We picked lettuce from the garden and put together a salad and Cabernet to go with Julie's scrumptious concoction.

Years between family visits get shorter over a pleasant evening of togetherness.