Come to me sleep

It's after 11:00 pm and I have to be up by 4:00, and out of the house by 4:30. Fanfreakintastic. I might as well not sleep.

To think I was doing inventory at 9:00 this morning (that was relaxing). I don't know the last time I hurt so badly.

But enough complaining.

Blue skies are ahead. Not to mention a golden coast.

Real live vineyards. This is what I've been dreaming of for the past decade. This is happening tomorrow, if I can make it through tonight.

The Prelude...

After quite a hiatus I have returned. I plan on writing quite a bit in the next week, so be prepared. Cali here I come!!!

With years in the food and wine industry you would think that I would have been to wine country at least once- Negative.

The time has finally come. When my plane takes off at the gruesome hour of 5:30 am (which means I have to be up at 4:))!!!) on Monday morning I begin my adventure. San Francisco, Napa Valley and Sonoma beware.

My journey starts in San Fran with plans to visit Chinatown, Japantown, Haight-Ashbury, The Fisherman's Wharf then over the Golden Gate followed by a quick stop by the Muir Woods. 


Enter Napa.


The first two nights we're staying with winemaking friends Bruce Devlin (Ballentine Vineyards) and Dani Cyrot (St. Clement) with plans of a life changing dining experience at Ubuntu. 



Tuesday takes us to Sonoma to Tom Meadowcroft's tasting room, Roots in Sonoma. Then to Glen Ellen where the BR Cohn winery resides. We will end our day in Santa Rosa at the acclaimed Lioco winery.

Wednesday starts off with a tour by the man himself, George Hendry, at Hendry Ranch Winery and hopefully lunch out of partner Susan Ridley's garden. That afternoon we head to the famed Stag's Leap District and the family owned and operated Steltzner Vineyards. That evening we will be attending Cheers! To Taste @ Jarvis Winery.

I cannot think of anything better than waking up to incredible bubbles, especially the stars that will be poured into my glass at Schramsberg Vineyards. Thursday is going to be a good day. This journey includes a tour of their massive caves and a look at master riddler, Ramon Viera doing what he does like no other. This day will continue with a trip back to Sonoma to visit with genius Merry Edwards.

Friday, oh Friday... Promptly at 11:32 we will be pulling up to the Robert Keenan Winery where owner and winemaker Michael Keenan will be wrestling some fine grub onto the grill, hopefully accompanying a bottle of his Mernet! In the evening we will be commencing  to downtown for Cheers! St Helena, a huge wine event on the first Friday of every month.

As of now Saturday is open, and we unfortunately must bid adieu on Sunday.

Did I mention Wednesday through Saturday where we will be staying? In the vineyard house nestled in the 94+ point Cabernet vines of Anderson's Conn Valley!!!

One of these days we will also be attending Ballentine Vineyards and Anderson's Conn Valley. There will be plenty dining experiences to speak of and many more wine adventures to come. 

This will truly be a phenomenal experience. I hope you enjoy what I will have to share. Cheers!