Napa 2011

We rounded out our summer of travel with a kid-free trip to Napa, CA with Brandon and Suzie, Scott and Amy, and Ben (minus Katie who had a work conflict, missed you!).  I’d been dreaming of this trip since probably our Honeymoon.  I did not expect to be pregnant while I was there but I still had a fabulous time!

We arrived late on Wednesday night and met up with the rest of the crew in San Francisco where we stayed the night.  Thursday morning we headed north to Napa, making a pit stop at the Muirwoods.

Then we arrived in Napa and settled into our amazing house before heading out to a few wineries. 

Merryvale

Del Dotto Cave Tour

We also made a stop at Cosentino then picked up dinner at Mustards and took it home to eat on our amazing patio

We started day 2 in style for our Limo Tour.

Stag’s Leap, winner of the Red’s competition at the famous 1976 Judgment of Paris

Lunch at V. Sattui

Duckhorn Vineyards was one of our favorites, mainly for the feel… it was a beautiful building and we had a nice big table to enjoy our time.

We also saw the awesemeness (I know it’s not a word) of Wine Away when a glass of red spilled on someone’s clothes.

Then on to Chateau Montelena, winner of the Whites at the Judgment of Paris and stage of the movie Bottle Shock. 

And ending the day at Elizabeth Spencer, definitely at the top of the list for both the wines and the atmosphere.  We will definitely go back here on a future trip!

That night we cooked out at home and enjoyed a major feast thanks to chef Ben. I could get used to eating with these views

Day 3 was more of the same but a little more laid back.  Ben started the boys off with a morning cocktail and then we made the 1/4 mile drive down from our house to Robert Biale for our first stop of the day.

Biale was also at the top of our list.  Very laid back, good wine (they make Zins which are one of our favs).  We decided to join this wine club so I’m excited to have it delivered to my door once I can drink again!  Our tasting guide was awesome, sat with us on the back porch, told us the history and then stole my camera and took some awesome pictures for us!

Next stop was Cakebread, which is know for having more white wines (most Napa wineries are mostly red).  We were underwhelmed by the wine and the atmosphere.  It was the only place we went that not one of us bought something.

Next up was Peju. 

And finally Turnbull before we headed home to enjoy our backyard in the sunlight!

The boys had been dying to play some bocce ball so a tournament ensued.  In the end, Brandon won after some very close and exciting matches :)

Ryan’s *almost* (but not) touching throw!

Amy and Suz got in on the action too and lookie-there, Amy got a toucher!

This is the life!

That night, we got all dolled up to head to dinner at Brix.  I used the timer on the camera to get a group shot

Then Ben took the camera and obviously something was funny!

The boys

The girls

Sure wouldn’t complain if this was my backyard.

Delicious Dinner at Brix.

We left early the next morning to head to the airport and get home to our baby.  It was  fantastic vacation with awesome friends.  Looking forward to the next time!