Napa Day #5 - More wine!

 I'm technically writing this the next morning, but let's pretend I stuck to my schedule and I wrote this when I got home last night..... 

Today was the last two vineyards, and another local thrift store. I've gotten mixed answers when I ask exactly how many vineyards there are in Napa (apparently there's debate between tasting rooms that make their grapes elsewhere, and proper vineyards here). Best answer is somewhere between 350 - 500 opportunities to try different types of wine. My long-winded way of saying that if you like wine, there's plenty to keep you occupied! 

First one was Frank Family Vineyard. This one was recommended by several people, including my neighbors and my boss at work. It's owned by a former Disney CEO and his wife, a 20-year San Francisco TV anchor. I got there a few minutes late, only to discover the reservation I thought I had, didn't exist. They couldn't find it in their system, I couldn't find it in my bank records, either. However, they were kind enough to work me in, and even gave me a free tasting! That's about a $50 savings right there. Very good wine, and I bought a bottle of their brut rose since they didn't charge (I would have ordered it when I got home, anyway). 

Next up, Trefethen Vineyards. Funny story with this one.....many months ago I purchased one of their tea towels at Goodwill. Thought it was cool that it was from Napa. When I started planning my trip, it was a no-brainer to include this winery. Had to find out about the place the towel came from! :) Good wine, and an absolutely beautiful vineyard. You'll see some pictures below. It was the CA version of Tara (or Queens Rd West) driving up to the tasting room. 

One deep thought about this trip. The concept of "normal" is fascinating to me. It's one of the reasons I love travel - everywhere I go has a different concept of normal. Here you wake up with beautiful mountains as your backdrop and wineries at your backdoor. It's a fascinating mix of the tourists and the locals. You can walk almost everywhere if you're in the city of Napa, and can find houses, apartments and stores all in the same block (Are you listening to that one, CLT? I mean, really.)  It's my long-winded way of saying travel actually keeps me grounded. You learn very quickly your way is not the only way. Plenty other methods of existence...... 

......and now, pictures! 

From Frank Family Vineyard - being a Disney CEO can get you some fun stuff. 

More Disney memorabilia

These bottles were the length of my arm. Can you imagine the party you'd have to have to serve these? 

Me! 

Sign at Trefethen. One of the main differences I see here. The tasting rooms are beautiful, but there don't really seem to be places to bring a meal and enjoy a glass of their wine. To be fair though, they get a lot more people - could easily get overrun with crowds. 

The hostess showed me a map of their property and what was planted where. First - the straight lines! Next, it amazes me how carefully everything is planned out. 

One of the shots of the drive to the tasting room

The tasting menu. Each place was really great though - if you didn't want to try a specific one, they were quick to offer other suggestions. I got an additional white and red to try. 

When I talk about the view.....

One of the cool things about many of the vineyards was the addition of vegetable gardens. Many places were starting to combine fancier food and meal pairings with their wine tasting offerings. Trefethen was just starting to do this, but in the meantime all employees could take whatever they wanted from the garden. A cool benefit! 

Another pic of the drive to the tasting room - Trefethen

The tasting room at Trefethen was a older residence. The hostess said the family doesn't live here anymore, but will often come up after hours to use the pool....  :) 

I had never seen this. If you enlarge the pic, you'll see a spiral staircase at the bottom, and a birdcage on the top. A birdcage, for people?