#Daily Wine Tour in Sonoma

[winelimos]

Take A Daily Wine Tour Experience to See Napa's Greatest

Experience the world-famous beauty and extraordinary wine culture of Napa Valley by embarking on a daily wine tour to witness the best of Napa. Discovering this famous area, where charming vines crisscross undulating hillsides and the wonderful scent of grapes ripening in the California sun fills the air, is a chance to be had every day. Our daily tours are carefully designed to highlight Napa's finest features, including its state-of-the-art wine production facilities and boutique vineyards as well as its historic wineries. You will taste a wide variety of fine wines at several of the best wineries, including beautiful Merlots, robust Cabernet Sauvignons, crisp Sauvignon Blancs, and delicate Pinot Noirs.

[platypuswinetour]

Valentine’s Wine Tour Ideas

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, you might consider a quick and fun escape that frees both of you from the daily grind and help to rekindle your relationship. To relax and enjoy, head to beautiful Napa Valley, which offers many world-class dining options, cozy hotels and spas, winetasting events, art presentations, live entertainment, and outdoor adventures, including safe, fun Napa Valley wine tours.

The choices of things to do are so vast that choosing what appeals most to you and your significant other is your greatest challenge.

Join a Napa Valley Tour

If you’ve never visited Napa Valley, one of your first and most lasting impressions will be the incomparable scenery. Glorious vineyards, delightful communities, and over 400 beautiful wineries are framed by a dramatic mountainous backdrop to the east and west.

The best and safest way to view all Napa Valley offers is with a professionally curated and hosted California wine country tour with Platypus Wine Tours of Napa.

Travel safely from one location to the next, enjoying the exceptional landscape and architecture throughout the region. And the bonus is that you will taste some of the most delicious handcrafted wines and food accompaniments from Napa Valley vintners without worrying about driving and parking, making reservations, and trying to find your way from place to place.

During the Napa valley wine tour, you and your partner can sit back and enjoy the ride worry-free while listening to the anecdotes and information provided by your engaging tour guide, all while admiring the incredible landscape.

And, during your Napa Valley wine tours, you may spot some of the most beautiful wineries and estates anywhere, as rated by the Visit Napa Valley website.

Here is a sampling of some of the most scenic wineries to look for as you visit or pass by during your California wine country tours with Platypus Wine Tours:

Artesa Vineyard and Winery

Near the southern end of Napa Valley, guests of Artesa Vineyard and Winery can wander through parts of this 350-acre Carneros estate adorned with artwork and fountains. Move to the terrace and enjoy the fantastic view while sipping a glass of Artesa Winery’s outstanding wine.

Joseph Phelps Winery, St. Helena

Near the north-central community of St. Helena is the beautiful Joseph Phelps winery, a 13th Century-style offering guided tours of the castle & tastings of Italian-inspired wines. This remarkable setting, a stop on many Napa wine tours, featuring an exterior redwood design with six private tasting areas, offers stunning vineyard and Valley views.  

Castello di Amorosa, Calistoga

Situated near Napa Valley’s northernmost community, Calistoga, the Castello di Amorosa Winery features a 136,000-square-foot, 107-room Tuscan castle. Most rooms are used for winemaking and storage, while the Great Hall offers a 500-year-old fireplace and Tuscan-replica frescos.

Wander through the castle to see the dungeon, drawbridge, torture chamber, and medieval-style church. The Castello is a must-see during your California wine country tours.

Reserve Your Place for a Private or Join-In Platypus Wine Tours

The professionals at Platypus Wine Tours have researched and selected many of the most delightful wine country tour destinations in Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Guests can sit back, relax, and enjoy the views and insightful commentary from the Platypus tour host. Along the way, you will visit some of the most unique California wine country tour destinations, where you will taste the handcrafted wines and learn more about what makes each winery unique.

Platypus Wine Tours is the premier California wine country tours company, offering a wide range of predetermined and custom wine tours of napa valley and Sonoma County. Learn more by visiting the company website. Or you may phone Platypus at (707)-253-2723 for more information or to arrange your private or group Napa wine tours.

Make Napa Valley your preferred destination for this Valentine’s Day, and escape to and enjoy the magnificent atmosphere of California wine country.

[floridafoodandwinejournal]

Weekend Getaway: Woodinville

What a great town Woodinville is. About a 30 minute drive north of Seattle, Washington. You can even stay in Seattle try the Sheraton Four Points Seatac for a bargain, and make a daily trek to Woodinville. Woodinville offers an abundance of tasting rooms saving you the trip to Walla Walla. I will say that we did drive to Walla Walla on a former trip and it was some of the most stunning American landscape views we have ever seen. The vista views blow away Napa’s and Sonoma’s all day long. A stay at the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel is a must in Walla Walla. Plus the hotels restaurant offers a five star meal at a modest price not to be missed. Arrived Seatac late. Went straight to 13 Coins Restaurant, Seatac location. Amazing! An old school joint cooking up huge portions of everything! Sit at the huge bar seats for the real experience. Love this place! Off to sleep. DAY ONE-A mid day wine tasting break took us to eat at Vivi Pizzeria. Serving pizza that tastes nothing like NYC pizza. More wine tasting and dinner at the Russel Lowell Restaurant. A Woodinville landmark. Rustic and friendly environment. Limited menu. But the casserole was excellent. lamb chops, lamb saddle, sausage, beef, beans and vegetables slowly cooked for hours. A real hunters stew that matched the decor. DAY TWO- off to taste more wine! Lunch at the Hollywood Tavern provided a juicy burger that satisfied our hunger. Next to the Tavern is the local Woodinville Whisky Distillery. A wonderful free tour and you can buy their delicious spirits and maple syrup for a discount at the end of the tour. Dinner at Woodblock in Redmond. A newer local hip eatery. Try the gnocchi. DAY THREE- wine tasting. Lunch at Amato Catering. The flat breads are very flat. Try a sandwich instead. Dinner at Wally’s Seafood near Seatac Airport. Huge portions, I mean huge, of seafood dishes. Truly an experience. Wine tasting mention: Ask for Bob at Eye of the Needle. Try his wine. Interesting blends that will make you want to bring some home to share with your friends. 

[rabbitcruiser]

Cline Cellars Winery (No. 2)

Cline Cellars is best known for production of their "ancient vines" wines out of Contra Costa County. The head winemaker is Tom Gendall, who joined the operation in 2017. The Cline's historic Oakley vineyards are planted with Mourvèdre, Carignane, Grenache, Palomino and Zinfandel. The vines range in age from 80-120 years old. Approximately 42 acres of Carignane and Zinfandel vines were planted in 1906 and 1925, and 14 acres of Mourvèdre vines date back to 1920. The sand soil of Contra Costa County is naturally resistant to phylloxera. The vineyards in Contra Costa County are all on their original rootstock, and the vine-eating aphid never affected newer plantings.

The winery is dedicated to sustainability and their farming processes reflect this dedication. Cline Cellars is Certified California Sustainable in the vineyard and in the winery as well as Sonoma County Certified Sustainable. It became the second largest winery in California that is completely solar powered when it installed 34,625 square feet of solar panels. Cline calls his farming practices Green String certified for his use of natural cover crops to nourish soils, practice of using sheep to eliminate weeds in the vineyards, and use of compost teas for fertilizer instead of petroleum based equivalents.

The tasting room is located in a rustic 1850s farmhouse that is original to the property and is surrounded by six spring-fed ponds and thousands of rose bushes. The winery is open to the public daily for touring and tasting and a wine club is offered to interested parties.

To celebrate the site's history and connection to the Sonoma Mission, Nancy Cline opened the California Missions Museum on the property in 2005. The museum was built to house a full set of California Mission models that were constructed by a team of German cabinetmakers for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition. In 1998, the Cline family saved the California Mission models from being auctioned off individually and built the museum for their display. The museum also features a life-sized figure of Father Junipero Serra, mission paintings by Robert Morris and Henry Nelson, and two stained-glass panels originally housed in San Francisco's Mission Dolores prior to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The museum is open to the public daily and admission is free of charge.

Source: Wikipedia

[ultra-maha-us]

Buy Wine Online-The Top Twenty Causes That Will Save yourself You Time And Money

Only envision how many things you can now do online that there is a constant thought possible only five years ago. In this brave new online world, there's no section of living that is not accessible with a mouse press - and now you can include buying wine on that list.

Selecting and buying wine has historically been as much of an art as a research, often requiring considerable research and significantly testing (not that tasting many wines is not a win-win proposition). Frequently, the most effective way of trying new wines should be to travel to your closest liquor store and pay attention to the salesman's recommendations - mainly those of wines that only happened to be in stock. As soon as you resolved on a few wines you regarded your favorites, you wouldn't know if they would be around unless you returned to the store and looked on the shelf.

Today, times are changing. With top speed broadband and color exhibits, looking for wine is a easy and gratifying adventure. The web wine searching knowledge is rapid, efficient and price effective. Listed below are five factors why.

o Find out about wine - nothing is easier than sitting on your own sofa in the home and searching the net to master about reviews, wine varietals, wine pairings with food, and what wine extras you need.

o Research wineries - oahu is the next best issue to taking that wine visit of Napa, Sonoma or everywhere in the spirits world, and it charges a lot less.

o Broad collection - it's no exaggeration to say that every wine out of every winery is found at online wine retailers.

o Contemplate what others claim - from professional wine tasters, to wine connoisseurs, to the daily consumer like you and me, it's simple to find out what others think about the wine you're seeking to buy.

o Take advantage of wonderful prices - the Internet is a huge super store, providing the most truly effective in competitive prices.

o Delivered to your home - why purchase gasoline or waste time touring when you are able come house to find your newest wine choices on your own front porch, and often, with free shipping.

o Find out about wine coolers, wine cups, wine shelves, more - it's not only about picking a wine - check out how to improve your wine consuming knowledge by learning about and searching for several wine accessories.

o Make wine an ideal gift collection - no more worry about needing to discovering more and more fantastic gift suggestions for people - just send a wine gift basket or enroll them in a wine club - a distinctive thought they'll continue to enjoy.

o Modify your wine collection and presents - obtain customized wine or wine labels custom designed by you along with your special message.

o Enjoy great books on wine - maybe your eyes have grown exhausted from your own laptop screen, therefore do some research off-line by purchasing one of many wine books accessible online.

But of course, the Number One purpose to buy wine online might just be as it saves time - why waste time fretting about making the proper wine choices when you are able spend your own time enjoying the most effective wines.

[enterdavao-blog]

Booking Cheap Vacation and Business Vehicle Rental in Advance

Booking Cheap Vacation and Business Vehicle Rental in Advance – – Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind – Travel & tourism provide you with the opportunity to relax our minds in the routinely boring activities of daily life – We get lots of things to choose while traveling including swimming, beaches and the seashore, tasty restaurants, galleries, art museum and infinite other attractions, time will you need to off – As you proceed to manchester international in a taxi using cheap taxi services, you’ll be questioning yourself why you didn’t believe much late – Private car hire let you love your trip without any hassle – You don’t have to bother about the traffic, roads and directions – The chauffeur driven cars present you with much relaxation Flexible Solutions by Car Rental Companies – Our team is very focused on gathering and outside your expectations – We recommend the best possible assortment of taxi and yellow cabs in Sunnyvale – We offer transportation to get a huge variety of events – Whatever transportation needs you might have, there exists a tailored prefer to work with your schedule – Taxi Sunnyvale Cab picks you up at your house and goes to the destination inside region for shopping, sightseeing, to go to friends or holiday/picnic spots and returning to home – You can hire yellow taxi Sunnyvale cab for one-way, for specific time or for entire day – Our service offer you special packages for your special occasions like wedding, prom, particular date out and about, bar hopping, San Francisco City tour, wine tour to Napa or Sonoma Valley or Gilroy, Santa Cruse, Hollister or Carmel Valley – Our chauffeurs are proud of providing exceptional want to our clients – No matter what you charter us for, you will receive our best service – And, we are going to we do everything possible to make sure every detail Wedding Cars in Cumbria – Agra, the next destination of golden triangle tour packages is famous all over the globe for its unique monument named Taj Mahal which is worldly known as the symbol of love – Agra is found for the banks of sacred river Yamuna – On this river the three famous monuments are found named as Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itimad-Ud-Daulla – Distance between Taj to Fort 2 – Taj Mahal is among the Seven Wonders of the World, built by the great mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, in 1631 – Taj Mahal consists of pure white marble in characteristic architecture – Shopping handicrafts is famous in Agra When looking to the most effective value car rentals, then always consider an agency that may give you a car with all the satisfaction. Hire a vehicle from a well-reputed company that has a 24/7 active support and service availability. The other important point while renting a vehicle is always to consider your own requirements. Like in case you are going with your family, then a large spacious vehicle is necessary, if you have a bit baby with you, then hire a car furnished with child seats and several other needs. Read Also – No Compromise on Travel Mobility With Cheap Car Hire Thailand enterdavao.com – The PBR Troy Dunn Invitational is the one other popular event, that has been held on 16th of November at Townsville. This event showcased the top bulls from nationally, and also featured the earth’s most widely used riders, who came together to exhibit the very best caliber of competition. With state of the art lighting, fireworks and laser display, this featured on cutting-edge and rock concert style production. They are a number of other popular events which can be lined up inside the coming months.

#EnterDavao, #CarRental

[velmaemyers88]

This Street Is the Perfect Place to Soak Up the Spirit of San Juan

On Puerto Rico’s north shore, Old San Juan isknown for its romantic charm, with historic cobblestoned streets,sorbet-colored buildings, and an ever-present easygoing vibe. But it’s also themost popular destination for cruise ships to disembark.

To dive a little deeper into the island’s art and culture, head east to Santurce. The slightly less glossy barrio has gone through a revitalization in the past few years—one that can be experienced firsthand on Calle Loiza.

On this stretch of road between the more polished Condado and Isla Verde neighborhoods, find a former fashion editor selling colorful straw bags, espresso con leche made with locally grown beans, tropical fruit juice cocktails, fried local plantains, and a vibrant scene that’s unlike anything else on you’ll find on the Caribbean island.

Condado Lagoon in San Juan. Courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico

A Shopper’s Paradise

Len.T.Juela has been a Loiza Street mainstaysince 2012 for good reason. The mix of vintage and new clothing includes plentyof inclusive sizes, while bright hair accessories, bags, and shades will add anextra dose of cool to whatever you’re wearing.

Sisters Monica and Nicole own Moni & Coli, which offers a well-curated collection of clothing and accessories—jumpsuits, sundresses, and standout statement jewelry—all priced for stocking up. Former Allure fashion editor Tanamá Besosa Castillo moved back home to Puerto Rico after stints in New York and Paris to open T Playa, inspired by her love of the ocean. Perusing the narrow shop feels like a romp through your chicest friend’s walk-in closet—walls are lined with racks of gauzy caftans, chunky charm necklaces dangling with seashells, and an unparalleled collection of new and vintage straw bags and hats. Complete your beach look with a new swimsuit from Nude, where you’ll find racks of on-trend one-pieces and bikinis.

Just off Loiza, Luca on Calle Taft is known for cool, minimalistic jewelry, sandals, and wardrobe staples, while Love Is You and Me on Calle del Parque stocks delicate lingerie and responsibly made beauty products.

A Foodie’s Paradise

Start your day with brunch at Sabrina, run by chef Mario Ormaza, who was trained by Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Inspired by the Audrey Hepburn film, the sunny see-and-be-seen bistro is decked out in fern-patterned banquets, vivid tropical wall coverings, and a pink neon sign—the perfect ambiance to snack on a plate of fried local plantains and sip colorful cocktails like the Painkiller, mixed with rum and house-made coconut cream, or a mimosa, with a choice of tamarind or passion fruit juice. Also owned by Ormaza, who grew up in the neighborhood and is credited with contributing to its transformation, Café Tresbé serves burgers and fish tacos out of a bright yellow shipping container.

Sabrina Restaurant in San Juan. Courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico

There’s plenty of al fresco seating on the leafy patio, and before leaving, stop into Café Con Ce. Order a café con leche, and pick up a bag of local beans at a fraction of the cost of the same bag at the airport gift shop. (Ask the friendly staff to grind them for you.)

Herbivores will love Tostado for the cafe’s local-veggie salads, vegan coconut pumpkin pancakes, made-from-scratch bread, and seasonal, fresh-squeezed juices like mango kale orange and passion fruit.

At Acapulco, margaritas and Mexican street tacos are the draw, with made-from-scratch corn tortillas and meat cut to order from the trompo, or vertical skewer of pork topped with pineapple. Nearby Bocca Osteria is run by the same family and gives the same level of care to classic Roman dishes like Amatriciana and carbonara, using homemade pasta.

Newlyrelocated ice cream shop Funkyberry is known for flavors—see: guavacookie crunch, watermelon, and traditional Rocky Road—all made in small batchesusing tropical fruit and homemade mix-ins like marshmallows and peanut buttercups. If baked goods are more your speed, stop into Double Cake bakery for coconut cupcakes,guava brioche, and sweet pan de Mallorca. 

A Night Owl’s Paradise

During the day, it’s a classic barbershop, but at night El Bar Bero transforms into one of the area’s most creative bars, with old-school barbershop chairs and playfully named cocktails like the Lavender Fade or El Mullet.

Head to Piso Viejo for the lively entertainment, which varies depending on the night, but might feature live hip-hop, salsa dancing, or comedy.

El Tap has 46 taps of beer and wine, with nearly half dedicated to showcasing the newly expanded local craft beer scene. Order a flight and ask the knowledgeable staff for recommendations.

An Artist’s Paradise

Public art thrives in Santurce. Stroll down CalleLoiza for a self-guided tour of works by local artists, including vivid muralsand mosaics that wrap around buildings, mailboxes, and water towers. The yearlySanturceEs Ley festival—held in the fall—features live music, culturalprogramming, and a walking tour that more formally spotlights theneighborhood’s street art.

Santurce Es Ley in Puerto Rico. Courtesy of Discover Puerto

Before leaving the neighborhood, check out Libros Libres on nearby Avenida Juan Ponce de León to peruse the stacks of free books at this outdoor library run by volunteers. Leave your beach read and grab something new for the flight home. 

More must-read stories from Fortune:

—How new Nashville hotels are bucking the Airbnb trend

—This island in Washington State will make you feel like a multi-millionaire

—Why you should visit southern India on your next vacation

—This Australian paradise combines everything you love about Sonoma and the Hamptons

—Listen to our new audio briefing, Fortune 500 Daily

Follow Fortune on Flipboard to stay up-to-date on the latest news and analysis.

Credit: Source link

The post This Street Is the Perfect Place to Soak Up the Spirit of San Juan appeared first on WeeklyReviewer.

from WeeklyReviewer https://weeklyreviewer.com/this-street-is-the-perfect-place-to-soak-up-the-spirit-of-san-juan/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=this-street-is-the-perfect-place-to-soak-up-the-spirit-of-san-juan from WeeklyReviewer https://weeklyreviewer.tumblr.com/post/186437987842

[weeklyreviewer]

This Street Is the Perfect Place to Soak Up the Spirit of San Juan

On Puerto Rico’s north shore, Old San Juan isknown for its romantic charm, with historic cobblestoned streets,sorbet-colored buildings, and an ever-present easygoing vibe. But it’s also themost popular destination for cruise ships to disembark.

To dive a little deeper into the island’s art and culture, head east to Santurce. The slightly less glossy barrio has gone through a revitalization in the past few years—one that can be experienced firsthand on Calle Loiza.

On this stretch of road between the more polished Condado and Isla Verde neighborhoods, find a former fashion editor selling colorful straw bags, espresso con leche made with locally grown beans, tropical fruit juice cocktails, fried local plantains, and a vibrant scene that’s unlike anything else on you’ll find on the Caribbean island.

Condado Lagoon in San Juan. Courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico

A Shopper’s Paradise

Len.T.Juela has been a Loiza Street mainstaysince 2012 for good reason. The mix of vintage and new clothing includes plentyof inclusive sizes, while bright hair accessories, bags, and shades will add anextra dose of cool to whatever you’re wearing.

Sisters Monica and Nicole own Moni & Coli, which offers a well-curated collection of clothing and accessories—jumpsuits, sundresses, and standout statement jewelry—all priced for stocking up. Former Allure fashion editor Tanamá Besosa Castillo moved back home to Puerto Rico after stints in New York and Paris to open T Playa, inspired by her love of the ocean. Perusing the narrow shop feels like a romp through your chicest friend’s walk-in closet—walls are lined with racks of gauzy caftans, chunky charm necklaces dangling with seashells, and an unparalleled collection of new and vintage straw bags and hats. Complete your beach look with a new swimsuit from Nude, where you’ll find racks of on-trend one-pieces and bikinis.

Just off Loiza, Luca on Calle Taft is known for cool, minimalistic jewelry, sandals, and wardrobe staples, while Love Is You and Me on Calle del Parque stocks delicate lingerie and responsibly made beauty products.

A Foodie’s Paradise

Start your day with brunch at Sabrina, run by chef Mario Ormaza, who was trained by Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Inspired by the Audrey Hepburn film, the sunny see-and-be-seen bistro is decked out in fern-patterned banquets, vivid tropical wall coverings, and a pink neon sign—the perfect ambiance to snack on a plate of fried local plantains and sip colorful cocktails like the Painkiller, mixed with rum and house-made coconut cream, or a mimosa, with a choice of tamarind or passion fruit juice. Also owned by Ormaza, who grew up in the neighborhood and is credited with contributing to its transformation, Café Tresbé serves burgers and fish tacos out of a bright yellow shipping container.

Sabrina Restaurant in San Juan. Courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico

There’s plenty of al fresco seating on the leafy patio, and before leaving, stop into Café Con Ce. Order a café con leche, and pick up a bag of local beans at a fraction of the cost of the same bag at the airport gift shop. (Ask the friendly staff to grind them for you.)

Herbivores will love Tostado for the cafe’s local-veggie salads, vegan coconut pumpkin pancakes, made-from-scratch bread, and seasonal, fresh-squeezed juices like mango kale orange and passion fruit.

At Acapulco, margaritas and Mexican street tacos are the draw, with made-from-scratch corn tortillas and meat cut to order from the trompo, or vertical skewer of pork topped with pineapple. Nearby Bocca Osteria is run by the same family and gives the same level of care to classic Roman dishes like Amatriciana and carbonara, using homemade pasta.

Newlyrelocated ice cream shop Funkyberry is known for flavors—see: guavacookie crunch, watermelon, and traditional Rocky Road—all made in small batchesusing tropical fruit and homemade mix-ins like marshmallows and peanut buttercups. If baked goods are more your speed, stop into Double Cake bakery for coconut cupcakes,guava brioche, and sweet pan de Mallorca. 

A Night Owl’s Paradise

During the day, it’s a classic barbershop, but at night El Bar Bero transforms into one of the area’s most creative bars, with old-school barbershop chairs and playfully named cocktails like the Lavender Fade or El Mullet.

Head to Piso Viejo for the lively entertainment, which varies depending on the night, but might feature live hip-hop, salsa dancing, or comedy.

El Tap has 46 taps of beer and wine, with nearly half dedicated to showcasing the newly expanded local craft beer scene. Order a flight and ask the knowledgeable staff for recommendations.

An Artist’s Paradise

Public art thrives in Santurce. Stroll down CalleLoiza for a self-guided tour of works by local artists, including vivid muralsand mosaics that wrap around buildings, mailboxes, and water towers. The yearlySanturceEs Ley festival—held in the fall—features live music, culturalprogramming, and a walking tour that more formally spotlights theneighborhood’s street art.

Santurce Es Ley in Puerto Rico. Courtesy of Discover Puerto

Before leaving the neighborhood, check out Libros Libres on nearby Avenida Juan Ponce de León to peruse the stacks of free books at this outdoor library run by volunteers. Leave your beach read and grab something new for the flight home. 

More must-read stories from Fortune:

—How new Nashville hotels are bucking the Airbnb trend

—This island in Washington State will make you feel like a multi-millionaire

—Why you should visit southern India on your next vacation

—This Australian paradise combines everything you love about Sonoma and the Hamptons

—Listen to our new audio briefing, Fortune 500 Daily

Follow Fortune on Flipboard to stay up-to-date on the latest news and analysis.

Credit: Source link

The post This Street Is the Perfect Place to Soak Up the Spirit of San Juan appeared first on WeeklyReviewer.

from WeeklyReviewer https://weeklyreviewer.com/this-street-is-the-perfect-place-to-soak-up-the-spirit-of-san-juan/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=this-street-is-the-perfect-place-to-soak-up-the-spirit-of-san-juan

[toldnews-blog]

New Post has been published on https://toldnews.com/travel/36-hours-36-hours-in-mendocino-county/

36 Hours: 36 Hours in Mendocino County

Ninety miles north of San Francisco, Mendocino County is just far enough away to have narrowly escaped the Bay Area’s radical transformation during the tech boom years. In contrast to other formerly quiet Northern California backwaters, Mendocino maintains its rural identity and eccentricities, including its longstanding status as one of the country’s major marijuana-producing regions. Where there is big news, it’s largely culinary. The 30-year-old chef at Elk’s Harbor House Inn was recently named a James Beard award semifinalist for Best Chef in the West. Besides the Harbor House’s eight- to 12-course, $150 per person prix fixe dinners, there are cheesemakers, upstart breweries, exceptional farm stands — notably Fort Bragg’s Nye Ranch and Caspar’s Fortunate Farm — and farm-inspired restaurants, like the long-awaited, soon-to-open Fog Eater Cafe, which began as a farm pop-up, and will serve “California cuisine with a Southern twang.” After years of population stagnation, young people are moving in, or coming home, and committing themselves to Mendocino’s fertile soil and sea. It’s a second wave back-to-the-land movement and a welcome reprieve from the Bay Area’s buzz.

Friday

1) 3:30 p.m. Tall trees

Take Highway 128 through the Anderson Valley, to Hendy Woods State Park, where you can stretch your legs beneath the awe-inspiring giant redwoods or take a dip in the Navarro River. Then, backtrack to Boonville’s Pennyroyal Farm, the sister farmstead to one of Mendocino’s most beloved wineries, Navarro Vineyards. Sample rich goat and sheep milk cheeses, fresh and aged, exceptional pinot noir, and farm-made pickles and preserves. Sit out back, beside a gurgling fountain, and watch sheep meander beneath the vines. In the spring, a farm tour (11 a.m. daily) offers the overwhelming cuteness of nursing lambs and kids.

2) 6 p.m. Supper stop

For dinner, reserve a table at the Boonville Hotel, a former roadhouse that’s now a beautiful, family-owned inn with a wide porch, flickering fireplaces when the weather’s cool, and a seductive patio garden for outdoor dining during the warm months. The restaurant’s new chef, Perry Hoffman, is from Sonoma’s James Beard award-winning SHED and, before that, Napa’s Michelin-starred Étoile. Here, his prix-fixe menus (starting at $58) include lively dishes and unexpected flavor combinations. Imagine mussels with charred cabbage, grapefruit, fennel and seaweed or a whole stuffed quail with artichokes, shiitake mushrooms, bolting kale and brown rice vinegar.

3) 9 p.m. Change is brewing

After winding through the redwoods and along the coast, head for the former logging town of Fort Bragg, for some small town night life. The 135-year-old Golden West is a dive bar that was bought in 2015 by a couple who grew up locally and returned after living in Los Angeles. The bar has maintained its vintage character (neon signs, shuffleboard and pool tables, faded black-and-white photos of logging scenes) while upgrading its extensive liquor cabinet and serving excellent cocktails, and has occasional but unexpectedly good live music, as well as a Sunday Bloody Mary bar. Or, for a family-friendly pub in a tucked-away location, seek out Mendocino’s newest brewery, Overtime Brewery, which teams with Nye Ranch in making its exotic seasonal beers, like the “Thistle Dew” artichoke ale or Nye Ranch Cucumber Batch. Take a couple of crowlers — a 32-ounce can filled from the tap and sealed on site — of your favorite beer to go.

Saturday

4) 8 a.m. Super bloom

Tucked into a strip mall, Cafe Jaavy — the younger sister of the longtime local favorite, Los Gallitos — has colorful oilcloth tablecloths, a salsa bar and a breakfast menu that includes savory Mexican breakfasts like chilaquiles (tortilla chips simmered in a flavorful, mildly spicy sauce, served with beans and eggs, $9.50) and standout huevos rancheros with chorizo ($9.50), plus sweeter offerings like banana and berry crepes ($8.99) and generous smoothies ($4.50) made with fresh fruit. The Tropical, with mango, apple, pineapple, melon, chili and lime is particularly tasty. Then, head for the 47-acre Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, where 124 species of rhododendrons put on a spectacular show in April and May.

5) 11 a.m. Sweet soak

Drive south to Mendocino village to walk its photogenic streets and gawk at the immaculately preserved Victorians. Pop into Frankie’s for a scoop of locally made Cowlick’s ice cream. Among the cafe’s 16 rotating flavors are chai, Campari grapefruit sorbet, yellow cake batter and mushroom. Then, take a restorative soak in Sweetwater Spa’s communal — and clothing optional — eight-person redwood tub, sweat in the cedarwood sauna, or indulge in a massage (starting at $110 for 50 minutes). There are also private tubs ($25 per hour), which are enclosed but open to the sky; if a starry soak is your thing, Sweetwater is open until 9 p.m.

6) 12:30 p.m. Pizza pit stop

Next door, Cafe Beaujolais’s weekend-only takeout window, the Brickery, serves pizza ($13) with big, perfectly charred air pockets and daring toppings, like Moroccan-spiced rabbit and garlicky New Haven-style white clam pizza. On sunny days, the backyard garden is idyllic for sharing a pie and savoring a glass of rosé or a craft cider.

7) 2 p.m. Glass for the masses

Fort Bragg’s signature attraction, a former town dump that was transformed by time into a beach of gleaming sea glass, has been badly picked over and is no longer the dazzling sight it once was. For a glimpse of its former glory, head to the odd little International Sea Glass Museum south of town, where Captain Cass sells bags of so-called Seed Glass ($4.95) to replenish the beach’s supply. Across Highway 1, the Glass Fire Gallery displays fantastic blown-glass creations in the form of jellyfish chandeliers and mushroom-shaped table lamps. While in the area, go for a stroll along the newly opened Noyo Headlands Coastal Trail. After more than a century of the headlands being occupied by a sprawling mill site, the town now has access to its coastal bluffs, where California poppies blaze orange in the spring, when it’s also possible to spot migrating whales spouting offshore.

8) 3:30 p.m. Local treasure

For a dose of Mendocino’s wonderful eccentricity, visit The Larry Spring Museum of Common Sense Physics, a tiny two-room storefront museum that celebrates the life and work of the local inventor, lay scientist and World War II transport pilot, Larry Spring. In the same small building, Lost Coast Found has a charming selection of vintage home goods: midcentury stereos, cheery 1970s-era coffee cups, along with used books, postcards and miscellanea.

9) 5:30 p.m. Fresh caught

Have an early, California-style dinner by the water in Noyo Harbor, where you have a difficult choice of dining options. For fresh, crispy fish and chips, bundle up and sit on the riverside deck at Sea Pal Cove, where dinner guests include sea gulls, there are $5 pints of high-end craft beer, and views of passing fishing — and, in season, whale-watching — boats. A few doors down, Princess Seafood Market & Deli is a woman-owned and -run fishing operation with its own boat and seafood restaurant. Princess serves reasonably priced, locally caught seafood, including whole Dungeness crab ($27.95), barbecued Royal Miyagi oysters ($12.95 for a half dozen, and a grilled prawn po boy ($15.95). During chilly coastal evenings, the deli’s tented seating area provides heat lamps and freshly laundered blankets. Then, pick up a Coast Packet and take a gamble on a local performance. One of the joys of small town cultural life is the unexpectedness of what’s available from week to week, whether it’s the wonderful independent Flynn Creek Circus or a riotous political play at the Mendocino Theatre Company.

Sunday

10) 9 a.m. The Greenwood Good Life

On your way through Mendocino, grab a takeout breakfast — an organic housemade bagel with lox and “all the veggies” ($12.50) or “market-inspired” quiche ($8) — at Mendocino’s Good Life Cafe. Sip your coffee to-go as you drive a breathtaking stretch of Highway 1 to the village of Elk, population 200. Tote your breakfast down to Greenwood State Beach to sit on a piece of driftwood, look out over the volatile Pacific and take a long breath of sea air. Then, visit Elk Greenwood Museum and Visitor Center — originally the town’s post office — to learn some Greenwood lore from the center’s knowledgeable docents.

11) 11 a.m. Wine Down

Take Philo-Greenwood Road back to Anderson Valley and taste your way out of town. The options can be overwhelming, but the redwood tasting room at Toulouse Vineyards and Winery is especially beautiful and its wines are excellent renditions of classic local varietals: Alsatian whites and pinot noirs. For three wineries in one Spanish-style plaza, stop at The Madrones complex, where Drew Family Cellars, Smith-Story Winery and the newly opened Long Meadow Ranch, which has estate-grown Burgundian varietals, share a plaza.

12) 12:30 p.m. History lesson

Cut east over Route 253 — a spectacular 16-mile drive across hilltops of moss-draped California live oaks — to Ukiah, Mendocino’s 16,000-person county seat. Dedicated to an extraordinary, but largely forgotten painter, the Grace Hudson Museum and Sun House displays Hudson’s striking and distinctly empathetic portraits of native peoples and immigrants, exhibits the work of local artists, and offers tours of Hudson’s Arts and Crafts home, which she called Sun House.

13) 2 p.m. Buddhist brunch

Head south to the City of 10,000 Buddhas, a former California State Mental Hospital that is now a Buddhist community and monastery. The campus’s distinctive arched entrance is undergoing renovation, but its roaming peacocks, evocative institutional architecture and Jyun Kang Vegetarian Restaurant, which serves tasty vegetarian dishes to a mostly local crowd, remain. Or hop down the 101 to Hopland, where Rock Seas serves an ever-changing menu that riffs on brunch classics — like coconut French Toast with star anise, coconut, brown sugar and mango ($12).

Lodging

In the last two years, two long-awaited new hotels have opened on the Mendocino coast. The Harbor House Inn, in Elk, is a 1916 redwood home which was originally built by the local logging company and designed to showcase the beauty of the region’s lumber. After an eight-year renovation, the inn reopened in May of 2018 with 10 rooms (starting at $355, breakfast included) and a destination restaurant.

[christinemcmdestinations]

Romantic Couple Getaway

Let CM Destinations plan a quiet, intimate vacation for you and your special someone in wine country. Relax in a resort, B&B or adorable Inn.

John and Suzanne were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary in Napa and Sonoma. They had visited the area previously and had seen the larger wineries with great reputations. This trip they wanted to focus on wineries they had never heard of, or the “Christopher Columbus” trip of discovery.

”Day 1: We drove up from the bay area and met our driver at the bed & breakfast. We dropped our bags off and the driver used our car, which saved us quite a bit of money. She was great! We tasted wines at two small wineries that took our breath away. One was owned, farmed and run by a one-woman team! She was a delight to sit with and learn about her seven different vineyards around the Napa region. The vineyards right in front of us were nearly ready for picking and we got to taste the fruit. We really felt like we made a friend in the valley and joined her wine club. She makes such small amounts of wine, we didn’t want to miss out on any new releases. The second winery gave us a barrel tasting of Cabernet Sauvignon from two vineyards very close to each other, but with very different soils. So cool! They also let us bring a boxed lunch, which we enjoyed on the patio with a view of Mt. Veeder. Later we went into downtown Napa to shop the boutiques and CM Destinations had set up a perfume blending class for us. It was amazing! We had a great dinner at a world-famous chef’s restaurant and retired to the B&B.  

Day 2: A balloon company picked us up at our B&B at 6 am and took us to our balloon. We sailed above Yountville and really enjoyed the sights. It was not scary at all, as I had expected. Watching the massive balloon being inflated and the landing were my favorite part. I would definitely do it again. Getting up early was absolutely worth it! Our driver picked up our car at the B&B and picked us up after our beautiful champagne brunch, so we could begin our day. We toured 3 wineries, one with a sit-down lunch with wine pairing and met a member of the winemaking team. Each winery had its own personality, great view and was so much fun. One of the wineries emphasized the farming of the vines. We learned about growing vines and winemaking from this salt-of-the-earth farmer.  The best part of the day was meeting a winemaker who only produces 600 cases a year and has such a passion for his biodynamic farming and winemaking practices. He was so charming and interesting that we asked him to dinner with us and he and his wife said yes! That was a special evening.

Day 3: We enjoyed a leisure jog through the vineyards and an incredible breakfast. Our driver arrived at 9:30 am and we headed to our first appointment in Sonoma. Our first winery of the day was with a gentleman who farms and makes wine with his father. The winemaking facility was in a modern barn that was just rustic enough to be fun, but still welcoming. The father was bringing in fruit from a Chardonnay vineyard and let us taste the fruit. What a treat! The Merlot and Cabernet were amazing! We then visited a gorgeous property with a gigantic winery dog and incredible Zinfandels. There was a catered lunch on the manicured lawn and great photos with the family logo pick-up truck. We visited downtown Healdsburg and did some shopping and a tasting with a very small production winery in their warehouse/winemaking facility. The young man who owns it makes nine different wines in small batches. He was proud to show us his wines and we can’t wait to share them with friends at home. After an incredible meal we were driven back to our lodging to rest up for the trip home. We can’t wait to have CM Destinations plan another trip for us. It was exactly what we wanted.”

Budget: $600 - $800 per day. This daily budget includes a driver, lunch, dinner, tasting fees and one adventure. Tasting fees are waived with purchases.

Lodging Budget: $300 and up per night per couple, depending upon season and style of lodging. CM Destinations plans your perfect getwaway in Wine Country (Napa and Sonoma). Call now for us to match you to the perfect trip. (707) 927-8108.

[thecultoftill]

LIFAD Studio Report.

A report which was posted  on the official site in 2009. It’s very long so I’m posting it under the cut, but it’s an interesting little look into Rammstein’s studio life.

Found on Ramm Wiki.

Journalist and radio reporter Marion Brasch visits Rammstein during the recordings of LIEBE IST FÜR ALLE DA in California. Here is her report. Jack London was in this area. The last few years of his short life had been spent up in a ranch on the Sonoma Mountain in California. All he sought there was "A peaceful place to write and exist in nature – These things that pass us all by, though so many aren’t even aware of it". What Rammstein is seeking here isn’t so different. However, while Jack London came here to grow old, for Rammstein it is simply one stop on the way to completing their new album. For 6 weeks they worked here on their songs. Far away from home, no family around, no distractions, or anything else to seduce them away from their work. Of course they allowed themselves a few essential pleasures – good eating, a few good movies, refreshing dips in the pool, games of tennis, and a flight to see the Nine inch Nails concert in Sacramento.

Originally, Rammstein had wanted to record in Los Angeles. "L.A. has a good energy. Everybody is after something. It’s racy, fast and hard." says Paul. Schneider was also very keen to try the L.A. experiment. People always have their perfect locations, be it in Malta, Spain or South Africa. Los Angeles could have been a new experience…it didn’t happen. So Schneider just recorded his drums there, and then relocated to the extreme contrast that is the beautiful mountain in Sonoma Wine Country. A studio complex in the style of a country house, complete with fireplace and cook. Paul: "Its so friendly and tranquil here, actually far more peaceful than we needed for this album. But the studio was booked and we will go though with it. That we can do." Richard talks about the Rammstein group dynamic, which is extremely strong and dark. Indeed, while a good thing, it can after a while be too much and sometimes destructive. That means that it has become important, from time to time, to find a place where one can step back a little, to escape the Rammstein magic. Flake would also have loved to record the album in Grunau: " America isn’t really my thing".

To get to this point, on this mountain, was a long journey. Rammstein had taken time off since their last album "Rosenrot" and the long gruelling tour. For more than a year each of them could lay back and do what they want. No responsibilities, no phone calls. A kind of Sabbatical. Rammstein as a band didn’t exist during this period. Neither from the outside nor from the inside. It wasn’t till after seven months that Flake first noticed that he had time off: "I had just as much to do as before, just not with the band. Paul fell into the famous Black Hole, and came to the realisation that he has done never done anything in his life. Schneider at one point got the feeling he wasn’t part of a band anymore: "I asked myself if it was going to continue". A thought that on one side unsettled him, though he also learned that a life without Rammstein was more than possible. Richard already knew that, and worked in New York on his solo project "Emigrate", Olli got married and enjoyed life. And Till? Till sat in his room and thought about burning angels.

At midday Robin arrives. Robin is the cook, though her main job is as a jewellery designer. She has worked for Prince, and on the TV show "friends". Now she works for Rammstein. Has she heard their music? No. She doesn’t need to know more about the band than what she can already see. "These guys are so great!". Sometimes she hears a few shreds from the studios and it sounds very exciting. "And Till is really an artist!". In about an hour of chatting and kitchen magic a complete menu for 12 lies on the table. 12 people not stingy with their compliments, who like to tease Robin "…And so easy to please!"

Lunch and Dinner are the set fixtures in the daily schedule. There we all sit together. For breakfast everyone has to take care of themselves. And then its to work. Along with Rammstein came the producer Jacob Hellner, and engineers Ulf Kruckenberg and Florian Ammon (Who just completed working with U2 on their new album). The studio comprises three workstations: In the main studio sits Jacob, recording the guitars and the vocals. The second station is the bandsystem for bass, keyboards and so forth. Finally, the third station, where the various takes from Schneiders recordings in L.A. are sorted, and the best sent to the main studio. "Like a factory" says Paul, "Some kind of assembly line." Jacob Hellner has produced all of Rammsteins albums. He knows the band, knows what makes the guys tick. "Making a record, is mostly a chaotic process, but Rammstein are very structured – that makes it easier". Only the continuous discussions in the band are occasionally stressful. "Rammstein is a never-ending conference". That’s why he prefers to breakfast alone in the producers living quarters, a little removed from the studio complex. There he chews on his cornflakes, looking down upon the steaming valley. It rained during the night and has become chilly. The electricity has cut out again. That’s normal here however, and no one is disturbed.

Flashback: When the year long timeout came to an end, the band met with their manager Emanuel Fialik on a houseboat to cruise, and to think about how things should progress on the good ship Rammstein. "It only took one day for me, until it felt like we were never away" remembers Flake, "The same silly jokes, everyone back to their old behaviour and ways": Paul uses this analogy: "You smoke, then you quit, than you begin again, and your smoking again. It’s as if you never stopped". And then the discussion: New Album or first a tour? The opinions, as ever, were split. Schneider: "I thought it would have been good if we, to start off with, went on tour. For me, a band only really exists when they are standing on a stage. Its then that the band-feeling is there, and that’s also for me where the real meaning is: Making music together while other people listen." But, the Rammstein system is democracy, and the final decision: Studio.

Then followed a sometimes agonizing process, which Richard refers to as the "Dark times". Olli sees these times first and foremost as positive: "We must learn again, to view ourselves as a band. That was our task, and that helped us on." They went to the practice rooms, played together, collected ideas, recorded a few demos – All this takes us another year further forward. One whole year that the band needed to grow together again. The work, however, was no easier from then on, quite the opposite. The songs that were already finished, were worked upon over and over again. In different locations, under different terms. "And always beginning from the beginning" Recalls Paul. A painstaking process, putting the mood of the band under extreme pressure. And Till? Till, in spite of the rain and cold, swam his lengths in the pool.

Richards’s guitar is being recorded in the main studio. Flake stands behind Jacob at the console and has a couple of ideas: "Everyone has their favourite song, that touches his heart especially, and therefore they engage with it perhaps a little more than the others." And Jacob describes his job: "I mix parts together or over each other. How the structure looks at the end, nobody knows yet. Music has a mind of its own. When you think you have understood its ways, you’ve made a big error. Music doesn’t know any rules." Working on the songs is one thing. At the same time, here in California, there is much thought about the tour (the stage and the show being just as important as the music for Rammstein). Rammstein is an all encompassing artwork.

The manager Emu comes over. A band meeting has been arranged for after dinner. A tour before the album or afterwards? Six people, six different opinions. The Rammstein democracy is straining. Sometimes they all talk over each other. Paul: "The trick is, to learn to propose things positively, and at the same time not get angry too quickly, or snap, when your thoughts are rejected. When one of us claims more rights than a sixth, than real trouble can erupt." Rammstein are a natural biotope, and one that functions…

Richard sees it thus: "The brilliance of the band comes from no individual, instead it results from a chemistry between all parts." A chemistry that follows no harmonic principles, in fact to the contrary: It’s precisely the friction that generates the specific individuality that makes Rammstein what it is. Flake: "One could compare Rammstein to ‘Sechse kommen durch die ganze Welt’ (East German cartoon about group of kids, each with different talents, and their adventures): One is a fast runner, one has great vision, one is the strongest. And me, well, maybe I’m the guy that can spit really far…

Jacob talks about the great Rammstein-machine: "Every idea must go through it, and what comes out at the end, is Rammstein-music". And Till? Till sings "Bin nie zufrieden, es gibt kein Ziel, gibt kein Genug, ist viel zuviel…" The song is called ‘Mehr’ and has an intimate sound. Whether it will be on the album or not, isn’t yet decided. It is to be released in the autumn, than Mehr (more) happens. Marion Brasch.

[winelimos]

San Francisco Bay Area to Napa and Sonoma

Traveling from the energetic San Francisco Bay Area to the peaceful Napa and Sonoma Valley scenery is evidence of California's multifaceted appeal. The famous Golden Gate Bridge, which begins in San Francisco and spans the bay, links vibrant neighborhoods like Fisherman's Wharf—known for its seafood restaurants and sea lions sunning themselves—with the artsy Mission District, which is noted for its vibrant murals and trendy cafés. As you travel north, the urban sprawl gives way to vineyards and rolling hills as you enter Napa Valley, which is known throughout the world for its highly regarded wines. Spread throughout expansive estates and well-kept gardens, picturesque vineyards can be found all over the place, providing Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay tastings.

[ricktoportland-blog]

RTP #126/Days 22-31 - abled (dis)

have been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be 'able' to do something versus being 'disabled'. over the past few weeks on the bike i've continued to meet amazing people who through a variety of circumstances might not seem to have the motor skills, full intellectual capabilities or the economic means to tackle some of life's challenges. when i reached Sacramento, i stayed with my cousin Angela, who is in her early 40's, yet i've only seen her on 3 occasions in my life (2 weddings and a trip to CA as a teenager). she's been trying for years to get the job/career she finally landed with the State of CA - helping people with extreme disabilities to find jobs. she's got a very cool daily mission if you ask me. some of her clients have physical challenges and some are mentally impaired, either from birth or due to an accident. shared with Angela the video "Svefn-G-Englar" by the band Sigur Ros (who i got to see in concert for the 6th time last Saturday night at Berkeley's Greek Theater w/ my Amazing girlfriend Claire). the video features adults w/ Down Syndrome and it makes me cry every time i watch it as it's an amazing love story. so after we watched it, she said she wanted me to meet her next-door neighbor Max, who is 22-years old and he's similar to those in the video. as i suited up to ride on the American River Parkway bike path, i met Max outside her house on a sunny Sunday afternoon with his mom. he saw my neon-yellow riding bike socks and immediately smiled and said, "oooh, cool socks". then he saw my neon-yellow cycling shoes and smiled again, "oooh, cool shoes too". he helped me to put them on and i showed him the unique closing system. he liked the shoe's click-n-twist button, much as my brother's son Quinn did four days later when Mr. Q and i did a show-and-tell in front of his 5th-grade classroom. Quinn also has Down Syndrome and during my week-long visit to Benicia, he read a book out loud to me for the first time ever. (he usually reads to himself) back to Max, who is supposedly 'disabled'. showed him my ziploc plastic bag that i use for a wallet and he got very excited and said "i have a better wallet than you do" and he went running into his house to get it. he brought out a cool leather wallet with two metallic snaps to keep his money and IDs secure. showed me his transit card that he uses to ride the bus. he kept asking very insightful questions about where i slept at night, what i ate for snacks when i was riding and if i got sore from the small seat. in other words, the same questions as "able" people had been asking me for weeks. he was curious. before i took off on my ride, he helped me tie a friendship bracelet onto my top tube. i told him that i'd ride across the US with that bracelet and he could look for it in my update videos on the RickToPortland FaceBook & Tumblr pages. kept thinking about him that afternoon as i rode along the river and how it would be cool to ride a bike with him - maybe a tandem if his motor skills need help. later that week, as i took time off to visit my brother William and his family in Benicia, as mentioned, i got invited to do show-and-tell to my nephew Remy's 3rd grade class and Quinn's 5th grade class. 40+ kids over 2 hours asking about flat tires, how i managed to ride in the rain and if i got sore from the small seat (which is turning out to be a recurring question from all ages). Quinn & Remy were clearly proud to be in front of their respective classrooms wearing my hi-vis-yellow jackets. both took items from my panniers to show their classmates. Quinn has been immersed into the regular school classes for all of his 10+ years and my brother and his wife Katie are pursuing ways for this continue for him in middle school. the phrase they have latched onto, that they got from my son Sam, is "access=opportunity". give Quinn or Max some access, and they will have a wider range of opportunities. makes sense to me. and so that's what i've been thinking about over the past few days as i've been riding through the Napa & Sonoma wine country. i am able to ride. i am able to show how my touring bike differs from a road bike. i am able to share my cross-country bike ride story with strangers. and all of these strangers are sharing their stories with me. and some of them, some of them given an opportunity, will show me their cool wallets with two metallic snaps, which are way cooler than my ziplock bag wallet... rick

[extranomicaltours-blog]

The San Francisco Tour That Moms Love Most

Are you stuck trying to figure how to make this Mother’s Day truly special?

Flowers and chocolate are nice but if you’d like to take it to the next level and create a family experience that everyone can enjoy for years to come—we have a suggestion. How about getting the whole adoring crowd together for a day of guided touring in the San Francisco Bay Area? No planning. No driving. No looking for parking. Just the family’s full attention on mom. To make sure it’s extra special we’ll include a bottle of artisan wine from an award-winning Californian winery with your gift. Sounds good?

  But what tour to choose? Monterey. Yosemite Valley. Lake Tahoe. Pssst…we know what tours moms love most! Over the years, we’ve heard from thousands of moms about their tour experience. From that feedback, we know that a trip to the Redwoods combined with wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma with close family and friends is impossible to forget. Our Muir Woods wine tour is perfect for experiencing nature & culture. We will guide you throughout your tour, including every little detail.

  Our Redwoods and Wine Country tour is perfect for a Mother’s Day celebration because it combines two tours in one. In the morning, mom will be swept away from the daily routine as she walks among majestic groves of 600-years-old coastal redwood trees.

The crisp, oxygen-rich air and natural beauty will relax and detox everyone. Listen for birds, especially Steller jays, downy woodpeckers, spotted owls, and California quails. Look carefully for flowers like sorrel, trillium, anemone, clintonia, pacific rhododendron, or redwood violet poking their bright-heads through the ground cover. Be ready to capture shots of wild animals that have taken up residence in the Redwood forest, maybe black-tailed deer, western gray squirrels, and chipmunks.

In the afternoon, mom’s party will enjoy a good conversation with winemakers who share their stories about creating delicious wines from the grapes in Napa and Sonoma valleys. You don’t have to be a sommelier to evaluate wines and pick your favorites. Tasting wines side-by-side reveals the subtle differences that you might have otherwise missed.

Here’s another of our recommendations: add the gourmet lunch upgrade to your tour to test your newly-gained wine and food pairing knowledge. This experience on the quaint and historic Sonoma Plaza will delight the whole family.

A San Francisco Redwoods Tour combined with wine tasting and lunch promises the sort of magical moments that we want so much for our moms. Plan your Muir woods and Napa valley tour with Extranomical Tours. Our Muir Woods tour will take you from San Francisco over the Golden Gate Bridge.

[bharatiyamedia-blog]

California Wineries Now Wooing Vacationers With Comedians, Pool Events

http://tinyurl.com/y6l3uqc7 Overlook standing at a tasting bar. A visit to California’s wine nation right now means comedy reveals, artwork museums, cabanas at pool events, and interactive dinners—all with a glass in hand. “Persons are not prepared to only come right into a tasting room, pay their tasting charges, attempt 5 wines, and transfer on,” explains Jim Morris, vp of property administration and visitor relations at Charles Krug Winery in Napa Valley. “The tasting room expertise has turn out to be rather more than that.” Up to now 5 years, Napa Valley and Sonoma County wineries have seen a shift in client habits: Company would somewhat have an expertise at a vineyard or two per day somewhat than sip lineups of wines at 5 to eight properties. To seize that customer’s consideration takes greater than nice wine; it’s about creating a long-lasting expertise that can hopefully construct model loyalty and result in wine gross sales. With greater than 1,000 wineries within the space, that’s a problem that has them providing every part from distinctive culinary pairings to full-scale dance events—and every part in between. The Napa Valley Movie Pageant at Charles Krug Vineyard, Saint Helena, Calif. Marc Fiorito The Good Pair As wine and meals go hand in hand, wineries are enhancing their culinary choices. From on-site eating places to picnic areas, wineries are engaging visitors to remain a bit longer for a chew. Others are incorporating meals into each tasting. On the Spanish-owned Artesa Estate Vineyards and Winery in Napa Valley, each flight of wine comes with pintxos, small snacks sometimes eaten at bars in Northern Spain. Spicy jumbo prawns complement the minerality of Artesia’s Albarino, and chorizo and potato pintxos stand as much as the burden of the 2014 limited-edition Cabernet Sauvignon. The meals helps make wines extra approachable, particularly when they’re lesser recognized varieties or Napa’s tannin-heavy crimson wines. On the close by Culinary Institute of America’s Copia restaurant, wine pairing dinners are greater than a glass with every dish. An interactive 3D-mapping expertise initiatives sights and sounds as visitors dine on every course, partaking all of a visitor’s senses all through the two-hour meal. It’s not a enjoyable gimmick; it’s extremely instructional. The Restaurant at CIA Copia Bob McClenahan Equally, guests to Hess Collection can attempt their hand at Napa Valley winemaking. Throughout a seminar, visitors can mix barrel samples to create their very own customized wines, which they will later evaluate to the model’s signature crimson mix, Lion Tamer. After, visitors can discover the Mount Veeder vineyards by way of ATV or wander amongst proprietor Donald Hess’s private assortment of latest artwork housed on the property. In all instances, visitors gained’t go various minutes and not using a sip of the Hess Assortment property wines. Comedy Cellar Culinary elements are a part of the experiences provided at Charles Krug Vineyard, however so are a number of different occasions.The crew converts the tasting room right into a “comedy cafe” for month-to-month stand-up nights, which herald native and well-known comedians. Within the summertime, the Sundown Cinema sequence invitations locals and vacationers to look at movie screenings on the manicured garden. Throughout each, a bar showcases Charles Krug wines, and wood-fired pizzas from its Cucina restaurant are on faucet. Quickly, Morris and his crew will launch SIP, the Collection of Fascinating Folks, with TED Talks–fashion lectures on subjects from Corridor of Fame baseball to survivor tales. He’s additionally engaged on a brand new dwell music idea. “In my view, the tasting bar is on its means out,” explains Morris. “Folks need to sit and be comfy. They need to benefit from the outside, the vineyards, the property. The extra they discover, the stronger the connection to the place.” That’s a sentiment shared by the crew at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville, Calif., which has a restaurant and tasting bar in addition to an performing arts pavilion, a movie show, garden video games, and a swimming pool. Owned by Francis Ford Coppola, the director behind cult-worthy movies together with The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, the vineyard’s cinematic memorabilia is a draw. However so are the notorious pool events, full with bottles of its Sofia glowing wine and cabanas befitting Saint-Tropez. Scoring a reservation right here is like jockeying for one in Las Vegas, and the Coppola events have probably extra thrills. Previous events have included a silent disco and a 1980s-themed arcade. “There’s extra competitors for a customer’s consideration than ever earlier than,” says Janiene Ullrich, govt vp for the direct-to-consumer enterprise at The Household Coppola property. She notes that along with wineries, wine nation additionally affords visitors city tasting rooms, breweries, and distilleries, which all spar for the buyer’s consideration. “Experiences that includes meals, music, swimming, and dancing create livelier backdrops to work together with a model,” Ullrich says. “That provides the model larger consciousness by being linked to a fond reminiscence.” Francis Ford Coppola Vineyard Whereas cabanas and discos attract crowds of twenty- and thirtysomethings, family-friendly actions are on the rise in wine nation too. Ullrich notes the vineyard’s quite a few children-focused actions, together with the Petite Picasso artwork occasion and a Halloween carnival. At Inglenook in Napa, the kiddos can sail picket boats within the property’s fountain as mother and father partake in a tasting, and Honig Vineyards invitations youngsters alongside on its property tour, which features a cease by its beehives. “These experiences create a tailor-made and fewer intimidating setting for somebody to discover new wines,” Ullrich says. “It offers visitors a motive to come back again. Completed proper, the expertise will drive the visitor to unfold the phrase in regards to the wine model.” Extra must-read tales from Fortune: —Transfer over rosé, hard seltzer is the brand new drink of summer time —Japan’s sake makers look to wine to outline craft brews by area —To fight meals waste, these Brooklyn companies teamed as much as brew bagel beer —Canned wines are on the rise and excellent for this summer time. Listed here are those you need to attempt —Hearken to our new audio briefing, Fortune 500 Daily Follow Fortune on Flipboard to remain up-to-date on the most recent information and evaluation. Source link

[ravensong67-blog]

Olive Oil Tasting and Tour at Trattore Farms + Matchmaker Tasting at Ferrari-Carrano

Last July, I went on a pretty fantastic wine tasting tour of Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma — the first installment of which I’ve recounted in an earlier post. Here, I’ll be covering my morning at Trattore Farms, a property that not only contains vineyards but also orchards, which are being coaxed back into olive production as a revival of the area’s history and tradition.

Trattore Farms

The trees on Trattore’s property, in fact, are over 100 years old and it’s found that the same soil and climate that has made it optimal for the vineyards is also conducive to cultivating olive trees. These such trees have been revived over the past few years, and the winery has been at its present location since 2006. And now, there are over a dozen varieties of olive oil that Trattore offers, along with a couple balsalmic vinegars. The vines and orchards are sustained by the advantageous climate as well as one of the most advanced water filtration systems in the county.

Olive Trees

With Trattore heading up the Valley’s olive oil production, it’s also a great place and opportunity to learn about the virtues of California olive oil. As of the past 2 years, California olive oil has undergone eons more stringent regulation to be called “extra virgin” than anything being imported from Europe. Given the fact that only 1% of all olive oil being consumed in the world is Californian — with a clear eye on growth — these standards are serving as a baseline to combat what is considered subpar product coming from Europe, going forward.

The tractor that is inspiration for Trattore’s wine and can be seen on their wine labels

And, of course, there is their wine. Trattore grows mostly Rhône varietals, including Dry Creek Valley’s most popular grape variety, Zinfandel, as well as Petite Sirah, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvédre, Viognier and Marsanne. The views from the top of the 40-acre ranch are absolutely breathtaking. You’ll get views from Geyser Peak to the entire Dry Creek Valley. With each block being individually managed as well as performing micro picks at harvest, all product at Trattore is the result of thoughtful cultivation.

The best thing is that you can taste a selection of their wines in a variety of tastings, which are available 7 days per week from 11 AM – 5 PM. The Estate Menu at $20 (waived with purchase) will take you through 4-6 of their estate wines as well as all their extra virgin olive oils. The Reserve Menu at $30 (waived with purchase of wine) will also take you through 4-6 of their estate wines including their Appalachian series. Fees are waived for all Club members. There are also outdoor seated tastings available with a charcuterie plate (add’l charge) and Wood-fired pizza Sundays using their own dough and olive oil in the Spring and Fall. If you have 8 or more people, a reservation (707-431-7200 or email [email protected]) is recommended and costs $25 per person. You can also go for the whole gamut and go on a vineyard, orchard and olive mill tour at $50 per person.

When you can tour the grounds and taste wine and extra virgin olive oil from the same estate, you’re bound to have an unforgettable experience in Dry Creek Valley.

***

Ferrari-Carano Grounds

There’s yet another worthwhile experience that can be found at one of the most luxurious and well-known properties in Dry Creek Valley. Take advantage of the food and wine pairing experience at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery, which is over 35 years old and one of the most productive vineyards in the area, making it possible to curate tasting experiences and meals thanks to their top-notch chef and team.

Food-wine pairing at Ferrari-Carano

I was lucky enough to get to experience a tasting, pairing up foods with a selection of their estate wines inside their underground Ville Flore room, which is actually open for walk-in or VIP tastings 7 days per week. Their food pairing experience is called the Matchmaker tasting and includes their PreVail brand. Be sure to make your reservation at least 7 days in advance so they have ample time to prepare your tasting.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention they have quite an array of tasting experiences — so be sure to take a gander and see which one is closest to the experience you’re looking for. Whether you’re into whites, reds, Cabs, Pinots, or awakening your “smell memory,” they’ve got a lot to choose from.

The Ferrari-Carano grounds themselves are a wonder to stroll through, so be sure to take a look and enjoy all the carefully groomed gardens and serene waterfalls.

Center map

Traffic

Bicycling

Transit

Open Daily: 11 AM – 5 PM

Trattore Farms 7878 Dry Creek Rd Geyserville, CA 95441 707.431.7200

@trattorefarms on Instagram

@trattorefarms on Twitter

Ferrari-Carano 8761 Dry Creek Rd Healdsburg, CA 95448 800.831.0381

@ferraricarano on Instagram

@ferraricarano on Twitter

Dry Creek Valley Winegrowers Association

@drycreekvalleywines on Instagram

@drycreekvalley on Twitter

Dry Creek Valley on Facebook

Related

Source: http://www.estarla.com/2016/12/20/olive-oil-tasting-and-tour-at-trattore-farms/