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merzelifestyle · 1 year ago

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Larkmead Vineyard: A Hidden Gem in Napa Valley

Larkmead Vineyard is a Napa Valley oasis for relaxation, wine tasting, and scenic beauty. It is a hidden gem in Napa Valley. It is a small, family-owned winery in the heart of the valley. The winery is known for its elegant and complex wines, its beautiful estate, and its warm hospitality.

I’ve visited many wineries in Napa Valley for a few years now, and although the wine is always amazing and certainly a beautiful destination, it can get quite busy, especially during the summer months. However, there's one winery that I've fallen in love with: Larkmead Vineyard.

It's uncrowned on purpose, the staff is delightful, and the wine and scenery are amazing. It's the perfect place to spend a day in Napa Valley if you want an unhurried wine-tasting experience.

I first discovered Larkmead Vineyard by my daughter, who visited a few years ago, after researching wineries in the region. She absolutely loved it, and recommended it to me.

When I visited, I was immediately drawn to the winery's beautiful estate, which is located in the heart of Napa Valley. The winery is surrounded by vineyards, rolling hills, and oak trees, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

When I arrived at the winery, I was greeted by friendly and knowledgeable staff. They took the time to learn about my preferences and recommended wines that I would enjoy. The tasting experience was very relaxed and informative, and I felt no pressure to rush.

After the tasting, I had the opportunity to take a tour of the winery and learn about the winemaking process. The tour was very informative, and I was impressed by the winery's commitment to sustainable viticulture and winemaking practices.

Larkmead Vineyard is a special place for several reasons.

History: Larkmead is one of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley, dating back to 1895. It has been owned by the same family, the Solari family, since 1948. This long history gives Larkmead a deep understanding of the Napa Valley terroir and a commitment to producing world-class wines.

Terroir: Larkmead's vineyard is located in the heart of Napa Valley, on a unique site that features a diversity of soils. This diversity of soils gives Larkmead's wines a complex and nuanced flavor profile.

Winemaking: Larkmead is committed to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the vineyard. The winemaking team is led by Avery Heelan, who has been with Larkmead since 2016. Heelan is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to producing wines that are both elegant and powerful.

Sustainability: Larkmead is committed to sustainable viticulture and winemaking practices. The vineyard is certified sustainable by the Napa Green program, and the winery uses a variety of sustainable practices, such as solar panels and water conservation measures.

The gardens at Larkmead are a sight to behold, with a variety of flowers, shrubs, and trees that bloom throughout the year. The gardens are also home to a variety of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.

Visitors to Larkmead can take a self-guided tour of the gardens or participate in a guided tour led by a Larkmead staff member. The guided tours are particularly informative and provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the gardens and the wildlife that call them home.

The vineyards are farmed using sustainable practices, and the gardens are maintained without the use of pesticides or herbicides. Larkmead also supports a variety of wildlife conservation organizations.

If you are looking for a place to enjoy the beauty of nature, Larkmead Vineyards is a must-visit destination. With its stunning gardens, vibrant wildlife, and commitment to sustainability, Larkmead is a place where you can relax, rejuvenate, and connect with nature.

The day we visited, we saw hummingbirds, monarch butterflies, and so much more.

"“A perfect destination to slow down and be in the moment” "

What to do when visiting Larkmead

Wine tasting: Larkmead offers a variety of wine-tasting experiences..

Tours of the property: Visitors can tour the vineyards, winery, and other parts. Tours are offered daily and last approximately one hour.

Meander the gardens: Larkmead has lovely gardens where you can just slow down and enjoy the stunning countryside views.

Larkmead wines are known for their elegance, complexity, and balance. They are made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and other Bordeaux varieties grown on the winery's estate vineyard in the heart of Napa Valley.

Here are some descriptions of Larkmead's most popular wines:

Cabernet Sauvignon: Larkmead's Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship wine of the winery. It is made from a blend of grapes from different blocks of the vineyard, and it is aged in a combination of new and used French oak barrels. The wine is typically full-bodied and complex, with flavors of black currant, blackberry, cedar, and spice.

Merlot: Larkmead's Merlot is a more elegant and refined wine than their Cabernet Sauvignon. It is made from grapes from the winery's Merlot block, and it is aged in a combination of new and used French oak barrels. The wine is typically medium-bodied and velvety, with flavors of red plum, red currant, and cherry.

Sauvignon Blanc: Larkmead's Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp and refreshing wine that is perfect for a summer day. It is made from grapes from the winery's Sauvignon Blanc block, and it is aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve its freshness. The wine is typically dry and acidic, with flavors of grapefruit, lemon, and lime.

The Solari: The Solari is a limited-production wine that is made from the best grapes from the Larkmead vineyard. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The wine is aged in new French oak barrels for 24 months, and it is then bottled without filtration. The Solari is a full-bodied and powerful wine with flavors of black currant, blackberry, cedar, and spice.

Larkmead Vineyard is a special place because of its history, terroir, winemaking, sustainability, and hospitality, however, best of all, it is unhurried, you can meander the gardens and enjoy the day with a fabulous glass of wine. It is a must-visit for any wine lover visiting Napa Valley.

An absolutely beautiful covered pergola on the grounds.

""Wine rejoices the heart of man, and joy is the mother of all virtues."" -- Anonymous

Here are some tips for planning your visit to Larkmead Vineyard:

Make reservations. Larkmead Vineyard is a popular winery, so it is important to make reservations in advance, especially if you are visiting during the summer months.

Dress appropriately. Larkmead Vineyard is a casual winery, but you should still dress appropriately for the occasion. Avoid wearing high heels, as the ground can be uneven.

Wear sunscreen and a hat. The sun can be strong in Napa Valley, even on cloudy days, so it is important to protect your skin.

Bring a water bottle. You will be doing a lot of walking and standing, so it is important to stay hydrated.

Take your time. Larkmead Vineyard is a beautiful place, so take your time to enjoy the scenery and the wine.

"It's not just a vineyard, it is a destination." "May your home be a place where friends meet, family gathers, and love grows. " -- Anonymous

As with everything I post on my blogs, please feel free to comment, or if you have any questions, please email me through my contact page. I welcome it anytime!

Design with your heart™️

Happy traveling, my friends!

Mary

#larkmead vineyard #larkmead winery #larkmead in napa #larkmead vineyards #larkmead napa valley #larkmead napa #where to go in napa #winetasing in napa #winetasing in napa valley ca #wine tasing in california #wine tasting in napa california

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cannannabis-blog · 6 years ago

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In this week’s edition of Toke and Travel, we’re heading to the city of angels: Los Angeles, California.

Birthplace of Hollywood and home to fabulous architecture and landscapes, Los Angeles is a creative melting pot with a diverse and bustling art, music and culinary scene. With so much to do, it’s no wonder nearly 4 million people choose to call the City of Angels home. So let’s put our walking shoes on and do L.A. like a local.

Lights, camera, action!

Rest Your Head

As you explore all that Los Angeles has to offer, you may encounter musicians passing mixtapes at Venice Beach or costumed sidewalk characters on Hollywood Boulevard, but what you won’t see is anyone smoking weed in public.

Sure, recreational marijuana is now legal in California, but public consumption remains illegal. California’s Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) mandates that cannabis is consumed in a private space. Cannabis consumption in a business is prohibited unless the business has a commercial cannabis consumption license. This stipulation leaves out-of-state visitors hanging not high and dry after a cannabis purchase.

Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you can’t have all the comforts of home. Search for lush and lavish L.A. homes on popular short-term rental apps for temporary lodging. While browsing, remember to review the filters and select “smoking allowed” to ensure you reserve a property that allows smoking, because nothing ruins a vacation faster than surprise fees and fines. Once you’ve narrowed your search to 420-friendly homes, book your dates and start your vacation countdown.

Get the Hookup

The City of Angels keeps the angels flying high with high-quality designer kush from TLC. Located on the edge of downtown Los Angeles, TLC is one of the 135 dispensaries permitted to remain in business after voters approved city ordinance Measure D in 2013. TLC is also home to Jungle Boys, one of the leading SoCal cannabis brands. The shelves are stocked with the name-brand flowers and concentrates in a variety of strains, including Strawberry Shortcake, Mimosa #14, and Gelato #33.

While you’re in town, check out TLC’s sister shop, Los Angeles Farmer (formerly AHPS). Both retail shops carry Jungle Boys products and welcome medical marijuana and recreational consumers age 21 and over.

Greenwolf, another popular Los Angeles dispensary, is located in the Los Feliz neighborhood. Greenwolf’s menu is flooded with Moxie, Raw Garden, and Nameless Genetics products.

Cruise down Melrose Avenue and re-up on fresh greens at Mary Jane’s Hollywood, a full integrated seed-to-patient dispensary that is open to medical marijuana patients and adult users.

Be Prepared

Eliminate your wait and skip the line when you pre-order your products on Weedmaps. At pickup, customers will need a state-issued ID or driver’s license to verify the name on the order.

Recreational cannabis consumers can possess up to 1 ounce, or 28.35 grams, of cannabis, or 8 grams of concentrated cannabis. Medical marijuana patients and caregivers can possess and transport up to 8 ounces of dried cannabis or concentrates, and up to six mature plants or 12 immature plants.

Purchases on recreational cannabis products are subject to a 15 percent cannabis excise tax, an 8 to 10 percent excise tax, and a 7.25 to 11 percent sales and use tax. Medical marijuana patients are subjected to a 15 percent cannabis excise tase and 8 to 10 percent city tax.

See the Sights

Venice Beach is a must-see destination for travelers who want to absorb the SoCal culture. The Venice Beach Boardwalk brings the bohemian spirit to the shore and offers many sights to see. Want to squeeze in a quick workout before flexing? Stop by the world-famous Muscle Beach and explore the outdoor gym, or slip on a pair of wheels and bounce from ramp to ramp at the skate park nearby.

If that’s not enough, the street performers will catch your attention with their acrobatic skills or maybe there’s a painter flipping his canvas while splashing paint. If you want to get geographically high, we recommend checking out the Hotel Erwin’s High Rooftop Lounge, a water-view rooftop lounge.

Malibu is a beach city that is home to some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities and equally dazzling hiking trails including the Grotto Trail and Escondido Falls. Both trails are great for hikers of all experience and deliver a rewarding waterfall view. Visitors can also sign up for wine tours, tandem flights for a birds’-eye view of the city, or simply spend time at the beach under the California sun.

Enjoy the City of Angels from the 69th and 70th floors of the US Bank Tower’s OUE Skyspace. Located in the city’s financial district, the skyscraper’s open-to-the-public portion is nearly 1,000 feet above Los Angeles and offers panoramic views of the city and occasional yoga classes. Visitors have the option to lounge and learn about the tower, which until the 2017 opening of the nearby Wilshire Grand Center was the tallest skyscraper in Los Angeles, or take a ride down the 45-foot, fully enclosed glass Skyslide. During the day, you’ll be able to see the freeways stretching to the ocean, use telescopes to zoom in on the Hollywood Hills and maybe wave to a helicopter pilot. At night, the horizon fills with an endless, and endlessly romantic, city of lights.

Experiences While Elevated

Inspired by the coffeeshops in Amsterdam, Wake and Bake is located in the NoHo Arts District in the San Fernando Valley neighborhood of North Hollywood. The shop has created a unique experience that brings people together and integrates coffee into cannabis culture. Wake and Bake hosts events such as silent disco, comedy shows, theatrical plays, and events featuring some of the best musicians in the world. Wake and Bake customers may purchase a day pass, or sign up to be a gold member and receive discounts and exclusive offers. A portion of membership proceeds goes to the YMCA.

Visitors can maximize their California visit with an LA Hemp Tour that transports guests in a bud-friendly tour bus. A variety of packages focus on weed and wine, bud and beer, and private tours that allow travelers to create their own itinerary. Each tour offers a VIP dispensary experience and exclusive discounts on top cannabis products from well-established marijuana retail stores. The luxury-limo party bus has custom party seating, disco lights, Bluetooth connectivity, flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and illuminated cup holders. Snacks and beverages are also included, as well as an LA Hemp Tours T-shirt.

Los Angeles is full of glitz, glitter, glam, and of course, greens. The city is densely populated, to say the least, and no matter where you turn, you’ll most likely spot attractions wedged between posh businesses or even catch a photo op with a famous celebrity. Be sure to bring sunscreen with your THC (you don’t want to burn up while burning up).

Do you have some favorite spots in LA to share with like-minded travelers? Share them in the comments below.

#marijuana #cannabis #weed #pot #ganja #Toke & Travel: Los Angeles

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