It is extremely beautiful to pull into the Napa Valley during crushing season! Seeing all the grapes hanging on the vines getting picked – knowing that one day they’ll be turned into luscious bottles of wine. Nothing like that red, red wine – although it goes to my head. That Neil Diamond sure hit the nail on the head! Fact check me on that, Neil did write that song. See, I told you so.
Stayed at the Skyline Wilderness Campground. Great place with hiking trails, dog run (although a bit small), horse arena, wildlife (deer and vulture turkeys), archery course and an eighteen hole disc golf course – that’s Frolf for you Libertyvillians.
We were fortunate enough to have the kids come and visit with us. Keenan the first weekend, Ari and Matt the next. Wonderful time with all three of them searching out vineyards to taste their latest creations.
Weekend one: Keenan. Picked him up at Oakland Airport and headed back to the Busse Bus to pick up Kat. Started our adventure at the Jamieson Ranch, absolutely wonderful and very scenic. Had to have a tasting flight. Even the whites were yummy, but the reds were outstanding! Had enough time left to hit Trinitas and Anachist who were both located in a new shopping area. Nice to be able to walk between tastings.
The next day we hit it pretty hard. Started at Beringer (a staple in Napa). Gorgeous vineyard with good wines. I really enjoyed the original house.
Cool architecture with very ornate woodworking on the inside. All the wood was brought over from Germany back in the 1880’s.
Next up, Hall. New modern architecture with advanced wine making technologies. Great wines and beautiful grounds.
We enjoyed a nice setting to taste a variety of wines. It was nice getting to meet other people and hear their backgrounds. One couple suggested that we try Palmaz Vineyards since we commented on the technology here at Hall. Will need to check them out.
For lunch we stopped by the local hamburger stand called “Gott’s” along Hwy 29. Wonderful little gem with great eats and outdoor seating so you are able to take in the views.
Since Keenan booked which wineries he wanted to visit; of course, he scheduled Keenan Vineyards. Off we went.
Naturally, Keenan joined the Keenan Wine Club. I think he wants future dates to be impressed that he has his own wines. Our host was excited to meet Keenan because when he booked the tasting he said that he wanted to come here because his name was Keenan. They were nice enough to outfit Keenan with the wine box (pictured), coasters, and a hat. I’m sure that Keenan will enjoy his wines for years to come and have wonderful memories of this trip.
We shared a nice sushi dinner at Eiko’s. It was bittersweet driving Keenan to the airport the next morning as I was sad to see him go, but to be honest my liver was a bit happy.
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