Weekend two: Ari and Matt came to visit us. We had a great time together! Like Keenan; Ari and Matt selected some vineyards that they wanted to try. Obviously, one of the wineries was Medlock where they got engaged back in April. Ari is a club member and wanted to show her parents one of her favorites places.
Absolutely beautiful location! I can see why Ari likes it so much. We had Ari and Matt recreate their engagement poses only this time Ari didn’t look surprised and Matt didn’t look terrified. Kat made her almost famous oriental chicken salad which added to our experience of this magical place – the delicious wine didn’t hurt either. As much as we hated to leave, we had scheduled more wineries to tour so we had to move along,
Off to Italics – a boutique winery in the Coombsville area, the newest AVA in Napa. There are 16 AVA’s in Napa with the first one dating back to 1983. What’s an AVA? American Viticultural Area – a designated wine grape-growing region in America providing an official appellation for the benefits of wineries. In other words, a good place to grow grapes that make great wine.
Italics was a very nice scenic place with a cave and good wines.
Ate dinner in downtown Napa along the river at a place called “Basalt”. Excellent food! Nice stroll along the riverfront and finding this restive photo op:
The next day we were up and at it again. So many wineries, so little time. First stop was Frank Family up in the Calistoga AVA. Matt choose this place because his dad recommended it. Matt’s dad, Brad, knows wine – so if he recommends, you go and we did.
Thanks Brad! Excellent wines in an outstanding setting.
Next up, Paraduxx. Nice place, a little more contemporary setting where we also ordered the charcuterie plate (I learned that this is French for a meat and cheese plate).
Got even hungrier for lunch and had to stop at Gott’s again.
Last stop, Caymus. Kat and I were really looking forward to seeing/tasting Caymus as it’s one of our favorite vintages. We were not disappointed. After a slow start with our pourer (not sure if that is the correct word or not), things quickened up and into the great tasting cabs. Enjoyed the vineyard and wines tremendously!
Unfortunately, we were not able to check out any wineries on their final day joining us in Napa due to time restraints. However, we did have time to hike in the Skyline Wilderness Park.
Hiked all the way up to the tarn (mountain lake) for some incredible views. You could see all of Napa in one direction and over to the bay in the other.
Hated to see Matt and Ari leave. Looking forward to the next time that they can catch up with the Busse Bus!
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