Notorious Napa Valley

 No matter how many times I visit Napa Valley, California, I'm always able to find something new & exhilarating. Whether it be a new wine, an incredible photo spot, or an adventurous place to explore, the vast valley of vineyards has so much to offer. True, I am a wine enthusiast and it certainly is a plus here, but even for those who are not all about the vines, this is a place of true beauty. Natural wonders are in abundance in the valleys and hillsides of Napa and naming them hardly does them justice. You must see it with your own eyes to truly capture all its glory. 
Here's a sneak peek at what I found during my last visit in late February. Winter is a beautiful time of year to visit Napa. The fields, valleys, vineyards, and hillsides are all covered in vibrant hues of yellow. This is all thanks to you guessed it, mustard. If you really want to learn about this winter phenomenon, visit during the annual Mustard Festival. Walking through the middle of acres & acres of yellow petals all smiling up at you is one of the most joyful experiences I've ever had. A must see and do!!

Ready to explore? Welcome to Castello di Amorosa, a beautiful authentic 13th century Tuscan castle located in Calistoga. Built and owned by Dario Sattui, the castle has been open to the public since 2007. My first question is why am I just finding this place?! I spent hours here but I could have spent an entire day. There is so much to explore and the photo ops are endless. And yes, there's vino. Added bonus, not only do they allow children here, but the kids will love it! Everything from the lighting to the distinctively laid out bricks, the archways, and the caves make this castle a true medieval experience, not to mention the friendly creatures who live out back. And don't be surprised if you are followed around by chickens, their coop sits right out front of the entrance and these guys are not shy!! Castello di Amorosa is a genuine time machine into medieval Tuscany. Fun for the whole family.

Okay, we are in Napa, the wine capital of North America so it's hard not to talk about wine. It's easy to find and enjoy the big wineries here, but seeking out the smaller family vineyards is where the fun comes in, especially if the wine is as fantastic as my latest find, Bourassa Vineyards. When I went looking for the tasting room here, I actually thought I might be lost. Surrounded by industrial like buildings, the tasting room at Bourassa will fool you at first. But PLEASE don't let that stop you. What you will find behind these doors is beyond enchanting. Be prepared to sit, relax, and enjoy all that Bourassa has to offer. Enter Vic Bourassa. One of the nicest guys I have yet to meet in the industry, Vic was inspired by Robert Mondavi to enter the wine industry as a professional in 1999. Now, with 3,500 cases produced, Vic's number one priority is still about "creating something special" and that he does. Let's start with the 2009 Harmony3. I was blown away by this Bordeaux blend and it started with the first sniff. The bouquet of violets was dominant and very pleasing. I rarely do this but I spent a few minutes just enjoying its nose. I wasn't quite prepared for the deliciously bold taste. Full of spice and balanced fruit, this wine is like dynamite! With how good it is now, I can't wait to try it in 5-10 years.

Napa Cabernets are a hot commodity. Wine lovers know there are plenty of fab cabs grown in this region and I've had plenty of them. Guess what? I have a new favorite and that notoriety goes to Bourassa's Symphony3. Okay, the name is music to my ears, but that's just the beginning. Rich in color, Symphony flows through your palate with hints of chocolate, rich raspberry, & toasted oak. Incredibly smooth, this Cabernet is a steal at $69.

The wine speaks for itself, but the hospitality and genuine sharing of the process and passion that goes into it, is an experience I've only seen here at Bourassa. We even tasted straight from the barrel. No one had to convince me to join this wine club. I'd be absolutely crazy if I didn't.

Next time you're in Napa, make a point to visit Castello di Amarosa & Bourassa Vineyards. As Vic says,  "we look forward to sharing with you our passion for wine, and, commitment to quality.  Cheers and Celebrate Life!" 

Find your heart in San Francisco

Who doesn't love the hustle and bustle of Union Square, the kickback vibe of Haight/Ashbury, the delicious wonders of Pier 39, the magnificent glory of Nob Hill, the excitement of Chinatown, and the natural beauty of the Golden Gate? What I love most about this city by the bay is its versatility. I've spent so much time in San Francisco, this time I was determined to seek out the less known (at least to me) and find the hidden hot spots of this vibrant town. But first, I had to start with a place to sleep and after my wonderful experience in Seattle, the only logical answer was the W. From the moment you walk into the lobby of the W San Francisco, you are transformed into an out of this world experience. There's a cosmic energy here that is both tranquil & outrageous at the same time. Relax in one of the many lounge areas in the morning or hang out at night with music at the bar that really lights up! All this & you can't beat the W's "whatever, whenever" service. It's out of this world... !

Room with a view

For the first time, I actually used a car as my mode of transportation. I know this is so anti-green and the city does have wonderful public transportation, BUT if I was going to find the unknown, a car was my best option. If you've never driven in a big city before, this is not the best idea however. Traffic, one way streets, & lots of noise can be very distracting! Lucky for me, I had a built in chauffeur. I can't tell you how many times I've been up to Nob Hill and visited the infamous Fairmont Hotel with its spectacular views, but I had never known about the little beauty that is perched right up the street ... the glorious Grace Cathedral. A mini replica of the notorious Notre Dame, this Cathedral is full of warmth and light. On a bitterly cold San Francisco morning, a walk through this chapel is purely delightful. Enjoy the stained glass, the architecture, the labyrinth that encircles the front entrance, the fountain, & yes, even Peets coffee inside by the gift shop. 

On my quest for hidden gems, I came across some stairways in the city that lead to the most fabulous panoramic views. These weren't the easiest stairways to find, hidden mostly in local neighborhoods on narrow side streets. It is true what they say, determination conquers all, and with that I came upon The Vulcan steps and the Saturn Street Stairs. Okay, yes, after my return home, I found an entire website on these stairways but while in the city, it was all search and find. And the find was magnificent!

 

The steps are close enough that you can walk up one and down the other. It's a bit of a hike, but worth every step...

 While checking out the view from above, one of my boys happened to notice a few people standing on a large "rock" in the distance. It looked pretty amazing so off we went to search out the "rock". One might think it'd be easy to keep sight of something that stands out, except in this city, winding streets & rows of houses tend to make you lose sight of things. We eventually made our way to the rock otherwise known as Corona Heights Park. Located on Roosevelt and Museum Way, the park has one of the most amazing views of the city and a children's museum of trains down below. The hike to the top is absolutely stunning with fields of wildflowers and um, poison oak. Yes, you better know what poison oak looks like before you enter this climb but don't let that scare you or you're going to miss this.... 

This spot is a photographers dream and there were quite a few cameras perched up here. I'm no pro, but the best way to describe this place is in pictures.

After this discovery, it was hard to imagine I was going to find anything quite as stunning, but boy was I wrong. A bit of a drive over to the Golden Gate Park which may not be a hidden gem in and of itself, but because it's so big, some of the smaller attractions fall by the wayside. My favorite, Shakespeare's Garden. What a beautiful spot for a wedding or summer picnic. The trees that line the pathway here are absolutely gorgeous! 

 There is so much beauty in San Francisco, it's hard not to leave your heart here. Lucky for me, San Francisco is the gateway to where my heart lies ~ in the most beautiful wine country of the U.S. Next time, I'll cross the Golden Gate into world famous Napa Valley where the hidden gems come in a bottle.



You know what San Francisco is? (It) is a golden handcuff with the key thrown away.(John Steinbeck)