Hello friends, time for another Tales of
The Traveling Tote adventure and Giveaway. Quarterly, a group of us tote
gals share a connected post about the places we have been. We have made
some wonderful friendships and some of us have met in person. We hope
you find our posts as fun as we do. You can find more about the Giveaway
at the bottom of this post. To read how this group began, you can read HERE
Be prepared, this post is picture intensive! There is so much to cover, I believe I need to write a second post about restaurants and the wine train.
MARCH
March is our anniversary month, so we visited Napa for a few days.
Keep in mind the wineries have changed. You have to make reservations and some tours are expensive. There are so many wineries, it's impossible to visit each one.
Do your homework and figure out which ones appeal to you.
Castello de Amorosa- Situated on a large acreage in Calistoga. Dario Sattui is a 4th generation Italian winemaker. He built the Castle of Love in 15 years as a replica of 12th century Tuscan castle, inspired by the medieval architecture of northern Italy. It is 121,000 square feet of amazing architecture.
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I met Dario in the 90's. I was single and dating his viticulturist also named Paul. I was invited to many wine events actually at his other winery, V. Sattui in which we dressed to the nines. Unfortunately I have no photos. This was before cell phones. Dinner on the wine train, party in the courtyard. I still have all of my evening gowns. I witnessed the wine caves as the winery was being built.
A viticulturist studies and applies growing processes of grape vines to produce the amount and quality of grapes necessary for wine production.
Castello de Amorosa, a beautiful castle complete with a drawbridge, torture chamber and so much more.
Paul in the tasting room enjoying a glass of cab.
V Sattui- Dario Sattui's other winery.
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V Sattui has a fabulous Artisan Deli, gift shop and wine tasting. They also have picnic grounds so you can enjoy your purchased deli food. The wine train goes by on a regular basis. Dario Sattui also owns this fabulous winery.
They have an amazing Artisan deli with a very large selection of 200 cheeses. Artisan Deli has everything you need to create the perfect picnic: Sandwiches, Panini, salads, pastas, and other specialty items are made fresh in our own kitchen every day. Be sure to try ourtheir house-made desserts such as Tiramisu, Crème Brûlée, seasonal Fruit Tarts, and our own Italian-style Gelato and Sorbetto.
If you like sparkling wine, then you should visit Chandon. They combine French techniques and wine making knowledge with the sun-ripened California grapes.
Paul and I enjoyed a glass of sparkling wine on their terrace.
Miss Lola wanted to be included.
Caymus is one of Paul's favorite wines. He bought a t-shirt there..jpg)
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It was formerly Christian Brothers Winery, located in St. Helena, Ca.
Students and faculty chefs invite you to dine at one of their restaurants.
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Beringer Winery
A gorgeous winery with caves and barrel tasting. The experience is pricey, but well worth it. A private tour with at least 6 people. Tastings directly from the barrel. Gorgeous marble and chandeliers. Pizza and more wine after the tour in their gardens.
Unbelievable wine caves with marble floors. Gorgeous chandeliers and amazing statues and paintings.
Miss Lola and I could not resist having our photo taken in their gorgeous setting.
A fun little place to grab a sandwich, pizza and more. It matches the Mackenzie Childs theme. It is located in Calistoga. While in Calistoga you can get a mud bath. I experienced one years ago.
Now for the giveaway!
Patti from Pandora's Box is hosting this giveaway for the Mackenzie Child's Parchment Check Coasters. To enter, please visit Patti's blog and leave a comment. Be sure to visit the other Traveling Tote gals to see where they have been.
Debbie with Miss Aurora @ Mountain Breaths
Emily with Miss Courtney Childs@ The French Hutch
Patti with Miss Kenzie @ Pandora's Box
Jenna with Miss Coquille @The Painted Apron
Linda P with Miss Lola @ Life and Linda
Rita with Miss Luna C @ Panoply
Sarah with Miss Merri Mac @ Hyacinths for the Soul
Cherry Kay with Miss Carrie Ann Hall @ Entertaining Women
Stay tuned for our next adventure September 1st.
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Thanks for taking us along on your travels. I have been to that castle winery. Wonderful place to visit. Fun Pictures. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWow, Linda! Yes, I VERY much enjoyed your recount of Napa Valley wine country! I didn't realize you chose several to visit. I can see where it would be an overwhelming task to create an itinerary if one wasn't familiar with the area and vast selections. It's nice that you had those previous experiences to help you, this time getting the photos to help memorialize the trip! It's always so much fin to go back and see the pictures and remember the awesome details. That castle - just incredibly detailed in the Middle Age style! Your turquoise/leopard dress looks amazing on you, especially with your M-C tote and jewelry accessories. Thanks for the virtual tour! Happy June!
ReplyDeleteWow, those are super elegant wineries! But hey -- that torture chamber in the castle -- do they rent it out to the BDSM community for wine tastings and playtime?
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary Linda. What a great way to celebrate by visiting some of those wineries. Thanks for the tours and I enjoyed looking at the photos and learning about them.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos Linda..that single one of Paul is perfect! Framer:)I have visited very few vineyards..and loved the experiences.My daughter is going to Napa on a business trip:)She will love it.
ReplyDeleteWow the Napa wineries are so much prettier than our Finger Lakes Wineries! You looks so cute in your long sun dress! I have a bottle of Chandon in my fridge!! My favorite tour was Christian Bros and would love a tour of the Institute now! The Palisades Eatery decor is right up our alley!! So cute. Thanks for a tour of Napa - things have certainly changed since I was there!
ReplyDeleteOh Linda, I did enjoy my wine tour with you! That Love Castle is amazing! I know that Rich and I visited V Sattui Winery. It was so lovely and we did buy food in the deli and ate on the picnic grounds. My oh my, there was so much to see and enjoy in this post. How wonderful to celebrate your anniversary there.
ReplyDeleteLinda, the wineries are amazing. We visited some in Napa and Sonoma in the 1990s. Such fun memories! It's fun to see these estates. Looks like you and Paul had a fabulous time. Great photos of the two of you! I know M would love to visit Greystone. I'll share this post with him.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking us along!
I enjoyed this post so much Linda! I have been to several wineries in California, my niece actually was married at one, but I've never have been to Napa Valley...your photos are just stunning! how exciting you used to date a viticulturalist and attended fancy wine events! Your trip sounds like it was really fabulous and I do hope you will share more of your experience in future posts!
ReplyDeleteThe wineries look awesome. How amazing to tour them and enjoy. Thank you for taking us along with you and Paul. Glad you had a great time. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to getaway and spend time touring Napa and the wineries. You look great and I can imagine you dating the viticulturist and your evenings out in your gowns. The castle and wineries are sure fairytales come true. Jim and I must try to visit some of those places, adding to my go to wish list! Love the photo of you and Paul. Happy summer Linda.........
ReplyDeleteNow, this looks like the kind of travel I'd really enjoy (especially with a wonderful tote in which to tote home loads of delicious wine!) It looks like a grand time, Linda, and loads of fun!
ReplyDeleteI've never been on a tour of a winery, and the thought of seeing such magnificent homes in the bargain puts the wine tours right at the top of my list. Thank you for introducing me to these magnificent places. CherryKay
ReplyDeleteDon't know why all of a sudden my profile has started showing up as anonymous. I'l just keep editing it until it relearns who I am. CherryKay
ReplyDeleteLinda, I thoroughly enjoyed your tour of the gorgeous wineries. We were in Napa in 2016 (I think) and visited several, I would love to return. The photos of you and Paul are stunning. Thanks so much for sharing, and I will keep your post for future reference. Happy June!
ReplyDeleteAs you know, Joe is planning a trip to Napa Valley for us. Out of the wineries you listed, I have only been to Domaine Chandon and that was 30 years ago. Joe has never been to Napa Valley with me but suggested last year that we visit. I love all the photos and recommendations, and have saved some information to Pinterest so I can share with Joe. Have a wonderful summer!!
ReplyDeleteHappy June Linda, What a fabulous trip to the wine country! You’re so fortunate to have it in your backyard! It’s been about 10+ years since we visited Napa and I’m a white-knuckle flier so I don’t see a return in our future anytime soon. We stopped in at V. Sattui and dined at Étoile at Chandon before they closed their doors. I can only imagine all the other changes that have taken place. Thank you for the tour, the scenery, architecture and wine can’t be beat. ♥
ReplyDeleteSounds like a perfect way to celebrate your anniversary. Too bad you didn't get to reunite with your friend. Now you've got me wanting to pack my bags for Napa!
ReplyDeleteWow, Linda! What a wine tour. So many beautiful wineries. Your photos are fabulous! Y'all look great. How nice to have these places near you. Glad you enjoyed the winery tours. Sounds so fun.
ReplyDeleteCaymus is Trip's favorite wine! Your photos of Napa are incredible. So many beautiful vineyards! Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos, and you and your husband are adorable!
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