Ever since my move to San Diego four [short] years ago, I have made the ultimate Thanksgiving feast:
Maple-Glazed Turkey
Apple Cider Gravy
Toasted Cornbread, Bacon, & Chestnut Stuffing
Golden Potato Mash
Cauliflower Soup
Green Bean Casserole
Cranberry-Orange Sauce
You know š the works! But this year was different. Instead of me slaving away in the kitchen [which I truly love b.t.w.] our holiday was filled with authentic fall weather, restaurants galore, and some of the most stellar wines I have ever had the pleasure of tasting.
Yep, me and D went to Napa Valley, folks!
We went with our dear friends, Matt and Leslie, who [if you remember] also traveled with us to Kauai this past May and on our most recent Vegas excursion in October. The trip, itself, was dreamt up on one of our many beach days with them this past summer. It was my first to this region of California and was everything I had hoped it would be: absolutely gorgeous, extremely tasty, and utterly painless.
The reason our journey was such a success?
Sure, the location was [of course] a contributor. However, due to Leslie and her experience wedding planning, the entire expedition was insanely smooth. I mean we even had an itinerary with reservations and everything! She is just simply amazing. Anyway, I contributed in the usual way = with my camera. So, here is a small peak at some of the unique beauty we saw on our visit.
Prager Winery & Portworks was my personal favorite. So much so, it was the only place we purchased bottled adult beverages. Oh, and one of these fabulousĀ Portuguese “Rooster” corks. I was told by the winery that it’s Portugal’s animal for luck. I guess time will tell. Either way, I think we won with their Port and Twany!
The stupendous vinery outside the Clos Du Val Winery.
A peak-through the screen of the barrel room at Caymus Winery.
I didn’t realize how much I missed the fall until this . . .
D being goofy for the camera and making me laugh [like always]!
āOne should always be drunk. Thatās all that matters . . . But with what? With wine, with poetry, or with virtue, as you chose. But get drunk.ā ā Charles Baudelaire
Some of the lovely landscaping at Domaine Chandron Winery. We ate at their Etoile Restaurant for Thanksgiving supper and it was SO DELICIOUS!
I discovered this artist while tasting at Chimney Rock Winery. His name is Clifford Bailey. I was instantaneously drawn to this particular work!
Thanks to the truck bed of some winery worker’s truck at Plumpjack, I was able to set my camera’s timer and snap this quick pick of us all.
I hope you had a wonderful few days as well with the ones you loveĀ ā now bring on December festivities!
