We again headed North today, but instead of hugging the coast, we went inland, and finally felt some heat. Not quite as warm as balmy Montreal, but at least we felt warm.
We first arrived in the Sonoma valley. I was a bit surprised to see vineyard after vineyard growing on flat open fields. I am much more accustomed to seeing vines growing along hillsides. When we headed over to the Napa valley, I started to see the more traditional vineyards planted on hillsides, but soon, there too, I noticed that several vineyards were planted on flat plains.
We drove through several towns in the area. Our favorite was probably Yountville. It was also one that Gail had suggested, as well as the Bouchon bakery. We walked along the quaint streets, and found the Bouchon bakery. Their breads looked wonderful. Next to it, was a very elegant Bouchon restaurant. We decided to splurge, and had a wonderful lunch.
Hera and I both ordered their Spring Garlic soup, that was scrumptious. No doubt there was a good dose of butter along with the garlic. It was silky smooth, the flavorful garlic was delicious, and not overpowering nor too strong.
Hera ordered a Wine, Saffron and Roasted Garlic Mussel dish, that came with a tall order of fries, along with a Rose. While I had a Steak et Frites with a Pinot Noir. Our meals were wonderful.
The restaurant recreates a French Bistro, with the courteous waiters apronned with a table cloth tied behind their back. I was tempted to call out... "Garçon, l'addition SVP." But I didn't.
Shortly there after we visited the Domain Chadon winery. I had tasted some of their champagne styled wines before, and we tasted 5 while we were there. As an added bonus, we were told we could keep our wine flutes.
We drove along the area, seeing some names that we recognized, and names that we did not.
One very familiar name, Beringer, was where we stopped again. This place offered a tour along with a tasting, which we decided to go for.
This is the oldest winery in continuous operation. During the Prohibition, thousands of wineries closed, but Beringer was able to get a permit to make wine for the Church.
Built on the side of the hill, tunnels were dug into the hill to be its wine cellar. As we walked into the cool tunnels, we were given a sample of very young wine out of the barrel. It was barreled only 4-5 months, and you could taste the harsh wall of tannins, but if you looked for it, you could find a fair amount of fruit hiding behind. It definitely needed more time, as well as time to mellow in a bottle for awhile too before it was really ready.
We walked into the vineyards to see the growing vines, and the tiny fruits that we just starting to form, then we entered a luxurious house for our tasting.
Gail had suggested that on our way back, we take the Silverado trail. It is a lovely and picturesque road, that winds its way on the Eastern edge of Napa valley. Again we passed by several names we recognized.
The ride back home was not eventful. We did decided to stop at our local Safeway to pick up some groceries, and were shocked at the frigid temperature. After feeling at least warm for most of the day, we were back in frigid Frisco.
Cheers,
Hera & Anthony
