Napa-Sonoma Valley-Champagne-Redwood forests

Sunday afternoon.

Satuturday saw us visiting a couple more wineries and Napa Valley sites.  Good dinner with "Lost Dog' beer to start with.

Our hire car-we got upgraded

Old timber water tower-now a small accom.

Korbel Champagne House (4th biggest in world!)

Today we have driven down the Russian River to the coast, had lunch at a champagne winery (not sure why they can call it champagne?) and now in Santa Rosa which is about 90 minutes north of San Francisco.
Also went for a long walk in a Redwood forest.

 

Robert Mondavi winery and more food!

Great breakfast and great sleep in.  Off to the most well known Napa winery-Robert Mondavi.  Fantastic tour and tasting session.  Took 2 hours and cost $25 each.  They even give you a glass of wine to wander around withbefore the tour starts.  Almost all Cab Sav. here with a bit of Pinot plus whites.

Spainish machine-fast slow!!

After that we had a burger at the iconic burger joint, Gott's, on the highway and by then it was 5pm.  It gets dark ar 4.30.

Off to another great restaurant and sat at bar and were entertained by staff and an American couple that, amongst other things collect Australian wine.  They have a collection of Grange and Hill of Grace vintages plus manyothers.

Fish, quail egg

When we got home from the restaurant I sat down on the porch with some of my friends.

It is now the next morning and we are off to breakfast.

Calistoga-Napa Valley

Flight OK.  Had 3 seats between us but still 13 hours in the air.  Picked up car and drove to Napa Valley and booked into a quaint place in Calistoga which is at the north end of the valley.  Went out for dinner at a great place and the food tour began (or continued on from Europe blog?).

Rob outside Brannan Cottage Inn

We had a starter of grilled/baked brussel sprouts with sauteed breadcrumbs on top-still crunchy but delicious.  After a pasta dish entree each (remember entree in US is a main) and a bottle of local Zindfandel red we were in bed before 10 and woke at 7.45am.  Just had a wonderful breakfast and ready to start the day.

Brussel Sprouts

 

 

Temporary holdup in Melbourne

Plane delay in Melbourne.  Stuck in the United Business Lounge watching the cricket having drinks and nibbles.  Taking off about 90 minutes late, I think.
Next post will be from the Napa Valley.
 

Getting Ready-Snow falling

Off in a week.
San Francisco/Napa Valley for 6 nights and then 15 nights at Aspen.