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December 26 is a GREAT time to go to Napa Valley. Mmmmm. The day was sunny, crisp and cool. In the evening, we got to see all the lights come on. Very pretty.
We stopped at Mondavi and took their tour, which included a tasting wherein they brought delicious chocolate cookies to go with the reds. Pretty place; informative tour. I've never stopped there before. They gave us the cookie recipe, and as soon as I find "almond meal" (??) and a double boiler (for the chocolate), I'm going to try it. They were SO good.
Next was Domaine Chandon, because I knew they served food there. Lunch took way too long and cost way too much, but I suppose that's the Napa experience. Then we tasted champagnes. The differences were startling. I'm not much of a champagne fan but I found two I liked. Even my mom bought a bottle.
Our final stop was Sterling, to ride the cable car up the hill. Pretty views, nice self-guided tour, and fun wine tasting while we kidded around with the server, who was an absolute riot. I ducked into the Reserve Room and tasted the Chardonnay in there. WAY better than what they're serving in the main room. (Way more expensive, too.) The taste was nearly a full glass. I was getting pretty well lubricated by this time. I bought one bottle of that Chardonnay.
We stopped at Mondavi and took their tour, which included a tasting wherein they brought delicious chocolate cookies to go with the reds. Pretty place; informative tour. I've never stopped there before. They gave us the cookie recipe, and as soon as I find "almond meal" (??) and a double boiler (for the chocolate), I'm going to try it. They were SO good.
Next was Domaine Chandon, because I knew they served food there. Lunch took way too long and cost way too much, but I suppose that's the Napa experience. Then we tasted champagnes. The differences were startling. I'm not much of a champagne fan but I found two I liked. Even my mom bought a bottle.
Our final stop was Sterling, to ride the cable car up the hill. Pretty views, nice self-guided tour, and fun wine tasting while we kidded around with the server, who was an absolute riot. I ducked into the Reserve Room and tasted the Chardonnay in there. WAY better than what they're serving in the main room. (Way more expensive, too.) The taste was nearly a full glass. I was getting pretty well lubricated by this time. I bought one bottle of that Chardonnay.
