Category Archives: Family and Friends

Napa Day Three

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Up at 8:00AM and ran 3 miles, then down to lobby for bagel and coffee. Into limo for trip to wineries. Group of Bill & Amy, Dan & Roxanne, Shawn & Barb, and Matt & Heather. Went to Gargiolo winery, owned by family in music business, great setting & some of the best wine of the trip. Then off to Darioush, with Diane; former dancer, probably best guide. Had food pairings in their private dining area, and grand tour. Really great time. Next to small winery (Keever); good syrah – very funny person (daughter of Vodaphone CEO) who showed us around & led tasting. Lastly to Jarvis where we had been before, shown around by same guy as before – ? Bill, a former Julliard grad. Back to Hotel by 5pm, and across the street to bar/restaurant Norman Rose Tavern for great hamburgers, and watched the world series – St. Louis beat the Rangers in game seven. We hadn’t eaten all day. Back up to room & in bed by 9:30 pm. Watched a little TV, then to bed.

Napa Day Two

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Up at 8 AM for a 3 mile run. Had a bagel and coffee in Avia hotel lobby, then off to Vineyard 29 via limousine. About a 2 hour presentation by Austin (hospitality director), somewhat pretentious guy. Wine was okay, but not terribly memorable. High-tech production, since tech guys own the vineyard.

Went from there to Schrammsberg vineyard. Mostly sparkling wines, nice presentation but I’m not particularly thrilled with sparkling wines.

Last stop was Fleury. This was really funny, with the son of the owner (kind of a stand-up comic, 27-year-old guy) giving us the presentation. The wines were very good. The setting is a little odd, basically concrete floor in a tent inside a warehouse. Nevertheless, the wine was one of the better experiences. Back to the hotel for a very brief stop, then walked over to Morimoto for dinner. Home about 9:30 everyone tired and to sleep easily. Another very nice day. Fantastic weather and company.