Llama’s lips are soft and ticklish, or 2 gals on the loose (Sonoma area report)
 

Paula1470 picked me up in San Francisco, and we drove up to Healdsburg. Got yellow cherry tomatoes (sweeter then the red variety) at the local farmer’s market which is an attraction on its own. Wild birds society showed off some exotic birds of prey. All kinds of merchants, not just food. Just pay attention where you park – the signs for valet only are not clear. The city is small, sleepy, cute, very nice place, and judging by the shops – awfully expensive.

The next stop was the Oakville grocery. Sorry, I don’t share the fascination with this place. I like their San Francisco shop much more. To make 2 sandwiches for us took forever, and the store was nearly empty. I had a vegetarian, Paula had chicken. Later we moved them back and forth trying to figure out which is which. They were not signed, not even a V on mine! I know mine had palm hearts and a thick chunk of tomato which fell right out. Any Italian place in San Francisco can make such a sandwich!

Finally we were on our way to… I hope Paula will come back with the winery names… Ferrano-something, 2 hyphenated words. The longish drive absolutely worth it!! The view is a “wow!”, a small botanical garden with signs by trees and flowers, lightly Japanese motif with waterfalls and bridges. This is definitely the place not to miss! The only downside is that they don’t have picnic tables.

Time for a warning to all ladies. A couple in front of us on the garden’s path was standing with a ladies’ bag. Turned out, a woman in front of them put it down to take the camera out, and walked off with the camera only. The bag was left sitting on the grass. Maybe a bag on a long strap warn across the body doesn’t look stylish, but at least you won’t forget it with the documents inside!

Driving back to Healdsburg, there is another winery, 2 words, the first one is something like “Dutch”. It has a small picnic area with an outside fire place and 4 tables under a canopy. It was a sunny day, we were wearing tank-tops and happy to be in the shade.

Then the Oakwood winery where Paula tried a variety of local wines. The girl behind the counter was very talkative, explaining and answering questions. Paula has the details as I just wandered around. They have complimentary note-pads in a basket in the front, a souvenir for Mr. Again ;)

The next stop is the Sonoma’s Traintown. Can’t live without it! A nice ride, and we’d both enjoyed the animal feeding. Bring quarters and a wet wipe, they do provide some sanitizer which stays on your hands. We fed goats, sheep, llamas. Llamas lips are soft and ticklish, and most fun!

At Sebastiani winery we only went to the giftshop as Paula had a plane to catch. She got souvenirs for her family, and I got some soaps. They even had sales, some items 50% and 25% off! Not on wines, though. This giftshop is a good place to buy quality (read: expensive) gifts to take home.

Back in San Francisco the weather was freezing and foggy. What a difference! Paula went on to the Oakland airport to catch the Southwest flight. I came home to the sad-turned-happy Mr. Again. End of my story :)

I hope Paula has more to add and/or correct my errors.

A complete story, <i>Travel </i>, <i>Food </i>and <i>Soft lipped kisses</i>! Thank you Faina, I loved it :)

Oh dear Faina, you need to carry a pencil and pad! That would be Ferrari-Carano and it does have a wow factor, including the wine.
http://www.ferrari-carano.com/
The second one is Dutcher Crossing, and it's very nice as well.
As for Oakville Grocery, I don't get all the hype either. Thought their wines were too high, sandwich was okay, not as good as Hoffman House in Geyserville. And, unless you are eating elsewhere, if it's raining you're out of luck. We had to eat in the car in the pouring rain.

How funny about llama lips!! :-)) I hadn't thought of this in ages, but about 10 years ago DH and I were feeding llamas at a petting zoo in Canada and he said it felt funny when the llamas ate from his hand. Now I want to find some llamas to feed.

Editors, we need a llama emoticon please. :-)

I can't stop thinking about llama lips, so I've decided I must have my own llama. Are llamas very hard to house train? Would a llama get along with a shih tzu? :-?

Oh yes, they are sweet and love dogs. Problem is, they will eat everything in your yard. Everything.

Sounds like the two of you had a wonderful time. I love the yellow cherry tomatoes -- too bad I couldn't find them this year.

One of my favorite books is &quot;Is Your Mama a Llama?&quot; Llamas are just the cutest creatures. :)

Oh Faina, I had my heart set on an Eohippus and now I want a llama, too! Our county extension agent has suggested goats as a way to keep the grass down, but I suspect their lips aren't nearly so soft as llama lips!

Thanks for the report!

I met a llama in a bar one night.
She said she was from Nassau.
She wasn't very smart because when she tried to lite up her Camel she set her lip on fire twice.

I thought she was a real <i>Bahama llama ding dong.</i> &gt;:D&lt;

You are SO nuts!!!!

:-)) :-)) :-)) :-))

Speaking of nuts, you wanna know how the orangutan got his name? :-&quot;

Do tell, Kal!

Stole 'em from Kal?

Mrs Kal has those safely hidden in a her lock box.

I can't tell it in public but kalkahuna

@ceoexpress.com. ((A))

And YES Faina...I read your TR in your accent! :))

LLindaC-Thanks for the names of the wineries, yes those were the ones. I've been away from my computer all day.

I absolutely fell in love with the wineries on Dry Creek Road, it is so beautiful and very quiet. Even on a Saturday during the summer, it was very quiet. We only saw a few people at each winery. The picnic area at Dutcher Crossing was so peaceful. We ate our sandwiches from Oakville Grocery and the yellow tomatoes. I am not the biggest fan of eating chery tomatoes by themselves but the yellow ones were so sweet.

Faina, I am glad you made the comment about Oakville Grocery because I felt the same way. It did take a long time to get our food and although the sandwiches were good, I didn't think they were all that special.

The winery where I did the wine tasting was the Dry Creek Vineyard. I am more of a white wine drinker so tried their Chardoney's and also like the Chenin Blanc. Didn't like the Fume Blanc. Had to try a red wine also and liked the Meritage wine (a blend of Cabernet and Merlot along with some other reds). The girl pouring was very informative but not pushy about buying the wine.

STW, my kids loved &quot;Is Your Mama a Llama?&quot; when they were little. It ranked right up their with Goodnight Moon. I told Faina I had always wanted goats since I live in the country but never built pens for them. And of course they eat everything. My friend has a couple of llamas and they eat everything too. But they are really cute and do have those ticklish lips!!

We had a very nice day and I can't wait to go back to Sonoma.

I thought Ferrari is a car, and a winery can't have this name :)) Thank you Llinda!

Re: Oakville grocery, their sandwiches are just OK, but if you're looking for some special sauces, mustard, oils, vinegars - this is the place! The San Francisco location has the best selection, IMO.

Kal met Kamel smoking llama in Kalifornia? Hmm...

I shot an elephant in my pajamas.....

I was disappointed in Oakville G'store on our first visit, too. Maybe it's the build up?
Prefer Dean and Deluca in St Helena. Seemed to be friendlier.

WOW! I liked the Oakville Grocery, and visited 15-20 wineries on my last trip. Of course, I'm easy to please. :-) ((b))

I loved the Oakville Grocery too. Of course, I first visited years ago - and it's been a few years (4?) since I was there last. Changes, evidently, and not for the better. :-(