Trip Report: An Intoxicating Birthday Day-Trip in Napa
Apr 21st, 2014, 09:37 AM
#21
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,860
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh, my goodness - I was literally LOL at this!
And I can so relate. Ahem.
Love that you began with one of my favorite tasting rooms, Chimney Rock.
Also love that you took full advantage of having a driver - and that she took such good care of you.
Thank you for a truly fun trip report.
And I can so relate. Ahem.
Love that you began with one of my favorite tasting rooms, Chimney Rock.
Also love that you took full advantage of having a driver - and that she took such good care of you.
Thank you for a truly fun trip report.
Apr 21st, 2014, 09:45 AM
#22
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 58,297
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just read this trip report for the first time and it made my day!!
Mom's 50th is coming up (as is my own). 1964 was a very good year.
What do you ladies have planned for her? Whatever became of her and Lawrence?
Mom's 50th is coming up (as is my own). 1964 was a very good year.
What do you ladies have planned for her? Whatever became of her and Lawrence?
Apr 21st, 2014, 11:16 AM
#23
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 17,801
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<Sounds like you guys went to Napa to party, I'm doing same this weekend for a Bachelorette. lol. >
In case there's anyone left still wondering why it is that all the wineries in Napa charge higher and higher tasting fees, read this and weep.
In case there's anyone left still wondering why it is that all the wineries in Napa charge higher and higher tasting fees, read this and weep.
Apr 21st, 2014, 02:04 PM
#24
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Completely forgot about this thread . . . Sorry, Blondie, didn't mean to ignore your question. . . was so long ago I can't remember so many details . . . Fodor's really needs to find better ways to keep track of things!
But yes, Hubbie & I ran into you gals at Castello . . . we were sitting at the bar and you tottered by on the way out . . . then Miss Preppy Pink Shirt came over. . .
You gals were both pretty happy . . . giggling a lot and pretty wobbly, especially Miss Preppy Pink Shirt. Hubbie did most of the talking, but don't remember much what we talked about it was so long ago at this point. Nothing serious, that's for sure. You were both slurring though, then laughing about it, because I think you could tell. Miss Preppy Pink Shirt kept telling us, repeatedly, "issss smy Birshday", and you both kept playing with your shirt collars and giggling about having "wine collar". What does that mean anyway?
Anyway, then the twins showed up and you gals tottered away with them. Given the concern on this forum about keeping tasting rooms pleasant, I can vouch and Hubbie can too that you gals weren't loud or obnoxious at all. We saw far worse during our time there.
But yes, Hubbie & I ran into you gals at Castello . . . we were sitting at the bar and you tottered by on the way out . . . then Miss Preppy Pink Shirt came over. . .
You gals were both pretty happy . . . giggling a lot and pretty wobbly, especially Miss Preppy Pink Shirt. Hubbie did most of the talking, but don't remember much what we talked about it was so long ago at this point. Nothing serious, that's for sure. You were both slurring though, then laughing about it, because I think you could tell. Miss Preppy Pink Shirt kept telling us, repeatedly, "issss smy Birshday", and you both kept playing with your shirt collars and giggling about having "wine collar". What does that mean anyway?
Anyway, then the twins showed up and you gals tottered away with them. Given the concern on this forum about keeping tasting rooms pleasant, I can vouch and Hubbie can too that you gals weren't loud or obnoxious at all. We saw far worse during our time there.
Apr 21st, 2014, 08:00 PM
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
@ LCBoniti - Thanks for your note - glad to see we aren't the only ones who got a little tipsy during their visit! We absolutely loved Chimney Rock. Would love to hear if you have any other favorites!!
@JanetKMR - Thanks for your note too - always nice to make someone's day on a Monday!! I agree - 1964 was a great year (not that I was around for it). I think Mom's only regret about her birthday is she was late for The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. I'm currently planning her 50th - the big birthday! We all had such a good time that I think we're going to go back to Napa and stay overnight for a few nights at Solage in Calistoga (bit of a splurge, but how often are you fifty!?). I'm working on an itinerary - right now the leading idea is to have Amanda take us to sparkling wine wineries one day, but the other day I have to figure out. Maybe cycling to some local wineries near Solage and a nice spa visit. Any ideas? What are you doing for your 50th? Sadly, Lawrence is no longer in the picture (which is sad because he and mom took such nice pictures together). She's still seeking out her preppy Mr. Right in SF, which is proving a challenge!
@KendraCB - Sounds like you and Hubbie saw us at our absolute best during the day! LOL. "Wine collar" is Mom and my inside joke - kind of our tipsy tell. After a few drinks, we both get a pleasantly ticklish feeling on the back of the neck, right under our shirt collars. So we call it "wine collar". Or if we're having martinis, "vodka collar". You get the idea. I've only met three other people with this condition in my travels, but at least we're not alone. As a rule, more drinks = stronger wine collar = more giggling, so I'm not surprised we were in the mood to laugh by the time we met you. Thanks for being a good sport!
@Natalie1989 - Have fun this weekend. You're going to have a great time - and, of course, tell us all about it!
@JanetKMR - Thanks for your note too - always nice to make someone's day on a Monday!!
I agree - 1964 was a great year (not that I was around for it). I think Mom's only regret about her birthday is she was late for The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. I'm currently planning her 50th - the big birthday! We all had such a good time that I think we're going to go back to Napa and stay overnight for a few nights at Solage in Calistoga (bit of a splurge, but how often are you fifty!?). I'm working on an itinerary - right now the leading idea is to have Amanda take us to sparkling wine wineries one day, but the other day I have to figure out. Maybe cycling to some local wineries near Solage and a nice spa visit. Any ideas? What are you doing for your 50th? Sadly, Lawrence is no longer in the picture (which is sad because he and mom took such nice pictures together). She's still seeking out her preppy Mr. Right in SF, which is proving a challenge!@KendraCB - Sounds like you and Hubbie saw us at our absolute best during the day! LOL. "Wine collar" is Mom and my inside joke - kind of our tipsy tell. After a few drinks, we both get a pleasantly ticklish feeling on the back of the neck, right under our shirt collars. So we call it "wine collar". Or if we're having martinis, "vodka collar". You get the idea. I've only met three other people with this condition in my travels, but at least we're not alone. As a rule, more drinks = stronger wine collar = more giggling, so I'm not surprised we were in the mood to laugh by the time we met you. Thanks for being a good sport!
@Natalie1989 - Have fun this weekend. You're going to have a great time - and, of course, tell us all about it!
Apr 22nd, 2014, 04:50 AM
#26
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 58,297
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What are you doing for your 50th?
__
Thank you for asking! I will be going to The Inn at Little Washington.
https://www.theinnatlittlewashington.com/
I have never been to Napa so no help there.
Your Mom is very fortunate to have such great daughters.
What day is her birthday? Mine is Sept 6.
__
Thank you for asking! I will be going to The Inn at Little Washington.
https://www.theinnatlittlewashington.com/
I have never been to Napa so no help there.
Your Mom is very fortunate to have such great daughters.
What day is her birthday? Mine is Sept 6.
Apr 22nd, 2014, 04:47 PM
#27
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,667
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I enjoyed your trip report.....glad you did the responsible thing and had the limo, AND that you learned a few things about wine tasting~eat a big breakfast with protein, snack throughout the day, stick to tastings with water in the limo.......guess how I knew all these tips?? 
Apr 23rd, 2014, 03:08 PM
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
@JanetKMR - Mom's birthday is October 5. You beat her by a month! That Inn looks completely adorable!!!! And the restaurant looks fabulous too! (I got hungry just looking at the sample dinner menu, but alas! My options for this evening pale in comparison!!). I'm putting it on the list for next time I find myself in that part of the country! I can only imagine what they must bring you for dessert on your birthday
@Tenthumbs - Thanks for your nice note. I agree, I really don't understand why anyone who is swallowing the tastings would drive in Napa (or anywhere else for that matter). Drinking and driving is always unacceptable, irresponsible and there should be no tolerance for it. Frankly, for me, driving after any drinks would be so stressful that it would ruin the whole day. Far better to hire a driver (and one who takes good photos, if you can)!
@Tenthumbs - Thanks for your nice note. I agree, I really don't understand why anyone who is swallowing the tastings would drive in Napa (or anywhere else for that matter). Drinking and driving is always unacceptable, irresponsible and there should be no tolerance for it. Frankly, for me, driving after any drinks would be so stressful that it would ruin the whole day. Far better to hire a driver (and one who takes good photos, if you can)!
Apr 25th, 2014, 01:07 PM
#32
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks, @Stillhouse! I think Fodors has a great concept with Trip Reports. They're fun to write, a useful reminder for those of us who can never stick to keeping a diary, and help others plan. Yay efficiency!
@Tenthumbs - Speaking of efficiency - wine tasting + education = well played! Sonoma looks nice - I'd like to visit it. Maybe when I'm out for Mom's 50th.
@Weke - Solage looks great and I've heard such good things about it. I'm especially excited by the spa facilities, but the intangibles - bocce, bicycles look great too! The only thing I'm not sure about is Calistoga. It looks relaxing, but is there anything to do there? Are the wineries that way any good?
@Tenthumbs - Speaking of efficiency - wine tasting + education = well played! Sonoma looks nice - I'd like to visit it. Maybe when I'm out for Mom's 50th.
@Weke - Solage looks great and I've heard such good things about it. I'm especially excited by the spa facilities, but the intangibles - bocce, bicycles look great too! The only thing I'm not sure about is Calistoga. It looks relaxing, but is there anything to do there? Are the wineries that way any good?
Apr 28th, 2014, 11:38 AM
#34
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,860
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BostonBlondie -
I have two wineries that I highly recommend - besides Chimney Rock, of course.
1. Domaine Carneros - sparkling wine and pinot noir. Especially the sparkling - absolutely delicious. The tasting room is on a beautiful hillside in the Carneros region of Napa - off Highway 12 (which heads toward Sonoma).
http://www.domainecarneros.com/
2. Artesa Vineyards and Winery - Another amazingly beautiful hilltop location - you can see San Francisco bay from their patio on a clear day - and superb wines. Also some of the friendliest staff you will find in Napa. They are also in the Carneros region, so a good pairing with Domaine Carneros.
http://www.artesawinery.com/
I need to plan a trip to Napa . . . soon!!
I have two wineries that I highly recommend - besides Chimney Rock, of course.
1. Domaine Carneros - sparkling wine and pinot noir. Especially the sparkling - absolutely delicious. The tasting room is on a beautiful hillside in the Carneros region of Napa - off Highway 12 (which heads toward Sonoma).
http://www.domainecarneros.com/
2. Artesa Vineyards and Winery - Another amazingly beautiful hilltop location - you can see San Francisco bay from their patio on a clear day - and superb wines. Also some of the friendliest staff you will find in Napa. They are also in the Carneros region, so a good pairing with Domaine Carneros.
http://www.artesawinery.com/
I need to plan a trip to Napa . . . soon!!
May 8th, 2014, 06:17 PM
#35
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks @Weke. We're all booked for Solage. I'm really excited! The spa looks great - someone is planning to spoil herself a little during her visit I think it'll also be nice to be a little removed from the craziness.
@LCBoniti - I was actually thinking about putting Domaine Carneros on our itinerary! I've had their wine before in restaurants and I'm a fan, but now that I look at their website the setting looks pretty stunning! Have you ever done table service there before? If so, what were your thoughts? We're planning to do a sparkling wine themed tour for Mom's actual big day, and this looks like a great place to relax, sip and sparkle towards the end of the day!
I think it'll also be nice to be a little removed from the craziness.@LCBoniti - I was actually thinking about putting Domaine Carneros on our itinerary! I've had their wine before in restaurants and I'm a fan, but now that I look at their website the setting looks pretty stunning! Have you ever done table service there before? If so, what were your thoughts? We're planning to do a sparkling wine themed tour for Mom's actual big day, and this looks like a great place to relax, sip and sparkle towards the end of the day!
May 9th, 2014, 06:17 AM
#36
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 9,089
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Blondie -
Hysterical trip report. Thank you! Dh and I are going to Napa in Sept to celebrate our 30th anniversary. I am an Oct baby too and 5 years older than your mom. Maybe we should call Amanda to take us around while we are there...
Hysterical trip report. Thank you! Dh and I are going to Napa in Sept to celebrate our 30th anniversary. I am an Oct baby too and 5 years older than your mom. Maybe we should call Amanda to take us around while we are there...
May 10th, 2014, 05:45 AM
#37
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,860
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Blondie - we always have the premium sampling at Domaine Carneros, which is three generous champagne tastings plus a Pinot noir. And then we have a cheese plate with it. Sooooo good.
I've not had more than that but I'm sure it will be lovely and delicious.
The location is indeed stunning and the staff are welcoming and so much fun.
I have also done a sparkling tour and Domaine Carneros is by far my favorite. Just be careful. They are generous pours and, personally, champagne goes to my head very quickly.
And, yes I know it is not technically "champagne" in California.
I've not had more than that but I'm sure it will be lovely and delicious.
The location is indeed stunning and the staff are welcoming and so much fun.
I have also done a sparkling tour and Domaine Carneros is by far my favorite. Just be careful. They are generous pours and, personally, champagne goes to my head very quickly.
And, yes I know it is not technically "champagne" in California.
May 11th, 2014, 03:42 PM
#38
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
@Bankbabe - Thanks so much for your nice note! And happy anniversary - 30 years is fabulous!!!
@LCBoniti - Here I thought I had come up with an original idea by thinking about a sparkling tour... !! Like you, I also tend to feel the bubbles pretty quickly, so I think the Big 5-0 has the makings of another giggly affair
But seriously, thanks for the great intel! I think Domaine Carneros will definitely be on our itinerary. Which other places did you go to that specialize in sparkling wine that you liked? From what I've read, Mumm and Schramsberg look like the best other options to add to an itinerary. But then I keep thinking about that great line from Meet The Parents, where the clerk says to Ben Stiller, "you can get a whole bunch of Mumm's!"
Right now I'm thinking maybe we'll do a tour at Schramsberg as it looks the most established and historic. Then maybe stop at Mumm's, do a little shopping, stop somewhere for a big lunch, and end the day at Domaine Carneros to savor the views. I welcome thoughts and suggestions!
Happy Mother's Day everyone!!
@LCBoniti - Here I thought I had come up with an original idea by thinking about a sparkling tour... !! Like you, I also tend to feel the bubbles pretty quickly, so I think the Big 5-0 has the makings of another giggly affair
But seriously, thanks for the great intel! I think Domaine Carneros will definitely be on our itinerary. Which other places did you go to that specialize in sparkling wine that you liked? From what I've read, Mumm and Schramsberg look like the best other options to add to an itinerary. But then I keep thinking about that great line from Meet The Parents, where the clerk says to Ben Stiller, "you can get a whole bunch of Mumm's!"
Right now I'm thinking maybe we'll do a tour at Schramsberg as it looks the most established and historic. Then maybe stop at Mumm's, do a little shopping, stop somewhere for a big lunch, and end the day at Domaine Carneros to savor the views. I welcome thoughts and suggestions!
Happy Mother's Day everyone!!
May 12th, 2014, 02:46 AM
#39
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 11,375
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Schamsbrug is great - as are the others. If Hans Kornell is still going (he passed on I believe but his heirs might still be running it) - he was the last to hand riddle (turn) the Champagne bottles and a grand old gentleman. His Sehr Troken was one of our favorites.
Also in the Carneros area - check out Acacia winery (love their
Chards) - and the old classic - Gundlach Bundschu - which has a great history.
Also in the Carneros area - check out Acacia winery (love their
Chards) - and the old classic - Gundlach Bundschu - which has a great history.
May 12th, 2014, 02:51 AM
#40
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 11,375
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And just read up a couple posts. Calistoga is also known for mud baths - and a very quaint looking estate/winery - Chateau Montelena - which was owned by Ernie Hahn at one time - a very nice gentleman/developer from San Diego.
- and a very quaint looking estate/winery - Chateau Montelena - which was owned by Ernie Hahn at one time - a very nice gentleman/developer from San Diego.
