Napa

Thanks to the help of very kind friends and family to watch our 2 redheads, Chad and I were able to go and enjoy the 2nd annual Napa Valley vacation with our group of great friends. It was a fabulous trip filled with laughter, tears, relaxation, delicious food, and of course wine!

We had a few surprises lined up for the group, so that makes things so much more exciting. Once we arrived in Napa we hit the grocery store for some food essentials. Then took a detour to CRUSHPAD to pick up 6 of each of our new Lohman Family Estate wines. These haven't been release yet, so it was great to get to try them with the group.


New Lohman Family Estate Wines (Chad's wine & the Manzanita wine)

After our detour we stopped at the famous Oakville Grocery for some lunch. The food is delish and the atmosphere is symbolic of Napa Valley. We then headed up to our home away from home. Our house is located on Quail Mountain and the winery there is called Joseph's Cellars. And Joe is currently digged a cave for the winery. We were able to see the process underway. We happily unpacked and found our serene backyard oasis waiting for us. For dinner that night we ate at Taylor's Refreshers and surprised the group with a tasting from Lang & Reed Winery.


Chad and I at Taylor's Refreshers

The next day we had a wine & cheese tasting at Viader. On the way down the mountain we stopped at Frank's Family Vineyards for a very "pedestrian" tasting. Made our way home for some yummy apps on the back patio by the pool. Chef Chad prepared more than enough food and we could have stopped there. But instead we had our ride pick us up to take us to G's Cellars. Grant (our new friend from last year's trip) was proud to show off his own personal winery. He had a brilliant chef, named Stephen, prepare an amazing (yet all PORK-requested by Chad) dinner for us. We sat outside on the patio, the guys played bocce ball, we ate wood fired pizzas & apps, and enjoyed the conversation inside a beautifully converted horse stable. Then our chariot came to pick us up and take us home.


The ladies with Grant and his girlfriend Megan.

The next morning we enjoyed sleeping in and spending the morning in the hot tub drinking mimosas. The weather was perfect. Warm during the day and cool at night. Perfect for sitting around the fire pit and making smores. After lunch we had a tasting at Pride. The view was spectacular.


The group at Pride!

After our tasting we journeyed home to enjoy our last night at home. Chad cooked dinner and we ate outside and enjoyed the pool and hot tub. It was a fantastic trip with wonderful friends. Everyone was disappointed to have to return home, but glad to get back to our loving families. Thanks everyone!!


Everyone outside on the back patio at our home away from home.