Thursday, August 9, 2012

Napa Valley

After checking out of our motel in Kelseyville and bidding farewell to my relatives, we started our journey through the Napa valley.  It was here that we recorded the highest temperature reading yet on our car (41 degrees)!  Being from the prairies, I am used to hot summers, but this was a whole new world of heat.  Thankfully, swimming pools were plentiful, not to mention refreshingly cold white wine and the occasional shady tree.

Our first stop was the Castello di Amorosa winery which really has to be seen to be appreciated.  Owned by Dario Sattui, who also operates V. Sattui winery , the castle is an exact replica of a medieval castle in the style that Sattui came to know and love during his extensive stays in Italy.  I found it a bit touristy, but there's no denying the authenticity and grandeur of the place.  The tasting room / gift shop is immense, and being our first experience in Napa, we enjoyed it thoroughly.  We tasted 10 wines in total, and came away with a bottle of Gerwurztraminer which, when properly chilled, turned out to be a great thirst-quencher after an afternoon beside the pool.







This evening, we stayed in the city of Napa (which was a lot bigger than I expected).  Our hotel turned out to be within walking distance of Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Target.  Bonus!

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