Napa Valley Archives - Page 2 of 2

Visit 5 Great Wineries in Calistoga @VisitCalistoga

March 24, 2015 by The Mom Jen 7 Comments

Recently becoming it’s own AVA within the Napa Valley, Calistoga is proud to be recognized for it’s unique terroir and over 30 wineries in the area. Even with some larger and well-known wineries, Calistoga prides itself on smaller, family-owned venues where you have a more personal experience and are treated like a member of the family. In a little over 24 hours you can visit 5 great wineries in Calistoga like we did and see how uniqueness and personality play into each location no matter what the size.

Chateau Montelena

Drink wine in a gorgeous castle over a century old. Chateau Montelena has been producing wine since 1886, but it wasn’t until after their starring role in the Judgment of Paris in 1976, that they received international recognition (check out the movie Bottle Shock to learn more). The grounds are a stunning sanctuary for a variety of fish and wildlife, the lake is surrounded by Chinese garden landscaping, weeping willows and native fauna. I could sit there for hours just taking in the beauty on the property. Current wine tastings are $25, their Montelena Estate Zinfandel was my ultimate favorite for it’s spiciness and berry flavors. A variety of experiences and tours are available with reservations, visit http://www.montelena.com/visit/tastingRoom for more.

Sterling Vineyards

Looking for unique, first thing you see when you arrive at Sterling Vineyards in the chalkboard prompting patrons to fill in the blank… “Before I Die…..” so what would you say? Travel by gondola to a self-guided tasting tour while admiring the views. Enjoy appetizers, explore the grape to glass process, admire art through the galleries, and of course enjoy the wine. My favorite here was the Sterling Vintner’s Collection Riesling, so fruit forward and refreshing on this gorgeous Napa Valley day. I love that they were also tasting a Rosenblum Bubbly Moscato Rose from a sister-vineyard, I fell in love with that one! For $29, your visit includes the aerial tram, self-guided tour of the lower portion of the winery, scenic views from our terraces, and a tasting of current release wines. http://www.sterlingvineyards.com/

Tank Garage Winery

Once a 1930’s era gas station, the location of Tank Garage’s tasting room requires a double take as you pass by on Hwy 128 (Foothill Blvd).

A dream of two longtime friends, Tank Garage is very much a museum of cool artifacts (check out the Indian Motorcycle pinball machine) as it is a place to belly up to the bar for some wine. While you are there at the bar you can envision your car getting a tune up just around the corner. Such a neat spot to enjoy some great one-off wines with unique labels and names. The 2011 Never Dream Alone is 90% Tempranillo and 10% Zinfandel, 100% delicious in my book! The owners also run T-Vine Cellars nearby, so check them out too! http://www.tankgaragewinery.com/

Tamber Bey Vineyards

An homage to his first two Arabian horses, Tamborina and Bayamo, Tamber Bey Vineyards on is a must-stop for equestrian (and wine) lovers. The winery and tasting room sits on Sundance Ranch, a world-class equestrian facility in Calistoga that houses owner Barry Waitte’s endurance race horses. I purchased their 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Deux Chevaux (two horses) because it’s not like any other Cab I’ve tasted.Bring a picnic and pair a tasting, you may even get to talk it up with one of the gorgeous horses they’re boarding. http://www.tamberbey.com/

Bennett Lane Winery

The best proposal package and views can happen at Bennett Lane Winery, so much so I want my husband to propose again right here:

Okay my photo was slightly enhanced (with the Snapseed app, thanks to a tip from tasting room Manager Travis), but can you imagine it? I loved this property, so much beauty, so many photogenic spots to snap.

Their goal is elegant wines that are also rich in flavor, and I truly loved their Maximus White Feasting Wine. Fresh flavors and aged in stainless steel, it could easily be my everyday summer wine! http://www.bennettlane.com/

I can’t wait to head back to Calistoga, I was so impressed and awed by the individuality of the wine tasting locations we visited. We explored via the Winter in the Wineries Passport, which may be an new annual tradition for my husband and I, maybe they should offer one for every season! You’re bound to find something you love in Calistoga’s wineries, to plan your trip and wine tasting route visit http://visitcalistoga.com/.

*Take note, some of the smaller wineries are open by appointment only, so be sure to check their contact information for more details.

I was provided a Winter in the Wineries Passport, all opinions are 100% my own.

Inn on Randolph, Napa Bed and Breakfast

December 6, 2013 by The Mom Jen 19 Comments

With over 40 picturesque lodging properties in heart of Napa, finding the right one can be tough. Sitting on almost an acre of precisely trimmed landscape, the Inn on Randolph was recently renovated in 2012 from a 19th century bed and breakfast to a modern yet cozy place to rest your head. Only a few short blocks to the dynamic downtown area, owner Karen Lynch has made her dream a reality in this lovely Victorian with adjoining cottages. Travelers will be happy to learn that the Inn is unique in that their delicious hot breakfast service and incredible homemade evening treats are completely gluten free!

Pulling up to the Inn on Randolph you’ll find the beautifully manicured yard greets you as you approach the front steps. A keypad is on the doors to the main house, the rooms, as well as the cottages that offer a private code for each guest.

Upon entering you’ll find a sitting room and fireplace area that includes a before and after photo story of the Inn’s renovations. Just beyond, the dining room offers plenty of seating to enjoy your one of two breakfast hours each morning. I just love those barn doors that separate the room to the kitchen! There’s coffee and tea offered throughout the day beginning at 7:15 am and a refrigerator stocked with non-alcoholic beverage for your convenience. As I was on a media tour, I spent one of two mornings dining at the Inn and my Mexican medley was served hot and delicious and filling for my walking tour! Fresh fruit, homemade (gluten-free) granola, and yogurt are also available on the beverage bar to complement the meal. During the day, I would witness the staff available as personal concierge assisting in planning off-site activities including winery tours, spa treatments, sightseeing trips or dining reservations for guests. They really do it all here!

Guests have a choice of 5 rooms in the main 1860 Victorian or of 5 cottages about the property. Cottages offer a bit more privacy with much more room that include a television, refrigerator, separate entrance, and its own sitting area or garden. I stayed in the main house in the Union room with private entrance and outside balcony. My room like many had a King bed with linens that felt like butter glazing my skin, it made it hard to get out from under the covers each morning. The room was large and bright and I appreciated I had a desk with lamp (and wi-fi at no additional cost) so I could catch up with work early mornings with my coffee. A bottle of Frog’s Leap Zinfandel awaited me along with a bottle of cold water on the dresser, a perfect welcome gift fitting for wine country!The bathroom was spacious with a lovely whirlpool spa tub (for two) and heated floors that are a savior in the morning!

Outdoors, you can enjoy your meal on the large patio overlooking the gardens and gazebo which was lovely in early November! The days I stayed the temperatures were a mild 72 and 73, the fall colors were absolutely stunning on the property as well as around downtown Napa. The Neiman Room is a newer building open to guests to enjoy during your stay. Equipped with a large flat screen TV, Apple TV, Netflix, games, and a refrigerator of non-alcoholic beverages, there is also a patio area with chairs and firepit for cozy evenings outside.

There is plenty of free parking on the street along the Inn as well as a first come first serve parking lot behind the Laurel cottage. The Spa room is available for massage (inquire about schedule/pricing) and can double up as a private occasion or corporate retreat space that opens up to the Spa gardens and pergola.I’ve never stayed in such a modern bed and breakfast before. It’s a far cry from doilies and country-style, yet it’s charm, attention to detail, and care for the guest’s comfort and well-being is more apparent than ever. I enjoyed my stay immensely and you can literally park once and walk downtown to dinner, a show, wine tasting, or shopping in a matter of minutes! For more information, visit their website, http://www.innonrandolph.com/ or on Facebook.

My visit was a part of a Downtown Napa media tour, all opinions are 100% my own.

Sonoma, CA: El Pueblo Inn Review

August 8, 2012 by The Mom Jen 6 Comments

In the heart of wine country, El Pueblo Inn in Sonoma, just a mile from the square, is a gorgeous place to rest after touring around the beautiful area.

On first sight, you’ll notice the colorful landscape of lavender, cannas, and more that surround the tranquil waterfall.

Having been to many Hawaiian island resorts, the surroundings at the El Pueblo Inn mimick tropical design, especially the view from the lanai (patio balcony) from our room, the Japanese maples and palm trees just complete the atmosphere.

Just around the way from the lobby, you’ll follow a path that reaches an expansive lawn and garden area approaching the pool. Lawn chairs are scattered so you can enjoy them by the pool or in the shade on the grass.Before we even hit the room, my younger kids wanted to swim. We explored the pool area which has plenty of room and chairs/tables for many guests. Also included is a covered area with chairs and tables if you want to get out of the sun or have a take out meal outdoors. Also at the pool area is the fitness rooms, don’t forget your towels from the front desk.We crossed paths with housekeeping and other personnel of the Inn and the hospitality is just so loving and kind! You feel like you’re staying with family.

Finally checking out our room, we were pleased with the size and all the amenities. The patio is so nice to have, our weather that weekend was blissful to enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the waterfall. There is plenty of seating aside from on the bed, plus a nice desk for those needing space to work! TV, fridge, complimentary wi-fi, and ceiling fan add to the home feel.The beds were really comfortable giving us a comfortable night’s sleep! Lastly, we enjoyed a continental free breakfast, though due to the busy weekend and event at the nearby Inferion raceway the eating area was full. The receptionist happily let us know we could eat in the adjoining lobby. The breakfast included fresh fruit, pastries, cereal, juices, milk, coffee, and more to satisfy your hunger before starting the day!

If you’re in wine country and looking for a great place to stay, check out the El Pueblo Inn, you won’t be disappointed! http://www.elpuebloinn.com/