Thank you .. ‘Dirt du Jour’

for the glowing review! "Go ask Alice ... where all the best vineyard gardens are. She's an erudite charmer; you'll have fun!"

California Wine Country

Quixote Winery Reprise

Wine Country is on my mind at this time of year, as beautiful October days in Northern California often coincide with the grape harvest. After touring various Sonoma County winery gardens this week, I now look toward Napa Valley.

Quixote Golden Entry Glazed Pillars Photo © Alice Joyce

This brings to mind the amazing architecture and beautiful setting of Quixote Winery in Napa’s Stags Leap district AVA, which is 5 miles north of the town of

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California Wine Country

Bardessono Lucy Restaurant

lucy in Blue Photo © Alice Joyce

A seductively warm winter evening ushered in the Bardessono launch for… lucy Restaurant and Bar. Unveiled: The crisp, modern detailing of an interior designed by Mark Burkett of SEVA Home. I was especially taken with a highlight of the dining room – a stunningly sculptural wall relief that effectively captures the light while adding artistry and glamour to the surroundings.

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California Wine Country

Raymond Vineyards ~ Wine Tasting Joie de Vivre

Theater of Nature  © Alice Joyce

A satisfying afternoon combined garden touring and tasting fine wines at Raymond Vineyards ~ ruby red Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. I awoke with a smile on my face the next morning, still savoring the aftereffects of a heady joie de vivre that characterizes a visit to this St. Helena winery.

Theater of Nature © Alice Joyce

The spirited ambiance emerging throughout the Raymond property is colored by the elegance and humor

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