Lovely weather in December stirred a desire to spend the Christmas holiday in Napa Valley and Sonoma Wine Country. I never cease to wonder at the beauty of the landscape, where eye-catching vignettes emerge along roadways. Certainly the notion of enjoying fabulous food and wine made the brief getaway a very special holiday, indeed. Christmas Eve lunch at Bouchon .. quite simply a feast! To start: Endives au Roquefort salad with fuji apples, toasted walnuts & walnut vinagrette. T. and I shared satisfying Hors d’Oeuvres: a heaping serving of Rillettes aux Deux Saumons – prepared with fresh and smoked salmon, along with delectable cod
Continue reading Napa .. Sonoma Holiday
![Thomas Hill Organics [Photo: Alice Joyce]](http://www.alicesgardentravelbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Alice-Joyce1-150x112.jpg "Thomas Hill Organics Photo: Alice Joyce")
During an all-too-brief trip to bask in the low-key ambiance of summertime in Paso Robles, I enjoyed the pleasures of palate-tingling wine tastings and foodie havens deserving of lavish accolades. In addition to meandering on my own, I explored the region for two full days with Coy Barnes of The Wine Wrangler, a knowledgeable, resourceful tour guide who put together an itinerary encompassing wine and food pairings at Cass Vineyard & Winery, wine tasting at Le Vigne Winery – where winemaker Jac Jacobs treated us to enticing barrel tastings, and an unforgettable tour of the historic Ancient Peaks Winery Santa Margarita Ranch, in the company of co-owner Doug Filippoini.
Continue reading Paso Robles Prospects….
Lodgings at the Vintners Inn offer a luxurious retreat set within a 92-acre vineyard landscape. The Inn’s 3 separate buildings comprise 44 rooms and suites featuring French country decor, each with a private patio, or a balcony with lovely views. Book a room with a fireplace and Jacuzzi for a particularly heavenly respite from the workaday world. Enjoy drinks and a light meal in the Front Room Bar & Lounge adjacent to the famed John Ash & Co. restaurant, or make reservations for dinner. John Ash is known for introducing the ‘locavore’ approach to Sonoma County, with the creation of seasonal cuisine sourcing local ingredients.
Continue reading Luxurious Sonoma Lodgings .. Vintners Inn
