Lovely weather in December stirred a desire to spend the Christmas holiday in Wine Country.
Napa Valley Winter Vignette © Alice Joyce
I never cease to wonder at the beauty of the landscape, where eye-catching vignettes emerge along roadways.
Beignets de Brandade de Morue tomato confit © Alice Joyce
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 beignets!
Bouchon Interior / Photo © Alice Joyce
Coquilles St. Jacques au Cidre entree – exquisitely prepared, succulent scallops on a bed of pumpkin confit, carmelized salsify, apples & cider emulsion. Melt-in-your-mouth nirvana for this foodie!
Below: Bouchon’s brilliantly exuberant facade
Bouchon Photo © Alice Joyce
French Laundry Culinary Gardens / © Alice Joyce
A few weeks earlier, I had stopped at Bardessono, where I love having lunch in their stylish bar. The courtyard is glorious in winter when the magnolias are blooming!
Luxe settees and a fireplace add to the bar’s atmosphere: a perfect spot to sip a glass of champagne.
Bardessono Creamy Celery Root Soup & Carmelized Onion & Cheese Panini ~ Photo copyright: Alice Joyce
Bardessono Bar © Alice Joyce
Napa Valley Lodge
The heart of Yountville, with its array of restaurants is convenient to the Napa Valley Lodge, where our spacious room had a beautiful vineyard view.
Sonoma Valley Inn
Our holiday getaway kicked off in Sonoma, a block or so off the town square with a room at the Sonoma Valley Inn. This hotel is where the Australian Studying Abroad tour group will stay during the first few nights of their Northern California landscape & garden tour. I’m looking forward to escorting the group as we visit private gardens in Marin County.
I’m thinking it may be time to upgrade my Canon Camera, perhaps a belated Christmas present to myself before I embark on my 2012 travel adventures, yearning for a return to the serene landscape of the Sonoran desert… while dreaming of Venice.
Hi Alice, I’m eagerly waiting for the spring myself! I just want to feel the sun on my back again, it is chilly in London these days, Ugh!
I am upgrading my Canon Powershot in 2012 too, at least that’s the plan…I would like the Canon EOS 600D :-) That will be a nice upgrade, I parked my old film SLR for good in 2004 and have missed the clarity an SLR gives, but it would be unthinkable not using digital now that I have started using it. The EOS 600D is lovely, but my bank account will groan…Love your photos, as always.
I bet you had a great time in the region! Best wishes for 2012!! Lula
I say get the new camera:) Your meals look incredible. One of my favorite places to visit. My personal favorite is Glen Ellen nearby….but Sonoma and that cheese factory are second:)
I remember that vignette of containers and I love that color and arrangement. But today I have to say, your first image speaks of tranquility and warmth. That is one beautiful little structure.