Thursday, October 15, 2009

Oh We Could Have One Big Party!

Well, we were in Napa Valley, California as few weeks ago to get some much needed R. & R. Waking up every morning to the view of the hills nearby in the sunshine and going for a morning swim in this wonderful pool, having breakfast made for me, I truly felt like I was in heaven.



And then of course, there are the wonderful sunsets, after a beautiful day of sunshine, like this one taken over Lake Hennessey.

And so to the grapes, of course one of the fun things to do in Napa is to go wine tasting, but too much of a good thing.................

I find that some of the wineries are just way over the top, too pretentious and it becomes a chore rather than a fun experience to wine taste there. So, we go out of our way to find smaller places that are really excited to have customers and often you are talking to the actual people who make the wine and have a true passion for what they are doing. These are the great moments on a vacation when you hit on the "off the beaten track" locations.



I couldn't resist adding this photo, isn't he adorable, of course he thought I had food for him, so when he had finished his photo shoot I did buy some pellets ( from the conveniently placed goat food vending machine - those tourists will do anything for a photo!)


The landscape in Napa Valley is a mixture of rugged terrain and pristine vineyards. I love the combination and never tire of seeing it. :)



Did I mention that we love wine? So, we got a little carried away and last week these boxes arrive and I have nowhere to put it all. (I still have a few cases of wine from last year's trip) Now I have to go and buy a wine fridge. Well, this will last us a while, I think. :)

So, if you are ever in the area (Oregon) and fancy a glass of California's best don't hesitate to stop by, we have plenty to go around.


Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.


8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow! Thanks for sharing the pics- it looks beautiful there! And I'm envious of your wine stash :)

Terry said...

ooh, i'll be right over...lol!

Victoria said...

Ooh, I may have to make the trip - I am a growing wine lover too! I totally agree about the small vineyards - we visited a place in BC this summer (Blackwood Lanes) that had just opened the day we got there. We talked to the owner and the actual guy in charge on winemaking - it was so great (and the wine was amazing)! I think I would totally be disappointed to go to a big place after that.

Your photos are lovely!

Erica said...

OOOhh! NICE. My husband and I need to do that... get a sitter for a week and go wine tasting!

It looks nice and clear too! I lived in LA for a while, and we could see the Hollywood hills but WHew! It was so smoggy. Maybe it was worse because I grew up in (and still live in) Albuquerque and we have an amazing clear view od the Sandia Mountains all year round!

Dolores Jablonski said...

I love the GOAT!! I keep telling my husband we can get a little one for the back yard, but he isn't going for it...
love your art and the photos are wonderful!

RaspberryKidz said...

You sure stocked up! I've never been to CA, but I would love to find those "hidden treasures." Great pics. It's cold and rainy in Chicago, and your pics are a nice escape. : )

Alisa Nordholt-Dean said...

It looks amazing! I haven't been to Napa Valley...yet. Thanks for brightening up my dreary Indiana day with your gorgeous photos! Enjoy the wine!

Joy De Vivre Design said...

Napa Valley looks so beautiful. I have never been north of Los Angeles, but I must go one day.