Out of San Francisco for a Wine Party

We are up early for a tour to Napa Valley. Once again we head to the Ferry Building where I get my second breakfast of a cherry turnover. While I'm scarfing down the last few cherries, we load the bus to head to Napa. It took us about an hour to get to the first winery, and the ride was actually nice. I didn't even need to wear my wimpy girl wristbands. This part of California was beautiful and very warm. I was wishing that I hadn't worn so much cold weather clothing this time. We were lucky to have a really good tour guide that taught us so much about the history of winemaking in California.
Our first stop was Domaine Chandon (yep, just what Snoop is talking about when he says he "got a Rolly on my arm and I'm pourin' Chandon"). We got to tour inside the winery where the wine is fermented in these giant vats. We only sampled Champagne here, which I don't really like, but it was the best Champagne I've tasted before. We had our tasting outside standing in a garden, and it felt like we where in a movie. We also learned how to tell which Champagnes will give you a headache. Domaine Chandon

Our second wine experience was probably our favorite place. We went to V. Sattui, where we also enjoyed a picnic. This winery has a loaded deli with everything you could imagine. Wes and I got lunch and sat outside in a large yard under some trees. We had a little bit of time to enjoy the sunshine before we went inside for another tasting. This tasting was really cool because you got to pick six out of ten wines to taste. Wes and I planned ours so that at least one of us got every glass. I'm not going to lie; we sure did share our wine.
The next stop was probably the least eventful; but I think that I found my favorite wine there. We went to Rutherford Ranch and all sat together at tables for our tasting. We did get chocolate to go with our wine, and I got some bottles to take home with us.
Our final winery visit took place at the most beautiful winery. This was the Mario Andretti Winery, and it looks like an Italian villa. We spent the entire time outside, and the man pouring our wine was freepouring, which was especially nice. I don't know how many refills I got from him. Outside of the Mario Andretti Winery

On the way out of Napa, Wes and I tasted the best sweet treat ever made! Early in the morning, Wes bought almond brittle at the Farmer's Market. It was fantastic, and if I had known how good it was, I would have bought the whole basket of almond brittle. While eating our yummy snack, we rode to Vallejo to catch a ferry back to the city. We actually saw a pirate festival as we were heading to the ferry.
We were starving after our hour long ferry ride back to the city, so we headed straight for dinner. We tried the Blue Mermaid Chowder House at the Wharf, and it was one of the best choices we made. We ate delicious Crab and Corn Chowder. That stuff was so good that I still think about it.
We decided to stop by Ghirardelli Square and look around, but we didn't stay long because it was FREEZING! We lined up at the cable car turnaround, and I was really wishing for my hat, scarf, and gloves. I was so cold that I ran to the Starbucks across the street just to get a hot drink. Wes outside of Ghirardelli Square

After waiting for what seemed like forever, we flew off of the cable car, ran into our hotel, and jumped into our warm bed.