California Part 1

We are back in our routine after our much needed long vacation!  We went on an 8-day trip through California and were blessed to see some of our amazing countryside. Ryan had a Dental Convention in San Diego so we flew into San Fransisco and made our way down the coast and ended the week in San Diego.  I have to say it was honestly the prettiest part of our country I have EVER seen! 
The first city we stopped at was Berkley...right outside of San Fran.  We stopped and had breakfast at La Note where Ryan had French Toast with lavendar honey and I got yogurt with raspberry coulis.  They also are known for their lemon-ginger bread pancakes...yummo!  We also got to drive through Cal at Berkley which was a beautiful campus!

 

Next on our stop...Napa, CA.

First stop (courtesy of The Lee's)  was Spring Mountain Vineyard.  Ryan and I got the red carpet treatment!  We enjoyed a 2 hour private tasting and tour of the entire vineyard.  We not only got to taste amazing wine, see lots of pretty scenery, but learned so much through our tour guide.

We then got a quick bite to eat at V Sattui.  This winery was very commercialized and crowded, but a great place to stop for a snack or lunch.

The final winery we stopped at was Peju.  We met the Napa Rappa here and he rapped about all the wines and what to look for and pair them with.  Hilarious.

Peju was very corky and upbeat!  I would highly recommend this place too!

For dinner we tried out Tyler Florence's new restaurant Rotissere & Wine.  We split collards and an entire rotissere chicken with potatoes.  The atmosphere and decor was perfect for a Napa restaurant.

We finished the night off with dessert from Bouchon.  We split the TLC cookie, a homemade Peanut Butter cup and several macroons (these were our favorite).

Although the wine and food was amazing...the view of the rolling vineyards were our favorite part.

 

Stay tuned for the next stop on our tour of The Golden State...