Hello, fellow wine enthusiasts! ☕🍷 Finally getting around to writing out my 40th Birthday trip to Napa in January 2023! Let’s pour ourselves a cup of jo (or a glass of vino, no judgments here!) and chat about the fabulous time we had, complete with a sprinkle of updates for our wine-loving crew! 🌧️🍇

A Sip of Adventure:

Our recent wine country trip was a symphony of raindrops and glasses clinking. And while we may have joked about needing a personal weather channel, we wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Rain or shine, we sipped, savored, and soaked in the beauty of wine country. If you remember, January 2023 was when the atmospheric river was above Napa/Sonoma 🌧️🌧️🌧️

Napa Tastings: From Bubbles to Reds:

We started our wine journey with Domaine Carneros, indulging in bubbles that set the tone for the birthday weekend. Next up, Schramsberg – where the Cave Tour & Tasting were straight-up enchanting. Sipping Blanc de Noir and Brut Rose under candlelight while crews worked around us was like a scene from a movie.

Frank Family Vineyards waltzed in as a last-minute surprise, treating us to an array of flavors that left us signing up for their wine club. Oh, that 2018 Winston Hill stole our hearts!

Cheers to Culinary Delights:

Our visit to Robert Mondavi wasn’t just about wine – it was a four-hour affair of vineyard tours, chef-prepared feasts, and an impromptu acapella birthday serenade. The 2018 Carneros PNX Pinot Noir and the 2019 RM Reserve Red Blend danced on our palates.

And then came Foley Johnson, dazzling us with their variety and the rain-soaked day didn’t dampen our spirits. Their Merus, the 2018 Pat’s Blend, and the 2017 Malbec earned a standing ovation.

A Symphony of Experiences:

Our adventure continued with Nickel & Nickel, and while it didn’t leave an imprint like the others, we cherished the serene patio tasting. Caldwell Vineyard & Winery’s Cave Tasting took us to another realm, with wines like the 2019 “PLATINUM” Proprietary Red and the 2020 Carménère reminding us that life’s most special moments deserve the finest sips.

Jordan Vineyard & Winery painted sustainability in vibrant hues, where the 2015 Chardonnay and 2018 Cab were like music to our senses. Who knew wine and goat cheese could create such a symphony? Ferrari Carano‘s last-minute embrace gifted us with the 2021 Dry Sangiovese Rosé and the 2022 Fumé Blanc, providing a delightful break from the reds.

The Winter Wine Road in Sonoma

Winter WineRoad Sonoma took us on a journey of its own, with Ridge Vineyards planting its roots in 1910, and Mozzacco winning our hearts with their 2020 Antoine Philippe Zin. deLorimier and Orsi Family Vineyards offered us easy-to-love everyday wines, while West Wines showcased Swedish-owned winery charm.

Martorana Family Winery and Roth Estate Winery created a cozy atmosphere for easy sipping, and Soda Rock stole our hearts with the 2015 Diane Marie Cab – a perfect tribute to my mom Diane! 🍷

And of course, Francis Ford Coppola‘s haven captured us, leading to a case-hauling spree thanks to a WineRoad special. Wilson’s 2019 Wilson Family Red and Harvest Moon‘s RandyZin sealed the deal, leaving us with hearts full of gratitude and glasses full of memories.

Rain or Shine, Cheers to Wine:

So, my fellow wine lovers, our wine country escapade might have been a touch on the rainy side, but every drop only added to the magic. Rain-kissed vines, laughter in the tasting rooms, and memories that’ll warm our hearts – it’s a tale of a wet and wonderful adventure.

Let’s raise our glasses to the moments that make us smile, rain or shine. Until the next pour, keep swirling, sipping, and savoring the beauty that lies in every drop! 🍷🌧️ #WineCountryMagic #SipAndSmile