No Napping In Napa

We were unable to resist the magnetic tug of amassed grapes.  

A full agenda got us up and out at the crack of 10.

We bid adieu to the nice little cottage where we stayed, just south of Sonoma.

Our waitress at the cafe where we had lunch the day before provided us with a number of suggestions for places to go, both in the Sonoma and Napa Valleys.  We knew and liked some of her recommendations, so we decided to follow up on the ones that were new to us.

Resisting the temptation of many better known wineries,
we found ourselves at the Frank Family Vineyards.

I won't expose my the judgmental capabilities of my palate to undue criticism, but there is no question that the wineries at in Napa and Sonoma are at a whole different level in terms of size and investment than what we see in the Finger Lakes.  The "boutique" wineries in the former would be major players in the latter.  And while many of the wineries have been producing for generations, there is a trend for very wealthy people to declare, "Let's make wine!" and invest huge sums to become winemakers.  As often as not, the Finger Lakes wineries have been originated by retiring chemists boldly making the transition from emulsions to more horticultural compulsions.

Tony provides scale for the barrel.

The assembled crew, hard at work.

"This is your Captain speaking.
I am a veteran of many wine flights.
I will ensure that you reach your destination safely and without turbulence."

The view out the back window of the tasting room.
It would be a great place to live
if you don't mind all the people tromping through your space.

Safely back on the ground after the flight.

We had no plans to head to Castello Di Amorosa, but the Castle of Love was only a Champagne cork's flight away, so we stopped in to see the structure and the view.  I typify the place as an Tuscan hilltop castle, without the usual 700 or so years of wear and tear.  Amazing what can happen when money is not a limitation. 

A great place to keep your grapes safe from attacking Sonomites.

The sign says, "Don't feed the humans," but the sheep can't read.

"My phone says we're lost.  What does yours say?"

Catching a few rays on the steps.

A spectacular view, with or without the extra height provided by the turret.

Do the hills also call to you?
There has to be a fabulous view up there.

On to the next recommended stop.  Duckhorn wines were served at President Obama's Inaugural Luncheon in 2009.  Judging from the prices, these fine wines should not be served for medicinal purposes mandated by the Affordable Care Act.

Much different than the previous stop, but every vintner's house is his castle, right?

The colorful leaves won't last much longer.

Talented lasses clear the glasses.

The outstanding view from the tasting porch.

I hear Carly Simon.  "Anticipation....anticipation..."

Get that guy out of the sun.  He's a burner.

Anticipation no more.

We drove past the rolling hills to the next winery.

Dave provided a size reference.
Tony was tired of working for scale.

"Why yes, Sir, I guarantee this wine is superior.
See how much more it costs?"

We drove out of the wine country
with the setting sun
highlighting the undulations of the grassy hills.