My friend is a World Traveler in the truest sense of the word. Since retiring a few years ago, he’s lived in Rome for a month, Thailand for two months, Vietnam for several more months, made numerous trips to Laos, India, Japan, France and countries he either told me and I’ve forgotten about or he didn’t mention it to me. Anthony Boudin has nothing on my friend Don.
So during one of his brief interludes in this country, Don came over to the house for a hike and chat. After the hike, we chatted over a beer or two. Marianne and I mentioned that we would love to go to France or maybe Italy. Don, who has been to both places several times said-“why would you do that when the Napa Valley is only an hour away?” Well, yeah, we knew that but somehow that had never clicked into our consciousness to the point where we actually drove up there.
Where to go first? Why to the Bouchon Bakery of course. Croissants and coffee in the morning sun while chatting with a couple from Montreal Canada. I’d love to say I practiced my French on them, but that would be a gross lie. And, not necessary since they’ve been living in the same town as Marianne and I for the past 12 years.
After breakfast, we wandered around Yountville in the sun. I had to choose-sunscreen or hat. I always go with the hat and here it is.
From there we drove up to this beautiful French restaurant and hotel. What a beautiful site and if I win the lottery, I’ll be happy to rent it out for my daughter’s wedding next year.
Marianne repeated many times before and during the trip that she had to go to the store Dean & deLucca. So we did and you know what, D&D is Whole Foods on Steroids. 15 bucks for a jar of jam etc. Still we bought some sandwiches and ate out back.
Next up was some real wine tasting which since neither of us drink wine could be called an adventure.
Muscat for Marianne, the House Red for me. Yes, we really did go “wine tasting.”
Remember that Sting song “Fields of Gold?” Here’s Marianne in her Fields of Gold on our way home.
So there you are, my little viginette about the Napa Valley. VIVE LE YOUNTVILLE!
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