napa valley, california: eats and drinks

Last Tuesday I celebrated my birthday by spending the evening at home with my family, then, once the kids were in bed, packing up a suitcase to head to the Napa Valley with my sweetie. We left our kids at home in capable hands and headed off to California on Wednesday. The weather didn’t entirely cooperate, so I didn’t get to take as many photos as I’d hoped, but the trip was spectacular regardless.

We’ve been blessed with the friendship of some wonderful people who are, as they say in wine country, In The Business. Luckily, these are friends who never seem to mind letting us tag along on their wine trips. And from my  limited experience, traveling to wineries and vineyards with someone in the wine industry is a whole heck of a different experience than the alternative.

We drank incredible wines, ate some pretty great food, and saw some fabulous sights out there. Below are some snapshots of some of the meals and wine tastings we went to. Part of my brain – or is it my heart? – is still back in Yountville. Come along with me for just a few minutes and I’ll take you there.

If you click through each photo, it will take you to my Flickr account where you can read more about it.

old vines

harvested grapes

roast chicken

butternut squash soup

silver oak

rainy day in napa

chappellet

barlow

scone

brioche

bouchon

pan-seared salmon at cia

padron peppers

grapes

mushroom risotto

oakville reds

meat

oakville lunch

phelps

napa valley

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20 Responses to “napa valley, california: eats and drinks”

  1. 1
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    Elizabeth Howes — October 26, 2010 @ 8:35 pm

    Great shots! I actually live in Marin (40 minutes south of the wine country) but never get tired of photos of the area. Especially when they involve great food and wine.

    Thanks for sharing — and Happy (belated) Birthday!

  2. 2
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    Kristina @ spabettie — October 26, 2010 @ 8:47 pm

    GORGEOUS photos ! I went to Bouchon (Vegas…) for my birthday… I have always wanted to visit all the restaurants in Napa… it all looks delicious!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY !

  3. 3
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    Kate @ maître de moda — October 26, 2010 @ 8:51 pm

    What a great post – the pictures are fabulous!
    Happy birthday! I cannot wait to go to Napa one of these days…the food looks absolutely fantastic. Thanks for sharing!

  4. 4
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    Gail — October 26, 2010 @ 8:56 pm

    I got up from my sickbed to have a bite to eat and look at food blogs.
    This post has cheered me up more than words can say.
    Beautiful……

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    Dr. Bob — October 26, 2010 @ 10:32 pm

    Gorgeous photography.

  7. 6
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    Kate @ Savour Fare — October 26, 2010 @ 10:43 pm

    OK, now I have to open a bottle of wine.

  8. 7
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    Kim — October 27, 2010 @ 1:13 am

    Happy belated birthaday! Oh how I wish I spent mine in Napa. Maybe next year?!

    Beautiful pictures!

    [K]

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    eatgreek.net — October 27, 2010 @ 3:00 am

    excellent pictures!
    that weather is perfect for a glass of wine and nice food! 😀

  10. 9
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    Mardi@eatlivetravelwrite — October 27, 2010 @ 6:40 am

    Looks like a wonderful trip MJ. Can’t wait to read a little more about it all. And it brought back so many memories 🙂

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    SMITH BITES — October 27, 2010 @ 7:27 am

    beautiful MJ and so happy you got to go for your birthday! we wanted to see Napa this summer when we were there but just didn’t have the time with everything else that had been scheduled – but i feel as if i’ve been there now because of these gorgeous photos! does make me want to visit even more – love it!

  12. 11
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    Maria at Fresh Eats — October 27, 2010 @ 9:17 am

    Such pretty photography of a wonderful place. Looks like you had a wonderful time! Makes me want to go back.

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    Barbara @ VinoLuciStyle — October 27, 2010 @ 11:58 am

    I was supposed to visit Napa this summer but life went a bit awry, so I’ll enjoy a bit through your visit and pine for the day it actually happens maybe a bit more? Beautiful photos, thanks for taking us along!

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    Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles — October 27, 2010 @ 12:16 pm

    What an opportunity you had! Lovely photos!

  15. 14
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    Nancy@acommunaltable — October 27, 2010 @ 4:23 pm

    Gorgeous photos!! Can’t wait to hear more about your trip! Last time we were there it rained the entire time – but it was still a blast and we loved every minute of it!!!

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    Wendy (The Weekend Gourmet) — October 27, 2010 @ 7:15 pm

    Your post is bringing back some wonderful memories of my trip to SF/Napa in Spring 2009. Love Bouchon Bakery…we ate dinner at ad hoc and loved it. I’m sure Bouchon is fantastic as well. Want to go back next year for another ad hoc dinner + Bottega. And more vineyards!

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    Steph — October 29, 2010 @ 11:35 am

    Lovely pics! I’ve always wanted to visit Napa in the fall.

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    Nothing better than Napa Valley! I am fortunate to live about an hour away and pop up there often. Bouchon bakery and restaurant are among my favorites!!! Nice photos – thank you for sharing! Must try that Barlow wine!

  20. 18
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    Jason Phelps — October 31, 2010 @ 8:40 pm

    Holy pictures! I have to get to Napa ASAP.

    Jason

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