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Showing posts from 2018

CREAM, Running, Cookies and More

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Over the last few weeks I've continued to keep busy with running, working and even made a few trips east to Sacramento and Lodi. 1. CREAM Napa opened and I was among the first in line, I've been waiting for it to open since the "Coming Soon" sign went out in April 2016. 2. Halloween at The Village mean a fun harvest festival, followed by handing out candy to the 60+ kids that came to by door on Halloween night. 3. Went to The Barlow in Sebastopol , it's a fun spot with shops, restaurants and tasting rooms. 4. Headed to Sacramento for the Steiner Family Vineyards wine pick up party ... and my birthday 5. The Village Christmas Tree went up and had an amazing tree lighting with more than 1,500 in attendance. 6. Dinner at Morimoto ... one of the perks of living in the Napa Valley 7. I made cookies, lots of cookies 8. We had a cousins Christmas in Roseville complete with pizza , Christmas lights and a photo on the stairs. 9. I worked with our chefs at a ...

Oops ...

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I'm going to blame opening a new resort with nine tasting rooms and a lot of events for not posting in nearly 5 months. We'll start with June ... 1. I went to the retirement sale for Bourassa Vineyards to get some great wines at a deep discount and lots of free wine barrels for my house, my parents and others. 2. Toured the brand new resort as I helped move boxes, clean, make beds and do a variety of other things to help get it open. 3. Saw an old friend at his new restaurant in Windsor , Tisza Bistro . 4. Went to Chalk Hill's Annual White Party ... so much fun (although I did cheat and had some red wine too).  5. My cousin flew out from Texas for the day for a Giant's game, so we took full advantage of the day, saw the game (with amazing seats), walked along the Embarcadero and indulged in ice cream at Ghiradelli Square . 6. Found my inner zen during Wellness Wednesday on the Vineyard Deck . See all the pictures here July and August didn't slow...

Falcons, Giants, Yoga and Running

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It has been another fun few months with new experiences, fun outings, lots of running, plus maybe a little wine and food along the way. Falconry demonstration at Bouchaine Vineyards Magazine release party at Wheeler Family Farms in St. Helena Easter Brunch for nearly 700, followed by Easter at Uptown with Hillside Church   A run followed by beer Two estate sales in Lodi, followed by wine and beer A Sac Republic soccer game A very muddy run Happy hour in the Rhine House at Beringer in St. Helena VineRunners 15th Anniversary, complete with wine and Paella  Three TV segments in Sacramento with three different chefs Yoga on the Vineyard Deck as part of a new Wellness Wednesday series Helped at the March of Dimes walk in Sacramento Two Sunday SF Giants games, one with amazing seats close to the field, the other in the Vintner's Suite , complete with food and wine (the Giants won both games) Comedy with David Spade at Graton Casino Trip to the Bradley ...

Yountville Live

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Living in the Napa Valley continues to have its benefits. First I helped at the Silver Oak Winemaker Dinner in the Estate Cave of The Meritage , although I didn't taste the wines this year, I did eat every dish ... and as always, they did not disappoint. Next it was a quick afternoon of wine tasting at Provenance Vineyards , one of my favorites for a casual tasting in Rutherford , and a quick stop to show some co-workers the beauty of Inglenook . For the weekend a friend came to town and after long runs, watching movies and eating delicious pizza from Forge , we headed to Yountville Live . The Taste of Yountville featured food and wine from great restaurants and wineries in Yountville and St. Helena, plus my hometown airport, SMF . See all the pictures here .

Sayulita Wedding

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I wasn't sure what to expect for my first international/destination wedding, but it surpassed all expectations. It was a week of fun with my entire family for my cousins wedding in Sayulita , Mexico . We started with in-flight beverages, followed by a grocery store trip for the essentials (vino and cerveza), then it was time for serious relaxation. Our " casita " was actually a huge mansion with a pool, entertaining spaces, and four bedrooms spread across four buildings on four levels (I got a very good stair workout every day). The wedding festivities included a welcome party with tasty tacos, a catamaran ride where we even saw whales, the wedding ceremony and lots of time to spend with the 40 or so friends and family that made the trip. My family also went zip-lining through the trees, and spent a few extra days on the beach, relaxing and making memories. See all the pictures here .

Holidays, Wine and Photos

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Living and working in the Napa Valley continues to provide endless opportunities for fun, while the holidays provided an opportunity to be with family at the Bradley Lodge. First there were photo shoots ... first at Vista Collina Resort (the new property we are building directly across the street from The Meritage), then there was yoga and painting on the Vineyard Deck of The Meritage. Before heading to the Bradley Lodge for Christmas, I was able to help with a holiday desserts baking class lead by our pastry chef ... including making homemade marshmallows. Once at the Lodge there were long runs through Big Trees State Park , a Christmas Eve Service at Chapel in the Pines , making noodles with gram, and lots of great wine was had while enjoying time with family. I had to leave the Lodge early in the morning, but for good reason ... a private tasting at Charles Krug for a winemaker dinner. I always love visiting wineries and Charles Krug, founded in 1882 is a favorite. 2018 s...