Heirloom Tomatoes

Of course we're partial to the Napa Valley, seeing as how we're pretty much in the center of it, especially when it comes to Napa Valley vacations. We do acknowledge our neighbor on the other side of the mountain, though: Sonoma County. They have lots of great wineries and some fantastic restaurants. It's definitely worth a day trip from the Inn, should your schedule permit.

One big event that's especially fun is the Heirloom Tomato Festival at Kendall-Jackson Vineyards. They showcase more than 150 different types of heirloom tomatoes, plus there's lots of food and wine. The K-J Wine Center is about a 35- to 40-minute drive from the Inn, and our staff will be happy to give you directions. And here's an inn-sider's tip: this event ALWAYS sells out, so if you are interested in going, I suggest that you purchase your tickets now. Here are the details:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

$: $55 per person before June 30; $65 thereafter

Tickets: call (800) 769-3649 or visit their web site

Note: The pics are from the K-J gardens...

Working Lunch

Most of the time being an innkeeper is a lot of fun. You get to meet lots of new people, play around (a lot) on computers and with Photoshop, and make decisions like whether to add more pepper to my Clam Dip recipe or not. Sometimes, though, it can be tough, tough, tough, especially during "working" lunches when my staff and I visit local restaurants to stay up-to-date on what's current and cool here in the Napa Valley, and also network with our neighboring wineries friends. Let me tell you, this legwork and checking things out can be gruelling!

Case in point: Last week, myself, the Inn's manager, Deniese, and our marketing manager, Tim, met at Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen in downtown St. Helena with the Nord family. While their primary focus is on the family's vineyard management company, they also recently have released their own wine label, Nord Estate Wines. We met with the Nords both to learn the "story" behind their wines and, of course (!) taste. I'm excited to say that their wines are quite good. And here's the cool part: we're adding the Nords to our Inn-cursion wine tour program, and they're going to do their tastings in the vineyards. Fun! Anyway, just know that we're working hard, hard, hard to make your stay at our Napa Valley inn as relaxing, fun, and as special as possible.

Painting in the Valley

For those of you who wish to unleash (or even better, discover!) your inner artist while visiting the Napa Valley, we suggest that you check out Alla Prima Studio, which runs a series of 1-, 2- and 5-day painting workshops. Led by owner/artist Gretchen Kimball, you'll discover some of the most magical and visually attractive places in the valley.

Contact Gretchen directly for details.

Alla Prima Studio

allaprima.studio@gmail.com

(707) 265-8536

Spring is Springing!

Just a quick note that our grounds are really beginning to "blossom." And it won't be long before Maury will be planting our expanded on-site garden, too. And you didn't hear this from me, but coming soon a BIG announcement from our Napa Valley getaway. What, you want a hint? O.K., one word: chicks!

We hope to see you soon.

Afternoon Wine Service

Yes of course, as a guest at our romantic St. Helena inn, a full breakfast for two including one hot egg dish and our now-famous make-your-own-waffle waffle bar are included in your room rate. What many guests don't realize -- and quickly come to love -- is what we call our "afternoon wine service", which is also complimentary. Everyday from approximately 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. we serve appetizers and pour wine. Now note, these aren't little "tastings" -- these are full-glass pours from one of our neighboring winery friends. (The wineries are happy to introduce you to their wines, so it's a win-win-win for all concerned.)

Anyway, here are few pics from a recent wine service. Hope to see you soon!

Cheese

Dips

Napa Town New

As most locals will tell you, in the past, the actual town of Napa hasn't been that great of a place to visit. Sure, there are some cool restaurants there. And some shops. But otherwise...

Now, though, with Copia in and the just-opened Oxbow Public Market down the street, the town of Napa has become, in my opinion, definitely worth a visit during your Napa Valley stay.

Wow, the Oxbow Public Market is fun! Lots of food and wine goodies, including Taylor's Automatic Refresher and The Fatted Calf, plus other shops, including a very cool antique store. Within walking distance are several other restaurants and wine "lounges", which make it a great place to nibble, stroll, taste, and, of course the big "P" word--PICNIC.

Contact our front desk staff for more information and directions, or to arrange transportation to and from the Market.

Envy Wines, Calistoga

I always enjoy directing our guests to great nearby wineries, particularly when they're run by a friend of mine, which is the case with Mark Carter and his Envy Wines. The winery is located just north of Calistoga on Tubbs Lane. Mark and his winemaker partner Nils Venge produce small-production, high-quality wines using, of course, Napa Valley fruit. I stopped in recently for a tasting and found Mark there doing what us innkeepers and winemakers do: paying attention to details (in this case, hand-drying wine glasses in the tasting room).

The next time you visit our Napa Valley bed and breakfast, be sure to work Envy Wines into your schedule: you won't be disappointed.

Envy Wines

1170 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga 94515

707-942-4670

envywines.com