|
I think that the Opus One Winery gets away with its overpriced (at $25 for one glass) tasting by giving a free tour daily at 10:30am -- the tasting is "optional". My thought is that one of the...
I think that the Opus One Winery gets away with its overpriced (at $25 for one glass) tasting by giving a free tour daily at 10:30am -- the tasting is "optional". My thought is that one of the biggest reasons to visit a winery/visitor's center is the opportunity to taste.
The wine is good - there is no questioning that fact. The Opus One label is a partnership between Robert Mondavi and the Baroness Phillippine de Rothschild -- great wine guys put together. I do recommend a taste, but you may share between two of you to keep your cost down. The bottles run you over $100 retail.
The winery is almost always open from 10am-4pm, but I encourage you to call before visiting as they are randomly closed for private events throughout the year. Call ahead for reservations! 707-944-9442
The view from the top of the winery is best on a sunny day.
Hide
|
|
One of the most relaxing tastings I have been to was the one at Plumpjack. A lot of folks know Plumpjack because of their city restaurants (featuring Plumpjack wine) or the Squaw Valley Inn. The...
One of the most relaxing tastings I have been to was the one at Plumpjack. A lot of folks know Plumpjack because of their city restaurants (featuring Plumpjack wine) or the Squaw Valley Inn. The winery is in Oakville, CA and is a perfect spot to stop off for a glass or 2 of Chardonnay, Cabernet, Syrah or Merlot.
The tasting room is open 10am-4pm every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and Easter. On Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve, the tasting room in only open for half of a day (call ahead).
Tasting notes are available online if you want to prep for your visit. you can't order online, but you can get an order form there and fax/mail it. www.plumpjack.com
Hide
|
|
I always enjoy tasting at Duckhorn (as I always enjoy the taste of Duckhorn!). The winery is just east of Route 29 and tastings are held in the estate house on property. In warm weather, feel free...
I always enjoy tasting at Duckhorn (as I always enjoy the taste of Duckhorn!). The winery is just east of Route 29 and tastings are held in the estate house on property. In warm weather, feel free to sit on the porch and enjoy your SB or Napa Cab (and the Howell Mountain Merlot is hard to beat).
Tastings are $10 for 3 current releases or $20 for the 3 current and 2 limited release wines. The winery is open every day (save a few national holidays such as Christmas & New Year's Day) for tastings. Estate tastings and tours may be arranged in advance ($30 for estate tastings).
I highly recommend cellaring some Duckhorn for future consumption (and don't forget sister wineries Paraduxx and Goldeneye).
Hide
|
|
Tired of the wine bars and barrel room tours? Hit Del Dotto Caves for a barrel tasting and experience wine in a way you won't find anywhere else in the Valley. Bring your A game because you will...
Tired of the wine bars and barrel room tours? Hit Del Dotto Caves for a barrel tasting and experience wine in a way you won't find anywhere else in the Valley. Bring your A game because you will be doing a lot of tasting -- first from future vintages in the barrels through the caves and then from bottles in the tasting area of the visitors center. CALL AHEAD - these tours are scheduled and do fill up. This kind of tour is for the adventurous amateur as well as the wine afficianado.
If you do not have 1.5-2 hours to spend at this kind of tasting, pop in for a bar tasting. $10 or $20 depending on what you taste (it is $40 for the cave barrel tasting and tour).
I am a fan of the Cave Blend, the David, the Napa Cab and many of the ports. Shop for Del Dotto wine at the winery or online at www.deldottovineyards.com
The wines sold here are pricey, but the quality matches the cost.
Hide
|
|
Don't go into the Maidenform Outlet expecting to get fitted by Oprah's bra specialists. This store is for women who know what they want and in what size they want it. They carry all of the...
Don't go into the Maidenform Outlet expecting to get fitted by Oprah's bra specialists. This store is for women who know what they want and in what size they want it. They carry all of the Maidenform brands and sister brands at discount prices (bras, panties, slips, bra alternatives, etc.). There are two fitting rooms and plenty of room to browse the merchandise. There is a limited selection of bras in the low band-size/large cup size category, but I was able to find one in a 34DD (also known as 34E) that worked.
These are not my favorite bras but if you are in a pinch (i.e., didn't pack enough for your visit) or on a budget, stop in and check it out.
www.maidenform.com
Hide
|
|
Ambiance
Category:
Women's Clothing
1458 Haight St San Francisco, California 94117 (415) 552-5095
I did not except to find myself clothes shopping on Haight Street...this is not my usual neighborhood for attire. After passing by Ambiance on the way to eat, I couldn't resist popping in after my...
I did not except to find myself clothes shopping on Haight Street...this is not my usual neighborhood for attire. After passing by Ambiance on the way to eat, I couldn't resist popping in after my meal. The clothing is fairly high end (brands you will find at Saks, Neimans and Bergdorfs) and there is almost too much to scroll through without being overwhelmed.
Their shoe & accessory collection is fairly affordable (your requisite Steve Madden's and $10 white Elton John sunglasses). The shopgirls are the cutest and friendliest on the block. Can't wait to go back and spend some serious cash there, but until then I will browse on www.ambianceSF.com.
Hide
|
|
I stumbled upon Pomegranate Seeds wine bags at a recent holiday bazaar. I have found these bags to be great for "wrapping" a hostess gift bottle of wine or merely dressing up my own bottles for the...
I stumbled upon Pomegranate Seeds wine bags at a recent holiday bazaar. I have found these bags to be great for "wrapping" a hostess gift bottle of wine or merely dressing up my own bottles for the holidays.
The bags come in a variety of colors, patterns and some are embroidered (lobsters, dogs, etc.). The bags should not be limited to wine...cookies, candles, marinades, etc. could be stored/given in the bags. Each bag comes with a coordinating ribbon for tying.
I bought four bags at the bazaar and ordered more by contacting the gals at Pomegranate Seeds online!
www.pomseeds.com
Hide
|
|
Every girl needs to freshen up her underwear drawer at least once a year. What better way to do it than with some comfortable and affordable panties?
The Jockey Store at Napa Premium Outlets is...
Every girl needs to freshen up her underwear drawer at least once a year. What better way to do it than with some comfortable and affordable panties?
The Jockey Store at Napa Premium Outlets is conveniently located right off of Route 29 (so it doesn't matter if you are coming down valley or up from the sprawl of San Francisco). Cotton and silk panties range from about $3-$8 in a variety of shapes, cuts and sizes (there is a good plus-sized section). You can also sign up for the Jockey Club which gives you a gift card after $200 of purchases.
Men's undershirts, boxers and briefs are also available at this location.
Check it out at www.jockey.com
Hide
|
|
Liza Byrd Boutique offers items for preps of all kinds -- men, ladies, kids in the form of clothing, jewelry, photo albums and home goods. You can't beat Liza's ribbon edged pants, dresses and...
Liza Byrd Boutique offers items for preps of all kinds -- men, ladies, kids in the form of clothing, jewelry, photo albums and home goods. You can't beat Liza's ribbon edged pants, dresses and skirts for gals both large and small. Thinking of heading to Palm Beach for the holidays? Hit Liza Byrd's website (www.lizabyrd.com) before you start to pack your bags. Is Nantucket on your Summer '07 agenda? Stock up on multi-ribboned jean skirts and pants.
This may seem a bit pricey, but remember that these items are embellished by a small company and not a large corporation. Support your local business folks!
Hide
|
|
I saw Pink Piglet at the Georgetown Visitation holiday bazaar and had to take their card. The items they had for sale was so sweet and I know that I will be purchasing from them online in the...
I saw Pink Piglet at the Georgetown Visitation holiday bazaar and had to take their card. The items they had for sale was so sweet and I know that I will be purchasing from them online in the future.
I love the little girls dresses -- they run about $50 and have ribbon embellishments and may be monogrammed. In fact, just about everything can by monogrammed for you.
Items available are for little girls, little boys, women's accessories, men's gifts and stationary. Shipping takes about 5-7 days on most items.
Hide
|