Trip to Napa/Sonoma

We completely lucked out on the weather for our trip to Napa/Sonoma last week. The forecast was rain the entire time and we almost cancelled. One day before the trip the sun came out.

We spent most of our time in Napa County driving around the various towns of St. Helena, Calistoga and Oakville. We came to the conclusion that it's too touristy for our tastes. Nothing seemed authentic, it was all for show. Granted the wines are incredible there, the shops are wonderful. But, it just seemed as if we were looking at a postcard the entire time. We couldn't put our finger on it.

The last day, we drove over to Sonoma on our way home and spent the day wondering around in the countryside and town.

Bartholomew Park Organic Winery, Sonoma.

There's something about Sonoma that we love. Maybe it's the down to earth people, the low key setting, that beautiful town square. I think a big reason is the large number of working farms raising cattle, growing vegetables and making cheese in addition to grapes. You don't have to go far for everything you need, it's right there.

Mustard, Bartholomew Park Organic Winery, Sonoma.

We've already planned a week long trip back to Sonoma in April, the week the farmer's markets open for the year. This is where we stayed last year and loved every second of it. If you're in the area, it's the perfect vacation spot. Dreamy, no?

Check out this farm in Glen Ellen and read this wonderful book "Field Days" by Jonnah Raskin. It's all about the working farms spread throughout Sonoma County.