Monday, April 3, 2017

Weekend Getaway to Napa Valley & Beyond Part 1

If you follow me on Instagram you know that we recently got away for a long weekend. First of all thank you to my wonderful daughter and son in law for the lovely Christmas gift.  Not only did they give us the weekend, they came down and babysat with my dad and the dog and cats.  My sister lived in Napa Valley for about six years so we used to go all the time.  Once she moved back East and we bought our place in Paso we rarely go anymore.
We began our trip with a stop at one of our old favorites Bistro Don Giovanni in Napa.  The food is fabulous and the atmosphere charming.  They never disappoint.
bistro-don-giovanni
via trip advisor
We next went to check out the  Rams Gate Winery designed by the wonderful Howard Backen with interiors by the esteemed Orlando Diaz Ozcuy. As with all of Howard Backen’s projects Rams Gate is an extension of the land on which it resides. He used the barns of the Carneros region as inspiration for the design. The views are incredible and the overall effect organic perfection.If you would like to learn more about Rams Gate go here . If you are like me and can’t get enough of Howard Backen’s work you can read my post here, and buy his book Of the Land here.  I guarantee it will be one of your favorites. I am constantly referring to it.  I am also on a mission to see as many of his projects as I can.

source

Backen, Gillam & Kroeger Architects - Portfolio - Wineries - Ram's Gate Winery:
via bgarch.com

source
Commercial Image 20
source
Photo of a Destination Wedding:
source

source
After we left Rams Gate we headed to Sonoma to one of my favorite haunts, Sonoma Country Antiques. They always have something interesting and their displays are always so creatively contrived.
I love, love, loved their take on using this turkish rug as a bedspread
sonomahome1
I am so tempted to try this
sonomahome2
sonomahome3
sonomahome4
Another fun stop is Cornerstone but I had just stopped recently, so we headed to Saint Helena.  I always like to stop in at Vintage Home and Acres right next door.
Vintage Home always has fabulous finds for the home. Their clever window display from the street.
vintage1
vintage2
vintage3
Next door Acres has wonderful things for the garden and the most fabulous faux flowers you have ever seen.
acres2

acres1
I will report on the second half of our trip next week if all goes according to plans.  I am having my second hip replacement a week from today! Yippee I can’t wait.  The last one was a piece of cake so I am hoping for more of the same this time around!!

10 comments:

  1. Your weekend vacation looks lovely. Rams Gate is breathtaking! Love the trusses. Crushing on the lovely shops with white plates. I don't think I will ever have enough. Hope the hip replacement goes smoothly but aren't you a bit young for that?
    Take care! xx-hb

    ReplyDelete
  2. I really love Vintage Home and all of the regional beauty of that area of California.
    Thanks for the tour.
    xo,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  3. DON GIOVANNI.........we know a waiter there called MIKALLE.......not correct spelling but thats HOW IT SOUNDS!!!!!BOY, I am missing out cause I have never been to anything that looks like these places in NAPA VALLEY!I know all the shops.............my favorite shop in ST. HELENA is PATINA.VINATGE JEWELS........as big as a shoebox all PINK.I did not know your sister lived in the wine country...............which town?I will definitely keep this as reference for my next trek NORTH!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a lovely time away...made even sweeter because your daughter and son-in-law lightened your load at home. Beautiful places and views. I know you two had a much deserved wonderful time.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Cindy, what a beautiful trip. I want to go to everyplace you mentioned and I can't wait for part 2 of your trip. The Turkish rug as a bed coverlet is fabulous! Sending you all good wishes and prayers for a very successful hip replacement. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh my gosh I could live in that store!! xo

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a fabulous gift, Cindy! We love the Napa Valley and I was lucky to live in the valley for several years. Bistro Don Giovanni is a longtime favorite. Your images capture the charm of the wine country beautifully!
    xx, Heather

    ReplyDelete
  8. fun fun fun!! Now I need a day trip to Napa area!! Thanks you for all the great recommendations!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I wanted to book a flight the moment I finished reading this post! GLORIOUS! xx

    ReplyDelete

Please leave a comment! Your comments are what make a great post!