Yountville, Sonoma and Jack London State Park

Wine tasting and hiking – two of my favorite things!

First stop Hope and Grace Tasting Room in Yountville CA

Delicious wines and a cool spot to sit for an hour or so at Hope and Grace. Martha and I ended up buying a Chardonnay and a Cabernet each and can’t wait to share (special occasion for the Cab due to price😊).

We followed the Wine tasting with a quick trip inside Bouchon Bakery, grabbed a ham and cheese baguette and an amazing caramel macaroon. I might be dreaming about that macaroon for a while…!

Sonoma alley

On to Sonoma to check into our hotel. We walked around the town square checking out all of the shops and restaurants and after flipping a coin, chose an Italian restaurant, Della Santana’s, and were seated on the patio. Bread with olive oil and balsamic, pasta, a nice glass of an Italian red blend and a shared tiramisu capped off the evening without breaking the bank. We were not rushed and it felt like a European dining experience. Lovely!

Second night we went back for more of a happy hour meal and were just as satisfied as the evening before..

Burrata stuffed with ricotta, radicchio and speck. Yum!

Next up the following day was a hike in the Jack London State Historic Park. We found a 3-mile trail that promised redwoods, a lake and shaded trails. Redwoods did not disappoint however the lake was reduced to spongy ground.

Martha and the big redwood
My turn!
Cool, shady trails – perfect for a warm day!

The rest of the hike showed off some of Jack London’s vineyard, farm, his home and grounds.

The pig pen, some say it was a model of solidarity, service and sanitation. The round building held water and probably food and the pigs stayed in the 17 side buildings
Part of the London’s home… too spread out for a good photo
The garden
Jack London Museum

The museum was really interesting. Jack London was an amazing person, and I’m a fan!

Last stop before our second wine tasting of the trip was here at La Pascals Boulangerie.

Once we had some food, we headed to BR Cohn Winery for a tasting. Curb appeal for sure! Weather was perfect for patio tasting. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the wines and purchased a couple bottles.

The winery was started in the 80’s by Bruce Cohn who managed the Doobie Brothers for 45 years. He opened his winery in 1984 and the olive oil company in 1990. The olive orchard was 180 years old. The winery hosts music weekly during the summer months. A beautiful venue!

The view from our table

A special few days with my friend Martha. We’ve been friends since I was 19, and she 18. That’s 50 years!! Every time I see her it’s like we’ve never taken a break. And we live 1,200 miles apart.

To good friends and good health, wine tasting and the great outdoors❤️

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