Unchartered territory........for me!

A new year....2019!  Another anniversary....18 years for Bucky and I.  We decided that we wanted to focus on taking trips to areas that we have never been before in California.  Pretty soon these places will not be so easy to get to if we are in Tennessee.

On the first, we headed out to Sonoma, California.  We did not have any idea what to expect.  I just knew that I could not wait to explore and experience different wine vineyards.  Let this wine excursion begin!

The weather was extraordinary for January.  It was sunny and beautiful.  I could not stop smiling.  We arrived right on time for lunch.  So we decided to have lunch in Napa.  We were starving; I knew that practically anything would satisfy my empty belly.  We went to the first place we laid our eyes on which was Filippis Pizza Grotto, https://realcheesepizza.com/.  I personally thought it was yummy.  What can I say I was craving cheese.....

 

I give this place an 8 out of 10.  Today was there lucky day because I had not had cheese in awhile and I was starving.  Slam dunk....it hit the spot.

After lunch, tromping around town was fun.  There were lots of cool places to see.  The market was incredible.  It was filled with the locals products.  One of a kind and very unique. 

 This town was filled with lots of character and the ambiance was perfect for the emotions that were flowing through my body.  The Stone Brewery, https://www.stonebrewing.com/visit/outposts/napa, offered a bar scene that was interesting.  Bucky had a beer and I experienced a cold red wine.  Not bad, but not what I was expecting.  I love my red wine.

They did offer a yummy and flavorful meat and cheese platter.  I loved every bit of it.  I had caper berries which I had never had before.  When I bit into them, it was a nice burst of surprises on my tongue. 

Napa was an amazing town!  I feel that we made good use of the time we spent there.  We walked downtown for a little while.  I took lots of photos that I will not bore you with.  I am no photographer in anyway.  The night ended with this beautiful sunset.

On our second day of our trip, we visited two different wineries.  We went to Nicholson Ranch and Gloria Ferrer.  Both wineries had their own styles that I appreciated.  I was happy to say that we left each tour tipsy and happy.  Nicholson Ranch gave us a thorough tour of their site that included the history of the whole ranch.  The wines were tasty and the explanation behind each one we tasted was intricately described that I walked away informed and convinced that I understood every aspect of the wine.

 Nicholson Ranch is in a beautiful location.  The history was heart-warming and interesting.  I would definitely go back.  We bought a smooth, tasty Merlot.  Worth every penny.

At the Gloria Ferrer Winery, I liked that they paired each wine with food that complimented the many flavors of each wine.  I had lots of ah-ha moments as each wine went hand in hand with the food and spices that they were presented with.

We left the Gloria Ferrer tour with a sparkling wine that is to die for and a red wine that will pair well with a nice fillet mignon.  I am anxious to drink each bottle in the comfort of my own home.

I had such a fun time on trip to taste some of the area's finest wines.  We were blessed to be able to do this together.  We had lots of laughs and lots first time experiences together.  It was a happy anniversary for us.  We look forward to the next trip that the Lord blesses us with.  See ya for now!!