Day 3 - Healdsburg

I have a feeling that if I go back and read my last post, I will be extremely disappointed in my writing. However, I'm tired and don't want to do that so I'll just apologize for what was not my best work. Moving on...

Today, Brad and I headed about an hour north of Napa to the town of Healdsburg to tour and taste at a few more wineries. The drive up CA-29/CA-128 was once again breath-taking. Healdsburg is actually in a different valley than Napa, so driving up through the foothills reminded us of Colorado's mountain roads (minus the steep life-threatening drop-offs and icy roads).

First stop, Jordan Winery. The estate of this vineyard is incredible. French-style chateau with Boston ivy growing up all sides of every wall. Immaculate landscaping with vineyards about 150 years away on the hills. They also grow olive trees and produce olive oil, as well as a full organic vegetable garden used in their kitchen. We were the only ones on the tour so we got a little extra attention from Gloria, our extremely bubbly hostess with the mostess. I had my first bit of caviar (this place doesn't mess around) as well as walked through my first secret door. Gloria even sent us home with an early anniversary gift -- a picture book all about Jordan. Did I mention they have Clyde and Barney that eat the grass around the back of the chateau so that it creates a rocky "fire wall"? Cutes goats you ever did see.

Next up was a quick stop at Seghesio's tasting room in downtown Healdsburg. Honestly, besides a nice hostess, this place wasn't that impressive. They did, however, have some great chianti and port. So we made away with a bottle. We then dropped in at J Winery (owner = daughter of Jordan) to make a purchase for the owner of Vintropolis back home. Apparently , J has really good pear liquer. We actually didn't do a tasting here because they're known for their champagne and I'm not known for my love of bubbly.

Our last stop of the day was at Trentadue. I snapped a few good pictures of grapes that were left behind at harvest and we also watched Rocky, the resident weiner dog enjoy a lizard as an afternoon snack right in the middle of the tasting room floor. It was...interesting. Back to the wine - good Zinfandel and awesome port they call Chocolate Amore. Looking forward to drizzling that over a little Blue Bell when we get back to a place that actually sells Blue Bell.

We made it back before dusk and enjoy a short run before grabbing a movie from the grocery store. Lesson learned from today? Take notes of the wines you like at the winery because although the vintage and taste might be slightly different, Lucky (aforementioned grocery store) has many of those wines for about 20% off the tasting room price. Oh well. We're here to support Napa's finest.

Tomorrow? I wouldn't expect much because we've deemed it Tourless Tuesday -- a real vacation isn't complete without at least one agenda-free day. [Actually, I have an agenda, it just includes non-wine type things like shopping, running, gourmet cupcake-eating...you know, the fun vacation-y stuff.]