Notable Photos: Summertime in the Napa Valley
One of my favorite things about going home to California is visiting the Napa Valley. I grew up only an hour away and remember this iconic destination as part of my childhood. My parents have always been interested in wine enough that I remember their laughter of a bottle of California chardonnay as I grew up. The landscape of Northern California, specifically wine country, has always felt like home to me as the views from my childhood home were of golden hills spotted with deep green oak trees. Grape vines grew along the fences in our backyard.
As an adult, I’ve developed my own affinity for wine. I’ve gone through the advanced WSET sommelier courses and found pleasure in trying as many diverse wines as possible. Perhaps my current zest for wine was partly fueled by college years also spent in another US wine region, the Finger Lakes in upstate New York. There may or may not have been a lot wine drinking in college.
Anytime I am able to visit home for enough time to spend a day dedicated to wine country, it’s a treat. This summer I was lucky enough to have time to head back to the Napa Valley to visit a favorite winery of mine, Duckhorn Vineyards, (post coming soon), as well as wander around the valley.
Eating juicy peaches at every market along the Silverado Trail, hand selecting paper-thin delicate squash blossoms from a box full of oranges and yellows, eating local cheese in the backyard vineyards of the Oakville Grocery…..all things that define enjoyment of a summer day in the Napa Valley.
I’ve never been to Napa Valley or actually, anywhere on the West Coast of USA – but Napa Valley looks so beautiful. And well – this Wino would love to do a vineyard tour – driven by somebody else of course so I could take full advantage of the offerings! I LOVE the 2nd photo of the grapes with the blurred background!!
You would love Napa then – they have the Wine Train that takes you through the valley’s various towns, and also has great food and local wines. To get to the more off the path spots, having a friend to drive you is always the way to go. :)
definitely put it on your list!
Just went to Napa for the first time a couple months ago and loved it! Lucky you growing up by there. We also tasted at Duckhorn and really liked their wines, though our favorite winery we visited was Kuleto for the amazing views.
Fresh summer peaches are the best!
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