Napa, CA #NapaJaggs

Napa, CA

We planned this trip about 9 months ago in anticipation of our two year wedding anniversary and it was time to travel with our travel pals. But, in full disclosure, this trip came at a perfect time in our lives because I have been going through a series of medical "stuff" over the past few months to finally get the phone call that I have been pretending in my head would not happen. The day before we left, I got the call from my neurologist that after months of stupid (and at times painful tests) I do have MS (multiple sclerosis). Alright, it is out there in the universe. 

Jaggs and I are feeling hopeful and ready to take on this next chapter in our lives. If this is the worst thing that has happened to me in my life then I am living large. I really do believe we aren't given things we can't handle and with Jaggs by my side I know we can handle the world. The real MVP in this whole situation is Jaggs and his selflessness and unwavering love. To say that I am thankful he is my person is an understatement. 

SO here are the details: I got accepted to an MS Clinic in Portland, OR and will be heading out there at the end of October to meet with a neurologist who is studying MS and how a plant based diet can help stop the progression. I have switched to vegan life (#VeggieJaggs) -pause for reaction- to help stop the progression (lots of great research out there on this topic if you are interested). I have lesions on my spine and on my brain that effect different parts of my body. Most days I feel great but there are days where I struggle. Okay, there it is, my official announcement BUT have no fear travel pals MS is just a small sentence in this chapter of my life. It takes a village to get through anything and I have the best framily village in the world.  I have learned that so many people are silent about their MS and how it affects their lives and my biggest hope is that I can bring some sort of awareness to those who are suffering from this "silent" disease. This WILL NOT be what defines me or my life; that I can promise you.

Now, onto the good stuff. Food. Wine. Recs:

*This post is our schedule by day and times*

Where we stayed:

A PERFECT VRBO house in downtown St. Helena. Please email me for the rec. 

Wine country driver:

After our pal Geoffrey moved we were in need of a staple wine country driver and we one hundo fulfilled that request. Damon Mushrush is the owner of Bliss Wine Tours and is pure perfection when it comes to your wine driving needs. He is on time, he is professional, he knows the valley and he is hilarious. He took pictures of our time together which I thought would be just okay, however, they turned out AMAZING and were some of the best of the trip. We will be using him every time we come out to wine country and you should too. Trust me, it is worth every penny. Contact him at damon@blisswinetours.com 

What we did:

Sat. Aug 8

Hog Island Oyster (2 p.m.)-second time around is even better than the first. Y'all, if you love oysters and a beautiful coast line then this is your heaven. The BBQ Oysters are to die for and the atmostphere is unmatched. Just make sure to make rezzies before you go

Russian River Brewery-you said you wanted one of the best beers in the country on tap. Great, then go here for Pliney the Elder. For sure dont stop there, get their sampler and you will get to taste all 20 of their brews

Sandman Inn (Santa Rosa- after drinking a few Pliny's hitting your pillow will be a welcome treat. Staying at the Sandmann Inn I thought would be sketchy but really it is a great bang for your buck. It is not the Fairmont but it will do the trick with a comfy bed and big room (this is all coming from a hotel snob!)

Sun Aug 9

Sonoma Valley Bagel-homemade bagels are the best way to get your stomach right for a day of wine tasting

Iron Horse Vineyard (10 a.m.)- WOW. Just WOW. Bubbles in wine country that give one of the best views of the valley. I-N. This place rocks and the staff is pretty laid back about your tasting experience. This will for sure be on our list every time we go back. Make sure to check their calendar for special events through out the year

Acorn Winery (11 a.m.)-wine tasting in a garage with a cute married couple that produces some excellent wines

A. Raffaneli (1 p.m.)-not the easiest place to get a rezzie but after weeks of calling we got in. The grounds are GORG and the wines match the scenery

Dry Creek General Store (lunch)-perfect stop for sandwiches and treats

Round Pond (4 p.m)-for the rest of my life we will go here during our Napa trips. It never gets old. Best views in the valley and the wines are to die for.

Goose & Gander (7:15 p.m. dinner-Cocktails on cocktails and then great seasonal food. Yes, please. Perfect location in the heart of St. Helena that sort of has a hipster vibe with a splash of wine country chic

Mon Aug 10

Driver Pick up (9:30 a.m.) 

Model Bakery-homemade Enlgish muffins for the freaking WIN.

Barnett Vineyard  (10 a.m.)- an expierence like no other in the valley including their wines matching the views. WE LOVE this place

Robert Keenan Winery (12 p.m.)-great wines and a perfect stop after Barnett

Oakville Grocery (lunch)-a classic wine country stop

Nickel&Nickel (2:30 p.m)-the grounds are beautiful and the wines are good. But for some reason this was not my favorite place. It was pretty expensive and seemed almost scripted at times. They are a sister vineyard to Far Niente which we have been to and loved but I wouldn't make this a "must stop" place

Happy Hour- Hall Winery-you can buy bottles and sit in the vineyards (one of the only places in Napa that you can do this) 

Farmstead (7:30 p.m. dinner-a Napa staple and it should be on your list of places to have lunch or dinner

Tues Aug 11

Pick up lunch at Sunshine Grocery-in the heart of St. Helena downtown this grocery store has all of the necessities that you will need for a wine country picnic 

Driver Pick up (9:30 a.m.

Black Sears Winery (10 a.m.-WOW. Just wow. By far one of my favorite wineries in the valley. Chris took us around and showed us what a Howell Mountain vineyard did and boy do they do it perfect. You MUST get a rezzie here and they only do about 2-3 a week but it is worth the trip up the mountain and their Zin is to die for. O, and so is their outdoor on a mountain tasting room

O'Shaughnessy Vineyard (12 p.m.)-good wines 

Outpost Vineyard (2 p.m.)-great wines and good views. I wish that I had more to say but I think that wine started to taste odd to me by this vineyard because we had been tasting for three days. But I loved it here, my palate just needed a break

Wed Aug 12

Auberge du Soleil (9:30 a.m.)-looking for a perfect porch for breakfast over looking the valley? Then this is your spot. My favorite is the Japanese Breakfast that will blow your socks off

Stone Edge Farm Winery (1 p.m.)-This spot and Black Sears were the highlight of our trip. Tucked away in a REMOTE area they are doing it right here and their wines match the perfection. Make sure to pack a lunch before we go so you can enjoy their tables on the porch

Scribe (4 p.m.)-if there was a hipster/coolest/kickin' it vineyard award this would go to Scribe. Their wines are great and their vibe at the vineyard matches it. Laid back fun with great views of Sonoma

Happy Hour-El Dorado Hotel-cocktails on cocktails in Sonoma Square

Girl & Fig (7:45 p.m. dinner)-just do it. It is delicious and they have Pliny on tap

Thur Aug 13

Sunflower Cafe (breakfast)-in the heart of Sonoma Square this spot with their avocado toast will do you just right