This past Holiday weekend also included my partner’s birthday. We decided to play in Napa Valley. Living in the SF Bay Area, that makes for a not very long drive.
We started our morning having breakfast with our daughter and 2 granddaughters at Mimi’s in Concord. From there we trekked ( okay, we drove) toward the Napa Valley. It is pretty much a scenic drive and enjoyable. This was our daughter’s first experience in wine tasting, and it was a blast to share it with her.
Our first stop was the Sequoia Grove Winery. We sampled a trio pack, starting with the Rocklin Rose’ 2012. Really tasty!! We did end up purchasing a bottle.
From there we made a few other stops, the samplings we were not thrilled with. But then it is all a matter of personal tastes. Eventually we made our way to the Louis St. Martini Winery, our ultimate favorite. My partner and I had stopped in on a whim a few years ago, and just love their Rose’. In fact it was the first time I got her to enjoy a wine. Even though we live in close enough driving distance, we do not head in that direction often. The 3 of us did the sampling with the little ones munched on bread sticks and juice the counter person offered them. I have to say I do enjoy how the wineries are now more family friendly and prepared for kids being around during tastings. Needless to say from the Martini Winery we came home with a few bottles of Rose’ and a few Gnarly Vine.
Now it was kids time! First stop the Petrified Forest. After the trauma of Leah managing to burn her finger on a light bulb in the gift shop (she’s 2), we started our walk along the tour path. There were a fair amount of tourists, and it was not to steep a climb for kids, however those whom have breathing or balance issues, should bring their health aids/equipment along. This is by the signage a heavily populated area of Poison Oak so be sure not to touch the plants. As you wander around the paths there are plaques explaining the history of the dig sites and how the wood was transformed to rock. It’s an interesting little side tour the 6 year old loved.
From there we went to the Old Faithful Geysers in Calistoga. The geysers are a natural phenomena, and yes there is a smell of sulfur in the air. This attraction also hosts a petting zoo, $0.25 for the feed out near the pens. The girls had a blast watching the water shoot up into the air, and feeding the variety of goats on the property.
Our last stop for the day was the Union Hotel in Occidental California. I chose it because I have some family history tied to the place, and fond memories from childhood. I wanted to introduce my family to my childhood memories. That being my great uncle in the 60’s and early 70’s was the head chef of the hotel so here is a shout out to our now gone Chef Larry Tiede. The kids menu offers 6 or 7 selections, and the service was more than you can ask for with 2 small kids in tow. We had more food than we could finish and well brought leftovers home.
So here is a glimpse of a family day in Napa Valley, and yet we have so much more to explore, when the little ones stay home with dad.
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- no.254 Rose at Martini
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- the street sign
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- First stop, breakfast
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- old Faithful
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- my fave winery
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- a petrified log
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- Sequoia’s Rocklin Rose
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- The Giant at Petrified Forest
Road Tripping! 
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