Heading to Napa, California

After a lazy start in San Francisco, mostly consisting of drinking tea in fuzzy bathrobes, watching the sun come up…

…we packed up our trunks and checked out of the hotel.

Not heading home, oh no.

Heading off on an adventure.

Leaving San Francisco glistening in the sunshine behind us, we crossed over the bridge.

And under the rainbow.

Torturing the boys with our singing along the way.

We soon reached Napa Valley with its rolling hills covered in vines.

And pulled in for breakfast at The Boon Fly.

People were queuing up for tables, so we quietly snuck into the bar and pulled up a couple’a stools.

Eventually another couple left and there was room for our little travelling family to squeeze in for breakfast.

Starting with a round of cocktails and a couple buckets of their world famous fresh donuts.

Too hot to eat, we all burned our fingers and tongues trying to eat them too fast.

A sacrifice I was more than happy to make!

They certainly kept us going until the real food arrived.

Omelettes, huevos rancheros,

BLTs,

and a stack of pancakes Julia and I insisted were “for the table” but didn’t let anyone else get a look in!

Utterly stuffed and very happy, we went for a stroll up the hill to stretch our legs.

Marvelling at the glorious Autumn colours along the way.

Grey cashmere poncho

Blue jeans

Pink kitten flats (also obsessed with these!)

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A little less full and sleepy, we trundled off to our new home.

Auberge du Soleil.

Our rooms weren’t quite ready, so we took our bubbly and had a little cat nap beside the pool.

Followed by a thorough inspection of the grounds.

The estate is so blissfully quiet and tucked away. There’s nothing but the sound of trees waving in the wind, birds singing and the occasional clink of glasses to accompany the spectacular views.

Just the place to enjoy the local specialities!

Julia’s wearing the new Rose Sparkler from Silver May and I’m wearing her Trinity Bangles.

Finally we got word that our rooms were ready and we raced over to check them out.

The size of most London flats, glorious is an understatement!

A vast, squishy bed (the softest I’ve ever slept in) with a fire at the end and a palatial bathroom at its side.

We sat on our balcony and admired the spectrum of Autumn colours and changing light.

And in the afternoon we indulged in some good old fashioned Napa valley wine tasting.

Just below in the valley, at Frog’s Leap Winery.

You pay for your tasting (about $60 for 5 wines, I think) and then you’re free to roam the grounds.

And find your own patch to drink it all in.

Of course your own patch is always more fun when it’s shared!

Together we toured the flaming golden vineyards.

Weaving through the vines as we sipped on their nectar.

One of my favourite couples, these guys make marriage look easy!

If I could pick them up and pack them into my suitcase I would.

Trust me, I tried!

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we poured our final glass.

Before trundling back to the hotel for a spectacular dinner at the restaurant.

Retiring to bed with the fire lit and sinking into the softest cotton sheets.

Napa could very well be heaven on earth!