Napa Wine Tasting

The Sunday before my 25th birthday this year, 2014, my friend Julie surprised me by taking Tara and myself wine tasting up in the beautiful hills of Napa. We went to Paraduxx Winery and Frog Leap. The weather was gorgeous and she packed a meal full of cheeses, crackers, salami, strawberries, hummus, and pretzel sticks for the wine drinkers to munch on. I thought it was the smartest thing ever since of course, I know I would have the worst headache the size of Texas if I didn't eat anything. Of course silly girl forgot to eat breakfast on the way, so I was chowing on an apple I brought and couldn't wait to get up to the pretty area. The first winery, man named John, set us up outdoors in a picnic spot, reserved just for the three of us and in the sunshine it was the place to be. He brought out wine flights, different kinds to try and put their place cards by each one. I would say it was 2 flights ordered and six tastings each, so enough for us all, especially since Julie was lovingly designated driver. I had what was called a V blend, sort of like a Chardonnay but not super heavy on the ends and the C and M blends were two reds I liked best, a mix of Cabarnet and Zinfandel, the first had a bit of Merlot as well. I was pleasantly surprised that they were not super overpowering, because I often do not choose those wines unless I eat something, or am not going anywhere later. I love Syrahs, Barberas, Cabarnets, and honestly seem to try new ones and even like some Zins and Merlots. For the whites it's Savignon Blanc, White Zin, Pinios, it all depends on the taste and the flavor notes each one has. My family's favorite winery to go to is Secret Ravine winery where a friend of theirs owns the place. The downside to Napa is that it is incredibly pricey, when I feel you could get the same feel in Amador or in Murphy's or Lodi or Rocklin. Also, with Napa they have a stingy policy where you cannot eat outside and have to order only their tiny food for a ridiculous amount, that doesn't satisfy your hunger at all, which is why bringing food for in the car is smart! Napa despite it's price has added allure of backdoor beauty and little towns and shops in which to go. The second winery was Frog's Leap, cute name, and we sat outside on high standing chairs and right on the veranda, which was incredible. I loved to be able to walk around the vineyard, and the pastures they had, even with chickens! I enjoyed my time and I ended up buying a bottle for my parents at the first stop. If anything, once married hope to return for here or Amador, or Lodi or Murphy's with my future husband, just to relax and enjoy wine tasting and then do so again from the comfort of our own home. What an experience and to say I went there was well worth it. I would go again if my pocket was wider ;).

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