Wish They All Could Be California Trips

While my 30th birthday was back in September, my Napa trip ended up being more of a 30 after 30 item. The hubs and I had this trip planned for the July 4th weekend. However, we had to cancel as my father in law lost his battle with cancer at that time. And while we couldn't reschedule until November and technically miss my self-imposed deadline, I wanted to make sure the trip happened. Not only because I knew it would be a great trip but also to demonstrate that just because circumstances surrounding your goals may change that you can readjust and continue down the path.

Now on with the trip - Napa is a wonderfully laid back, taste bud satisfying spot of beauty about an hour east of San Francisco. Here's a quick round up of the trip.

With our rental car blazing across the Golden Gate Bridge, our first stop was Cline Cellars just south of Sonoma. A lovely, small winery, the tasting was complimentary (a rarity in wine country) and the tasting crew was a lot of fun. Try the dessert wine as they pair it with a salty chocolate.

We continued our trip into the heart of Sonoma, Sonoma Square, and enjoyed some time strolling, shopping and eating one of the best meals of our lives at The Girl and The Fig. Make sure you stop by the Sonoma Cheese Company and try the garlic jack cheese. It was divine.

Leaving Sonoma, we stopped at Madonna Estate for another wine tasting (recommend) and then made our way to the city of Napa. While we stayed in Napa proper in a great cottage, you'll be spending most of your time in wine country in the Yountville, St. Helena, Calistoga, Oakville and Rutherford areas. The Oxbox Public Market in Napa is a nice little stop; try the English Muffins at Model Bakery.

We ended our night with dinner at Mustards Grill. The food is exceptional, and the atmosphere is casual compared to most of the restaurants in the area. Again, one of the best meals of my life. Get the Mongolian pork chop.

And while I won't continue with my full itinerary report, here's the other highlights of our Napa area trip. The caveat though, Napa Valley is full of wineries, excursions and exceptional restaurants. Make an itinerary that works for you, and enjoy a quality over quantity approach.

Hot Air Balloon Ride: Another blog post about this soon but it was hands down the most beautiful way to see Napa Valley.

Oakville Grocery: Stop here and get everything you need for a great picnic.

Robert Mondavi: One of the largest wineries and estates in the area, our private wine tasting was a highlight of the trip.

Grgich Hills Estate: Lovely wine tasting, not the most impressive grounds or tasting room.

Gott's Roadside: A small roadside stand that's a great stop between all the wine tastings. It's Napa Valley so the food is exceptional, and they serve wine.

Sterling Vineyards: The estate has lovely views, and you take a tram to get to the main estate. The wines were okay in comparison so this is more of an experience.

Castello di Amorosa: Again, another experience winery destination as this is a castle replica. The wine tasting was good but not my favorite of the trip.

Bouchon Bakery: A Thomas Keller bakery, expect a line but it's worth it.

After Napa, we hit Highway 1 and drove north to the Redwoods National Park. All the coastal towns and then the immense Redwoods was a rugged counterpart to our indulgent wine excursion. Highlights here included the drive on the coast (many stunning scenic views), the town of Mendocino, Sea Ranch Chapel (it's like a hobbit church), Avenue of the Giants, Fern Canyon and the Redwoods Park in general.