We left Eric's at 10:30 AM after doing some sewing before storing my sewing machine and quilting supplies at Eric's. I also stored some luscious Jane Sasseman hand-dyed brushed cottons for my stash. This would give us a bit more storage space under the Murphy bed and gear garage.
Van decided to take the 101 north to San Francisco so we could drive over the Golden Gate Bridge. During our visit with Eric, we didn't make it into the city, as we spent all of our time at his little slice of paradise. If only the oranges were ripe. Maybe when we return after Thanksgiving.
The 101 went through San Francisco, by city hall and the SF school district building, an ornate, Victorian era beauty. As we approached the bridge, Van detoured right off Van Ness to check out the waterfront, then to the Golden Gate Bridge Visitor's Center and Round House Coffee. I enjoyed one of the best pumpkin spiced decaf lattes and almond croissants I have ever had. As we drove on the bridge, we had a clear view of Alcatraz.
As we entered Sausalito, just beyond the SF Bay bridge, it began to pour. I could still see the beautiful bayside homes in pastel colors. We passed a marina with colorful and eclectic houseboats that could just as well be plopped on land, like the one in Sleepless in Seattle. There were no keels to these boats. I was too busy eating my delicious croissant to get a picture in time.
Rain subsided a bit as we headed north on the 101. Signs saying "severe drought please conserve water" were antithetical to the state of heavy rain and fog we were experiencing.
We took Rt 29 in Vallejo to Napa, then Rt 131 through Sonoma County and our first wine tasting at Roche Vineyard in seven miles. We were greeted by an informative sommelier who happened to be from Natick, MA. (They were big rivals of Brickton High. He graduated HS with Doug Flutie, QB before the GOAT. Hecwas very proud to report that his friend sacked Doug Flutie! I digress...)
Viansa Winery and Marketplace was our next stop. Leah was a kind and knowledgeable somalier who served us some lovely whites. She was so happy to serve us as we were her first guests from RI! She tried very hard to please Van's full bodied red pallette with no luck.
We enjoyed a flight of reds and whites. Finding a rich, smooth red that sparked Van's palette was proving to be a challenge. Pinots were too light. I have no trouble finding whites, however we left with six bottles - some sweet dessert madeira, chardonnay and a pinot noir- success! And their homemade truffles were a work of art and delicious. We were excited to share our finds with our upcoming family meetups for the holidays!
Landing at the RV park before dark, we had time to do some exploring on foot. We were hoping to find a restaurant to enjoy the cuisine that Napa was known for. It was a short walk to downtown from the Expo Center, meandering by empty and dark exhibit halls. I imagined being here during a vintners festival - wine, wine everywhere and so much to drink!
I had done some investigating and found the restaurant Grace's Table, a bit off the beaten path, but perfect for what we were looking for - down scale with zero Michelin stars (there were many here), and a casual atmosphere were we could enjoy more wine. Van was looking forward to a FULL glass of hefty red, as his tastings were sips before passing them we off to me. (Clarkson prepared me well for this!) The restaurant was full and we did not have a reservation as it was a weeknight. We were fortunate to sit at the bar, we had a front seat ti observe the smooth running machine of the place.
Our meal was one of the best we'd had in memory. It was an eclectic fusion menu with twists on many countries' favorites. The dessert of a shared pumpkin cheesecake, was excellent, although my palette was learning that Californians like their pumpkin-infused foods to actually taste like pumpkin!
After a beautiful meal and moonlit walk back to TCB, we had no problem getting to sleep. Another full day on the road with TCB.
