Napa Delights

Lucky for us, Laura, the darling daughter of our good friends 

decided to get married in Napa, California!

Mr. Grand and I happily made the journey to California last weekend, both for the wedding 

and to spend some quality time in Napa.   

We have been to wine country several times before, 

but always for day trips, always in a rush 

and always leaving us wishing we could stay longer.  

The wedding was fabulous and our experience was delightful all around.  

Still wish we could have stayed longer!  

Maybe next time!

 We arrived at the Silverado Resort in Napa at sunset.

 Starving, we headed straight to the terrace for drinks and dinner 

and watched the golden light fade as the sun set.

I love this time of day, after the sun sets,

but before it becomes dark, in the gloaming, as it is called.

Full moon rising behind the mountains- how enchanting.  

That describes the entire weekend....

The next day we headed over to the Cakebread Vineyard, 

where we tasted lots of wonderful wine

and learned a few things about aromas, flavors, glass shapes and sizes.

Then on to dinner at Press in St. Helena

a warm, modern restaurant that has well deserved raves on Trip Advisor.

The gruyere gougeres were DIVINE.

Must make these soon.

Beet salad with melon, arugula, pistachios, goat cheese and pickled eggs.  

MMMM.

Entrees...  Delicious meat, broccoli rabe and potatoes.

And a wonderful bottle of Sleeper, a local red wine. 

An outdoor fireplace that's actually really comfortable.

Interesting variation on the drum shade trend.  Love them.

Second day- on to Frog's Leap Vineyard, our absolute and sentimental favorite.

We had our first glasses of Frog's Leap wine way back

when this vineyard was just beginning to produce it's wonderful wines.

We were smitten by it at a little restaurant called Ravenous in Sonoma 

where we asked for a local wine recommendation.

This was our favorite tour and still our favorite wine.

The vineyard is thoughtful, stylish and completely organic. 

They do not even irrigate their vines.

The tour was terrific, the tastings were perfect and we would highly recommend Frog's Leap.

 Sunflowers in the garden at Frog's leap.

 Tastings on the porch, views of the valley.  

Soft breezes, La dolce far niente-

The sweetness of doing nothing...

Frog's Leap grapes.  

Luscious.

Dinner at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone was another highlight.

Perfect weather, sunset seating, fanatastic food.

Heaven.

A peek inside...

Wine flights to start with, enjoyed as the sun set.

Interesting, sophisticated and creative foods. 

Earnest culinary students serving, cooking and learning.

The appetizer - Delicious cheeses, grape and strawberry chutneys, 

and especially good, honey with little bits of crystallized basil- what a discovery! 

Flowers everywhere, I can't pass them up without taking pictures. 

Dahlias are one of my favorite flowers, so intricate and and always glowing.

 Although this hibiscus gives the dahlias a run for the money...

 And these roadside zinnias were an absolute delight...  They went on and on and on.

Third day, Wedding day, lunch at Tra Vigne, recommended by friends.

More fabulous Napa food and wine.

Great food and excellent service.

I had the most delicious wood fired flatbread pizza- 

with figs and gorgonzola and arugula and balsamic vinegar.  

And of course, a nice glass of wine.

Wonderful.

Gorgeous setting, lovely courtyard, lots of flowers and great Napa style.

Thanks for the tip, Dempseys!

 Finally, on to the Wedding....

This is not really my story to tell, but I can't resist sharing some photos of this fabulous day...

 Check out this vintage card catalog used to hold seating cards... and flowers.  

Whimsical and wonderful.

The bride's nephew manned the lemonade stand.  Look at that little face. 

 

Nice lemonade stand, too...

 The setting for the reception, in a courtyard, in the woods, on the golf course.

Just married!

Mr. and Mrs. Laura and Radley Meyers.

You might remember these two from this post about Laura and shower gift tags...

Could they be any more gorgeous?  Seriously?

 A few tender moments...

Dancing with Dad.

 Mom and Dad and Bride and Groom.

Happy Day.

 

Lots of celebration

and some serious jubilation!

A sparkling finale for the Bride and Groom.

Love the second little dress

and even more,

her sweet wonder and delight.

What a send-off!

Cheers to the happy couple!

Thanks for traveling with me!

Laura's Wedding Planners:

EnjoyEvents.inc

Linking to:
Tuesdays Treasures at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

Tabletop Tuesdays at A Stroll Through Life
Uncommonly Yours Link Party at Uncommon
Tutorials and Tips Link Party at Home Stories A to Z
Thursdays Are Your Days at 52 Mantels

Open House Party at No Minimalist Here
Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch
Fridays Unfolded at Stuff and Nonsense  
Inspiration Friday At The Picket Fence
Vintage Inspiration at Common Ground