BWE (part 2)

Saturday I woke up extra early to let Mia in and shut her up continue my marathon uploading session of my parents cds to my iTunes (all the while cursing the times I clicked ignore when Apple told me to back up my music).  I got about 4 cds uploaded before my computer called it quits, which I took as a sign that I should get ready to go.

My mom dropped me off at Elaine’s house (with my cute mini coffee mug in toe) and shortly after we all piled into 3 cars and hit the road for Napa Valley.  GPS is always nice.  We arrived in Calistoga just in time for lunch, which was not photo worthy (corn and black beans on lettuce).  Hot.

After lunch we drove down the road to Sterling to booze up for a wine tasting tour.  I’m no stranger to the wine industry since my family has a vineyard in Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma, CA), so educating myself was not my M.O.  I don’t think it was Elaine’s either, since the spit cups were definitely empty at our table.  We weren’t the designated drivers either though…hehe.

Elaine with one of the gondolas we took up and down the hillside to the cellars and tasting rooms.

Views of green (aka why I love California).

Nobody likes an empty wine glass!

Tipsy and feeling good!

I think the Cab was my favorite, but we only tried a few reds, so it’s hard to say…sadly we didn’t try any Zinfandel 🙁

This was their chardonnay which smelled great, but in terms of taste, well, I’m just not a chardonnay person.  It was still a pretty picture!

After we were adequately buzzed we headed back into town to check into our hotel. 

Spa time!  Our hotel had 3 hot spring mineral spas (all different temperatures)…which were so relaxing.  We were literally jumping from spa to spa for hours. 

More boozing, apples to apples, dirty games, opening gifts, etc.

Pin the junk on the hunk!! (I won’t include pictures of the “junk” options)…or any other non-PG photos. Isn’t this a FOOD blog?

After attempting to get pretty we were off for a night on the town.

(Clearly we had to walk into town)

I believe my dinner order went something like this “mumbo jumbo blah blah NO DAIRY yadda yadda” which evidently got lost in translation since the dish that arrived was topped in a layer of cheese…(?)  I guess that’s what happens when you are screaming your order over a dozen crazy bitches classy ladies.  The server was totally cool about it though (I’m sure he was more than amused with our group) and in less than 15 minutes I had a house salad and a side order of black beans in front of me.  The best thing of the meal though was my glass of Great White beer.  After a full day of guzzling down wine sampling varietals and admiring the fine fermentation process a cold beer TOTALLY hit the spot. 

Elaine was headed down a different path…thanks to the entire bar sending her shots!

I wish I could have stayed longer, but I had to leave after dinner to get back for my flight to NYC 🙁

It was basically the perfect weekend and I was sad it had to end…I can’t believe one of my best friends is getting married in about a month! 

Oh, and if you’re thinking “how the eff did Elise get her drunk ass back from Napa?” – fear not!  I had 2 sober partners who had to high tail it home early, too, so they drove me back to the bay.  I bet I was delightful company too…chillin’ in the backseat trying not to pass out.  Fun times!  I was pretty much sober by the time I got home, but I’m pretty sure my parents would disagree. 

Since it was already midnight, I hit the sack, figuring I’d do all my last minute errands in the AM.

****Sorry if this post wasn’t the fabulous food blog you are used to, but the last thing I wanted to do while relaxing in Napa was take pictures of my food!!