The Seelander Couples Weekend '07
Christopher Inn - Calistoga, CA
April 19-22, 2007
2 Couples + met up with 3 More
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Sites & Places visited - Breakfast at Carrow's, Oakland, CA
Drive to Napa with a starter at Plumpjack Winery (Nice ambiance nothing
special with the wine) - Moved over to Silver Oak (Young Cab's they will be great in
a couple years) - Moved over to Hopper Creek/Noah (You got to hang out with Dan when
you are in the Valley, look for the Seemonster's in the guest book) - Grabbed
lunch at Dean & Deluca's (Awesome Ham, Havarti & Salami) - 1:30 Appointment
at Nickel & Nickel * (Beautiful barn & cellar, wines good) - Quick stop at Duckhorn Vineyards (Nice tasting room
over looking the vineyard, nothing stands out on the wine) - 7:30 dinner Reservations at Cafe La Haye,
Sonoma, CA (Long Drive but the Risotto was awesome)
Friday, April 20, 2007
Sites & Places visited - 10:00 appointment at Chateau Montelena (Invited to join
some friends from home, wonderful tasting experience, beautiful grounds. Russo's in a hurry,
what else is new) - Moved over to Vincent Arroyo (Met Bodega and JJ the most laidback dog's I have
ever met. Tasted from the barrel and awaiting my fall imperial of JJ's Blend for
a special occasion at the lake) - Lunch again at Dean & Deluca's * (Awesome turkey,
fresh mozzarella, avocado spread & balsamic onions sandwich for Sue) - 2:00 pm
appointment at Saddleback Cellars (It was nice eating my sandwich and tasting wines outdoor
on there picnic benches) - moved over to Grgich Hills (Barrel Tasted of the soon to be
bottled Cab) - Moved down the street for reserve tasting at Beaulieu Vineyards (George
de Latour was probably the pinnacle tasting of my visit to the valley. Only thing that would have
made it better would have been to be toasting with my buddy George at the same time)
Ran across the street for a final stop at Robert Mondavi (Enjoyed a private tasting experience
in there club room. Bad news, large formats on sale so a double magnum and an imperial of his
cab is on it's way home. The view from the Mondavi Ground are the best in the
valley) - The Bahaveolos, Christopher's & there friends the Shultz allowed
us to tag along with them for a dining experience at Calistoga Ranch (What a setting,
dinner and company) - Finished off the night around the fireplace at Stratis & Nadine's courtyard)
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Sites & Places visited - The girls including Michael start their day at the Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa for a little
pampering - Then a 10:00 am appointment at Storybook Mountain Vineyards - Quick stop at
Franciscan (I rushed Russo this time) - 12:30 appointment with Brian and Claudia
Fluery, Fluery Wines (A wonderful experience with some wonderful wine) - Lunch at
Rutherford Grill * - Returned to Franciscan (needed to pick up some Magnificat) - Made a quick
stop at Diamond Oaks (Wanted to see my favorite picnic area Oakville) - Drive by at
Domain Chandon - Drove south over the Golden Gate Bridge - drive down
Lombard Street - Drove along Fisherman's Warf - Up Steiner Street - Stopped for Starbucks in
Pacific Heights - Finished the evening off at Max's Diner in Burlingame.
Hotel Photo's
* The couple from Greenville are following us?
