Celebrating Jill in Napa

My friend and former co-worker, Jill, is getting married

in November. To celebrate her upcoming nuptials, we had 

her bachelorette party in Napa Valley. 

Our group flew into to San Francisco on Friday afternoon

(after delays in Chicago & Houston put us behind a bit)

and the first stop was a California classic - In & Out Burger!

We only had a little bit of time to explore San Francisco before

getting ready for dinner so we checked out the Ferry Building at Pier One

 You can't really see it, but it's Davis Street! 

 Ferry Building Clocktower

 San Fran's famous trolley cars - sadly didn't get a chance to ride one

 Had to get a pic in front of one of iconic Bay Bridges

We had dinner at Foreign Cinema on Friday night. They play

a different foreign film every night projected onto the wall of the restaurant.

(hence the name!)

Jill, Samm and Megan

Jenny, me and Ann

We didn't realize until part way through the meal that we had

seated ourselves according to hair color...the blondes and brunettes!

 Saturday morning, we were off to Napa - bright and early!

 ...or rainy (as it was), over the Golden Gate Bridge

no time to stop for photos, so I just had to snap a few in the car.

 Our first winery stop was Robert Sinskey Vineyards

 We did a tour of the caves and then a "Farm to Table" wine/food tasting

Yum! It was a delicious way to start our day. 

 Baldacci Vineyard was our second stop of the day

 In the private tasting room (no food at this one)

Not at all planned, but Jenny, Ann, Lindsey (Jill's future SIL) and I wore striped dresses

Jill with a few of her bridesmaids 

Posing in front of our limo  - our driver, Gary, was like the paparazzi

taking this photo. Really appreciated his services!

 The last stop of the day was Michael Mondavi (son of Robert Mondavi) 

for some nice Rose wines. The winery basically makes wine that the 

wife's owner likes to drink...what a life!

Cheers!

 Sunday morning tasting at Schramsberg - the 2nd oldest vineyard in the Napa Valley.

3.2 million bottles of wine in their cellar!!!

 Schramsberg is well known for it's sparkling wines and is a favorite of

the White House. Their Blanc de Blanc wine is often served at State Dinners.

 Another delightful tasting experience...complete with a detailed lesson in 

how to saber a champagne bottle (our guide was quite the teacher!)

This is Sam the cat. He lives at Schramsberg and occasionally works the register ;)

 The last vineyard stop was Schweiger. We had a chance to taste some 

of the grapes that will become Cabernet Sauvignon, surprisingly tasty!

The view was amazing! Couldn't have asked for a nicer day.

 Lab lover that I am, I was smitten with the family's three labs! This is Chewy.

He obediently gave a high five in exchange for a piece of salami. 

I would say this was my favorite stop of the trip!

I am so happy to see my good friend Jill get married in 6 weeks!

I had a wonderful time celebrating with you and creating more fun memories.

You're going to be a beautiful bride....Justin is a blessed man to have you!!!

Cheers, Gina :)