I became a casual wine drinker in my late twenties. As I started my legal career, I wanted to appear more mature than I looked and actually felt so I left Zima and Jack and Ginger behind (sorta) and Grey Goose on the rocks and wine became my go to drinks. Like everyone, I started with White Zinfandel and bad Pinot Grigio. You know, the sweet wines. But then I knew that in order to be “mature”, I needed to be drinking red wine. But I couldn’t get there at first. I needed to work up to it. So, I started working my way up to Chardonnay and then maybe, just maybe, I’d start drinking red wine.
I have to credit my ex-husband for introducing me to Napa Valley wine country and beginning what has become a life-long love affair with the region. Back when he and I were purely platonic friends, he had a business trip in San Francisco. San Francisco has long been my favorite city on earth. In what I’m sure he thought was a casual conversation, he mentioned that he was going to San Francisco the next day and I should come out. I am certain he didn’t expect me to say ok, but I did, and on 24 hours notice bought a ticket and was on my way to San Fran. When he picked me up from the airport, he tells me that we are going to Napa! I was thrilled as I’d wanted to go for some time.
We spent the day going from winery to winery. The highlight was Opus One, not so much for the wine (which was not my favorite), but it is a visually stunning winery, with a stellar reputation. The winery has a wonderful tower where you can enjoy the wine and take in a spectacular view of Napa Valley. I knew in that moment that Napa was a place to where I’d always return. When I am in Napa, there is a calm that comes over me. I feel home and at peace. And no it’s not the wine talking, it’s the breathtaking beauty of the place. Gentle hills, mountains, vineyards, farmhouses, wineries and farmland. It’s just beautiful. And the people are incredibly friendly and so thrilled to share their little slice of heaven with you.
Everytime I return to Napa and Sonoma Valley, I experience that same joy. It’s one of the reasons why I love taking people to Napa. I love to share that experience and that sense of joy.
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