Napa

We had a wonderful time at this year's American Harvest Workshop at the Cakebread Cellars. Always fun to visit with friends and enjoy the beauty and restfulness of the Napa Valley. We do have to work, but the event and people are so fun it doesn't feel like work

(except when it is 102F outside).

Nora dressed in her finest to attend one of the tasting dinners. Thanks Aunt Lauren!

Nora won everyone over. She was so good during all the events and passed out smiles and contentment to everyone.
Chris and Nora overlooking the Cakebread's Howell Mountain vineyard called Dancing Bear Ranch. This is a beautiful place almost at the top of the mountain. They actually have bears that come into the vineyard and eat their grapes. An unexpected electrical problem that night allowed the group to have a wonderful candlelight dinner.Nora was a trooper on the day we toured some of the purveyor locations.

We visited Hog Island Oyster Company, an oyster farm in Tomales Bay across from Point Reyes. Everyone raves about these oysters and they are truly dedicated to their quality.

I don't like oysters, but these are the best if you do.

We also visited the Point Reyes Cheese farmstead and blue cheese making facility. We had fun learning about blue cheese, seeing the beautiful farm and hearing about the fun plans for the farm's future. Nora looked pretty cute in her hairnet.

There are so many amazing, small, artisanal purveyors at the American Harvest Workshop. Here are just a few of our favorites:

Rancho Gordo Beans , Fatted Calf Charcuterie , Napa Valley Lamb Co.

Marshall's Farms Honey , Sonoma Organics, Cowgirl Creamery, Bellwether Farm

The chefs were great too. I will have to link you to them in another posting.