Here we are. Our last day in Napa. We are done arguing with the hotel staff over their choice of music. We are done with the tired buffet breakfast. The bathroom is nice, but the room overall was so-so. I would not stay here again unless the rate was phenomenal. We were penny-pinching, so it worked for us, but if I had the money, I'd stay anywhere in Yountville. It is just the cutest little town and the restaurant availability is amazing. I'd rename the place Kellerville. That Yount guy is dead. Thomas Keller is King.
Since our trunk is now filled with suitcases, we can't put the top down. Just as well. The Volvo turned out to be the perfect car for the trip and Frank is very happy. Up the road one last time to visit the St. Supery winery. Another self-guided tour that's free. You can go out into the vineyard to see a display of different types of pruning and pick some grapes. We skipped the tasting. They do have a gallery where you get to smell different wine odors, which was educational.
Our last stop of the trip is the Robert Mondavi winery. Another hotel guest told Frank that the tour was amazing and we arrived just in time to take it. The tour turned out to be the best tour of the trip. I wish we had done it first. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable about the area and wines. We just learned so much. We now understand how to read a wine label. We got to pick grapes off the vine and taste each varietal. All in a beautiful setting. We didn't like the wines, but the experience was well worth the price.
Last stop in Yountville for lunch at the Pacific Blues Cafe. No time for lunch at Bouchon. I had a turkey burger with blue cheese and the most remarkable jalapeno jam.
Our flight was the 5:00 Friday night computer geek express from San Jose to Austin. Everybody at the gate was staring into a laptop or Blackberry. We made it home in one piece. Overall a great vacation. Not a cheap place to go, so a few days is fine. I did wonder what it is like for those who do the tastings to select wines for their own cellars. Turns out all the stuff you buy in the store is virtually crap. Who knew? I do vow to return and go to the French Laundry some day. Highlights overall were the Mondavi tour, the Sterling tour, and dinner at Bouchon.
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