Being a blogger certainly held it's perks for hubby and I this last week. When I found out that I could join him on a business trip to California I started asking fellow bloggers where to go and what to see. I always wanted to visit Wine Country. I was told that it was a little like going to France with over 13,000 acres of vineyards and more than 40 wineries. The valley boasts of castles and garden chateaus all sharing a love of the grape. When I asked Tracie from My Petite Maison just where she would go if she were to spend a few days in Wine country she gave me wonderful advise. Upon her recommendation we set off to Sonoma Valley with our first stop at, The girl & the fig, a mouth watering resturant that delights visitors and residents of the town of Sonoma.
This resturant filled up quickly. We were seated in the patio with it's firepits and places and water fountains as well as beautiful potted flowers. It was certainly a glorious cool fall day and we dined among several pleased patrons.
Has anyone ever wished they could have a taste of what everybody around you is having? Everything was presented beautifully and our lunch was exceptionally good.
After lunch we walked around this beautiful town and I was smitten with all of the roses that were in bloom. In fact we saw so many glorious rose gardens this week it has made me long for one of my own.
The town of Sonoma is charming with it's Spanish architecture and you could almost feel the blessing of Jose Altimira the Padre who started Mission San Francisco which was located in the plaza.
Our next stop and recommendation by Tracie was the Ledson Winery. This modern day castle was built as a retirement home. However so many people were stopping to ask to do a wine tasting that the owner decided to do just that and they redesigned the home to host wine tastings of over 70 wines that are available.
Imagine having a vineyard purchased and named after you so that you could blend and play and create your very own wine. That is just what Steven Ledson did for his wife Anna.
I think that the Castle would have been enough for me. What about you?
Our next stop was Chateau St Jean.
I loved the surrounding gardens. Roses were blooming everywhere and it was a perfect blend of wine and roses as we sat and enjoyed the scenery of grapevines and roses and mountainside splendor.
We only visited 2 wineries among the 57 award winning wineries listed.
Why can't I get my landscape to look like this??????
So this was our day in Sonoma Valley.
It was as beautiful as I could have ever imagined.
And Tracie.....we raised a glass to you my friend.
And as they say in France, it was
En valeur le voyage
WORTH THE TRIP!
This beautiful vintage inspired top is from Paris Rags. Kimberly Ryan is the talented and sweet lady who is always tempting me with some of her fabulous vintage inspired creations. If she is not painting something beautiful and romantic for her companty Shabby Rose Studios, she is creating something beautiful and romantic to wear.
I love it, I love it, I love it.
It's as pretty in the back as it is in the front too.
Just made this girl want to kick up her heels!
And see that sweet little lilac painting on my angel shelf. I won that from Kimberly on one of her giveaways. Now if you would like to see more of her beautiful creations go to,
