We began our trip with a stop at one of our old favorites Bistro Don Giovanni in Napa. The food is fabulous and the atmosphere charming. They never disappoint.
via trip advisor
We next went to check out the Rams Gate Winery designed by the wonderful Howard Backen with interiors by the esteemed Orlando Diaz Ozcuy. As with all of Howard Backen’s projects Rams Gate is an extension of the land on which it resides. He used the barns of the Carneros region as inspiration for the design. The views are incredible and the overall effect organic perfection.If you would like to learn more about Rams Gate go here . If you are like me and can’t get enough of Howard Backen’s work you can read my post here, and buy his book Of the Land here. I guarantee it will be one of your favorites. I am constantly referring to it. I am also on a mission to see as many of his projects as I can.
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via bgarch.com
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After we left Rams Gate we headed to Sonoma to one of my favorite haunts, Sonoma Country Antiques. They always have something interesting and their displays are always so creatively contrived.
I love, love, loved their take on using this turkish rug as a bedspread
I am so tempted to try this
Another fun stop is Cornerstone but I had just stopped recently, so we headed to Saint Helena. I always like to stop in at Vintage Home and Acres right next door.
Vintage Home always has fabulous finds for the home. Their clever window display from the street.
Next door Acres has wonderful things for the garden and the most fabulous faux flowers you have ever seen.
I will report on the second half of our trip next week if all goes according to plans. I am having my second hip replacement a week from today! Yippee I can’t wait. The last one was a piece of cake so I am hoping for more of the same this time around!!
I wanted to book a flight the moment I finished reading this post! GLORIOUS! xx
fun fun fun!! Now I need a day trip to Napa area!! Thanks you for all the great recommendations!!
What a fabulous gift, Cindy! We love the Napa Valley and I was lucky to live in the valley for several years. Bistro Don Giovanni is a longtime favorite. Your images capture the charm of the wine country beautifully!
xx, Heather
How fun!!!!!!
Oh my gosh I could live in that store!! xo
Cindy, what a beautiful trip. I want to go to everyplace you mentioned and I can't wait for part 2 of your trip. The Turkish rug as a bed coverlet is fabulous! Sending you all good wishes and prayers for a very successful hip replacement. xoxo
What a lovely time away…made even sweeter because your daughter and son-in-law lightened your load at home. Beautiful places and views. I know you two had a much deserved wonderful time.
DON GIOVANNI………we know a waiter there called MIKALLE…….not correct spelling but thats HOW IT SOUNDS!!!!!BOY, I am missing out cause I have never been to anything that looks like these places in NAPA VALLEY!I know all the shops………….my favorite shop in ST. HELENA is PATINA.VINATGE JEWELS……..as big as a shoebox all PINK.I did not know your sister lived in the wine country……………which town?I will definitely keep this as reference for my next trek NORTH!!!!
I really love Vintage Home and all of the regional beauty of that area of California.
Thanks for the tour.
xo,
Karen
Your weekend vacation looks lovely. Rams Gate is breathtaking! Love the trusses. Crushing on the lovely shops with white plates. I don't think I will ever have enough. Hope the hip replacement goes smoothly but aren't you a bit young for that?
Take care! xx-hb