KO and the Turk: Friends, Wine, Bikes

in a rose arbor at Peju winery

What happens when Farkle Jackie has an event? Its full of interesting people, located in an amazing location, includes some exercise, as well as vast amounts of delicious wine and food. It was Jackie and Arthur's third anniversary, an unstated excuse for a party of friends from near and far. The Florida contingent was made up of Sandy and Scott, and me and the Turk. We remembered some of the people from the wedding, but honestly, there was so much going on at the wedding that I didn't meet many people. This was a great opportunity to meet them... three years later!

The Turk and I realized that we've not been to the Napa area in a while. We did visit friends in Sonoma in November, but didn't venture into Napa. Wow, such growth: more wineries, more traffic, and more expensive tastings. The Turk and I tried Peju for our tasting winery. It was $25 for one tasting of standard wines. The tasting building and grounds are beautiful and we enjoyed sharing tastings of surprisingly delicious wines. We came to realize that only the large wineries accept visitors for tastings without reservations. And there are a multitude of smaller, boutique wineries that are highly rated. Something to keep in mind in the future.

art at peju - art is on the left

spring roses

one of the buildings at Peju

wine train speeds...slowly...by us

Next day, we got together with the growing group to bike around the Silverado Trail. We got lost just getting out of Younstville and had to find a biker who knows the area. That person would be Gary who kindly led us out of our confusion and on to the right trail before he went in his own direction. Midway through our trip, we met Gary again. We didn't need to compare stories to know that Gary had covered much more ground than we had and was on his return path.
While we chatted with our navigator, a large helicopter took off from across the street and proceeded to maneuver a power pole across the valley - a dangerous and intriguing activity that held our attention until we had no more excuses to stand in the shade. We hopped back on our bikes to make our way back to Yountsville. Did I mention it was about 90 degrees already?

Dont let her fool you - she was going to get lost

getting our bikes

Turk is ready to go!

That helicopter!

Jackie and Arthur

Jackie and Craig

Sandy and Scott

The gang - sans KO

the gang sans Sandy

A personalized wine tasting was set up by Jackie and Arthur at B Wineries. Our food/wine tasting was very well done with a beautiful tour of the winery, our private tasting room, food prepared by their chef for our tasting wines, and a visit by the owner. This is where I learned about concrete wine fermentors from France, something being tried out in the US. Apparently, concrete from France is better for wine than American concrete! This wonderful tasting was followed up by yet more food - a delicious dinner with the out of town party guests.

Our hostess

Sandy gets the pour with an explanation

Let the tasting begin!

French concrete fermentor

cute table idea at the winery

Surviving all of that wine made it challenging to get up the next morning for more bike riding. But we were ready. We survived the heat and decided a light lunch was needed so we could wish the Turk a happy 61st birthday!

Craig, Turk, Arthur, Barbara

The big event that night was at the Inglenook winery, owned by Francis Ford Coppola who has restored the property to its former glory. We had the winery for the evening, just us, the chef and the help. Let the fun begin!.

our hosts

cute Sandy and Scott

prom picture

Sandy's pic of me across the table

our table in the upstairs barrel room

Appetizers and drinks were provided downstairs in the entrance hall and gift shop. After our tour of the caves, we headed upstairs to the barrel room where the barrels were originally stored, and the bottles filled. Today, this vast room was our dining room. The delicious courses and wine pairings were magical, but as the plates were cleared, we were directed to the patio under a majestic, subtly lit redwood tree. There we found a dessert table, teas and coffees. We could have all stayed at this spot until the wee hours of the night, but the winery sent us home before too long. The evening went way too quickly and I was so pleased that we had been able to spend some time with many of the guests over the past couple of days.

Of course things didn't end uneventfully for us. Sandy, Scott and the Turk and I were to take Uber car back to our hotel in Calistoga. Everyone was leaving in their own vehicles and we nonchalantly waved good by from the front of the estate as they drove down the very long driveway to the road. Until, we were the only ones left, surrounded by these beautiful gardens, vineyards and estate. Hmmm, where was Uber? We checked Scott's phone and saw the vehicle had stopped on the road at the Inglenook driveway and wasn't proceeding down the driveway to us. Finally, Scott received a text saying the Inglenook gate was locked and the driver could not meet us.
The Turk and I graciously accepted that we would have to find a nice bed in the estate, and perhaps a bottle or two of wine, to settle in for the night. But alas, the last Inglenook employee was locking up and made his way toward us. We shared our dilemma and he offered to use his vehicle to make the gate open, which would let Uber in. Apparently, after hours, the gate opens only if you are leaving, not if you are entering. So, we were 'rescued' from our exclusive prison and were wisked back to our hotel.

This area of California is so beautiful and it attracts creative people. We saw quirky things that only sometimes made it to my camera. While riding bikes along quiet wineries, where seemingly no one but workers would pass, we'd fine art installations just sitting there ready to be admired. Sometimes things seemed somewhat regular until you looked closer - like this volkswagon bug. Or this warning sign.

flying VW?

and they wondered why no one was shopping?

The Turk and I explored a bit more of Calistoga - one of our favorite spots partly because it is quieter than the more southern wine towns, and because of the thermal baths. Our hotel pool was filled with thermal waters which make cold-intolerant Turk very happy.