Catalina Island is a sublime place for a romantic interlude, and offers luxury boomer travelers an experience reminiscent of famous mediterranean cliff-side villages.

People have been living on Santa Catalina Island for at least 7,000 years.

At the time of first European contact, it is thought that the people living on Santa Catalina Island called their island Pimu and themselves Pimungans (or Pimuvit). The Pimungans of Santa Catalina Island paddled out in a friendly greeting to the Spanish galleon that bore the explorer Don Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo to their shores on October 7, 1542.

Over the centuries,  Catalina Island has harbored smugglers, became a part of Mexico in 1820 when New Spain revolted from Spanish control, and became part of the United States when California joined in 1850.

Fast forward to 1919, and we find chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. purchasing the majority of the island.  For the next ten years, Wrigley underwent an ambitious development program that ultimately turned the island into a haven for the rich and famous.

Santa Catalina Island has served as the location for the filming of over 500 motion pictures, documentaries, television programs and commercials over the past 90 years. Of those 500, approximately 300 were motion picture productions.

Throughout this history, the Island has been transformed into the coast of North Africa, from Tahiti to the American frontier and back again. It has been mistaken for the lost continent of Atlantis and the home of that famous mechanical shark, Jaws. In short, Santa Catalina Island holds a unique place in the history of motion picture production as Hollywood’s exotic back lot.

Besides films, Catalina Island also served as a playground for the likes of  Charlie Chaplin, Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Betty Grable, and Johnny Weismuller.  Sadly, Catalina Island is also the location where Natalie Wood met with her mysterious death.

Today, people continue flocking to Catalina Island to enjoy the charming beach-side city of Avalon, the famous Catalina Island Jazz Festival,  and warm weather will find throngs of boaters moored around the island’s rocky shores.

Can you hear Nat King Cole singing, “I found my love in Avalon…along the bay!”

Introduction to Catalina Island

How to get to Catalina Island

Getting to Catalina Island is fast, fun, and easy! Catalina Island, one of the Channel Islands, is located just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California.  You can be on the island in as little as 15 minutes via helicopter or one hour by boat.

Catalina Express provides boat transportation from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point. Travel time to Avalon is about one hour. Call Catalina Express at (310) 519-1212 or www.catalinaexpress.com for reservations.

Catalina Passenger Service departs daily from Newport Beach’s historic Balboa Pavilion. Travel time aboard the Catalina Flyer to Avalon is about 75 minutes. For information and reservations call (949) 673-5245 or www.catalinainfo.com.

The Catalina Marina del Rey Flyer departs from Fisherman’s Village at Marina del Rey. The schedule varies and travel time to Avalon is 1 3-4 hours. For more information contact 310-305-7250 or www.catalinaferries.com.

For a quick trip across the channel you can take Island Express Helicopter Service which departs from both San Pedro and Long Beach Harbors. Travel time to Avalon is about 15 minutes. For reservations or information call (800) 2-AVALON or www.islandexpress.com.

When to Travel to Catalina Island

Catalina Island is a wonderful place to visit any time of year.

Summer is the busiest season, spring and fall are absolutely beautiful, with perfect blue skies and water temperatures warm enough to enjoy all the water activities. Mid-week any time of the year is also a great time to visit Catalina Island, as hotel rates are lower than weekend rates.

It is highly recommended that visitors planning a weekend trip to Catalina Island make cross-channel transportation and hotel reservations in advance, especially in the busy summer season. Many hotels have a two-night (Friday & Saturday) minimum on the weekends.

What to Wear on Catalina Island

With Catalina’s warm weather and laid-back island atmosphere, it’s no surprise that casual attire is the preferred dress code for Catalina Island.

Sandals are popular, but bring a good pair of walking shoes if you are planning to do any hiking or tour the interior. Bring a sweater or light jacket if you will be on the island during the evening, and don’t forget your swimsuit!

Getting Around Catalina Island

Avalon, Catalina Island’s main town, is only one square mile in size and everything is in walking distance. In fact walking is the preferred mode of transportation since there are a limited number of automobiles on the island. Avalon is the only city in California authorized by the state legislature to regulate the number and size of vehicles allowed to drive on city streets. Currently, there is a 12-14 year waiting list to own a car on the island.

But visitors don’t need a car in Avalon; it’s easy to navigate by foot. Walking is a wonderful way to explore this charming town. The picturesque harbor that nestles Avalon provides a good excuse to slow down the pace and enjoy the view.

When you arrive on the island many hotels provide a courtesy shuttle while other hotels provide free baggage service. Be sure to ask when you make reservations. Taxi service is available to all locations in Avalon, and cabs meet each arriving boat. There is also a taxi stand in the center of town that will take you anywhere you want to go. Trolley service operates along two scheduled routes regularly in the summer and on weekends in the off season.

To enjoy the hills above the town, do what the locals do and drive a golf cart. Golf cart rentals are abundant in town and you can easily explore the mountain terrain around Avalon in an hour or so. You can also rent a bicycle to go exploring or take a sightseeing tour in a comfortable motor coach or open- air tram.

If you want to venture beyond Avalon without going on a tour, shuttle bus service is also available from Avalon to the Airport in the Sky, Two Harbors, and the interior campgrounds.

Outdoor enthusiasts are welcome to explore Catalina Island on foot. Hiking and biking permits and trail maps are available at the Catalina Conservancy House at 125 Clarissa Avenue in Avalon.

Where to Stay on Catalina Island

The Inn on Mt. Ada

This 1921 Georgian Colonial (the Wrigley Mansion) is the former home of  chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. The home sits 350 feet above the town and harbor on Mt. Ada (named after his wife, Ada), and was designed to catch the first sunlight in the morning and the last rays at sunset.

After Mrs. Wrigley’s death, the home eventually became The Inn on Mt. Ada, and for the past successive 18 years has enjoyed a Mobil 4-Star rating as well as a handful of other notable distinctions.  With only six rooms available, the Inn is highly sought after, requiring reservations well in advance of your stay.

When we arrived on Catalina Island, there was a shuttle van waiting for us at the ferry docks, and we were shuttled up the mountain to the mansion.

We learned that we would be staying in “The Queen’s Aviary”, Mrs. Wrigley’s bedroom and sitting room.  As you’ll see in the video below, the room has been impeccably maintained and offered us beautiful views of the harbor and ocean.  Further, we enjoyed a vintage bathroom, a large walk-in closet, and a romantic fireplace.

As our luggage was brought to our room, we enjoyed a brief tour of the mansion.  There is a stunningly beautiful sun porch overlooking the harbor, a large deck wrapping the house; a very large living room with a grand piano and fireplace, a beautiful dining room with stunning chandeliers, and a guest kitchen stocked with goodies, wine, beer, water, and even a freezer stocked with ice cream!

The Inn provides breakfast and lunch each day, and in the evening has an ample offering of hors d’oeuvres and wine.

We loved our stay at The Inn on Mt. Ada, and highly recommend it.

The Aurora Hotel and Spa

Setting high above the bay, a couple blocks from the harbor, the Aurora Hotel and Spa sits in a typical island mixed-use area offering guests wonderful views of the harbor from its roof-deck.

This location has been serving Catalina Island guests for over thirty years.  However, when the Aurora moved in, the hotel was remodeled giving the property the hospitality of a bed and breakfast inn with the ambiance of a metropolitan boutique hotel.

The Aurora offers standard rooms, junior suites, and their opulent Aurora Suite.

We spent a marvelous night in the Aurora Suite.  Billed as one of the most luxurious hotel suites on the island, it featured a massive flat screen television, a beautiful stone fireplace and bar in the living area; a walk-in multi-head shower, a king-size Tempurpedic  mattress, and two of the most comfortable reclining rockers we have ever had the privilege of sitting in.

The room was large, very comfortable, and definitely a cool hideaway for the luxury traveler.

Living Area

Bath

Hotel Setting

Lobby

Breakfast

Roof-top Deck

Note: click photographs for larger view and available slide show.

Hotel Metropole

The Hotel Metropole is set in the Metropole Market Place which resembles the French Quarter with cobblestone walkways and features a unique collection of boutique shops, a fine-dining restaurant, a day spa, a classic arcade, and an espresso bar.

Further adding to the hotel’s appeal is its central location in the heart of Avalon right along the town’s ocean-side boardwalk.

Accommodations at Hotel Metropole vary from  a luxurious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom 1800 square foot hideaway, to a VIP Wing, Ocean Front Mini-Suites, and family-friendly guest rooms.

We enjoyed one of their newly refurbished ocean front mini-suites.  Our amenities included our own private balcony with panoramic ocean views, a king-size bed, fireplace, jacuzzi bathtub, plush robes, ample closet space, and a large flat-screen television.

With a seating area, and workstation, the room was large enough you could easily make this your home away from home for a long stay.

And, with the sliding peek-a-boo partition between the bed and the jacuzzi, you can even enjoy a conversation while one of you soaks in the tub and the other reads on the comfortable bed.

We greatly enjoyed our stay.

Mini-Suite

Room Views

Peek-a-boo Bath

Note: click photographs for larger view and available slide show.

Where to Eat on Catalina Island

Avalon Grille

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner with a lively, central bar and open air dining. This new waterfront restaurant features American regional dishes with a seasonal approach, paired with a world class selection of wines, micro-brew beers and cocktails in a casual and fun “al fresco” atmosphere overlooking Avalon Bay.

We stopped into the Avalon Grille for lunch. Ricardo, the General Manager, insisted that we start our lunch out by sharing one of their signature martinis.  Although we generally wouldn’t enjoy a martini for lunch, we can highly recommend it. Delish!

Mr. Roaming Boomer did most of the heavy lifting on the martini, while Chef Paul Hancock sent out a veritable bounty of delights for us to sample.  First came Tuna Tartar, Calamari, and Chef Hancock’s famous Roasted Brussels Sprouts.  All were delightful.  However, we asked for, and received, the recipe for the brussels sprouts.  If you like brussels sprouts, you will go gaga for these!  They’re roasted with cranberries, almonds, pancetta, and a mustard vinaigrette.  Best brussels sprouts ever!

Continuing our gastronomical journey we moved into our entrées.  Carol went for the Ahi Tuna Burger, and while I was tempted to try a famous Catalina Island Buffalo Burger (not local buffalos), I opted instead for the day’s Fresh Catch – Sand Dabs.  Carol’s burger was accompanied by fried green beens, while my Sand Dabs were pan-fried with a beurre blanc sauce.  YUM!

Although we didn’t ask for it, out came our proud and smiling waiter with Deep Fried Oreo Cookies for dessert.  Now, I must confess, deep-fried Oreo cookies does not sound appealing to me.  However, you haven’t lived until you tasted a hot, melty, Oreo cookie with a dash of vanilla ice cream. Holy Fried Delight Batman!  That was good!

Signature Martini

Crispy Calamari & Rock Shrimp

Tuna Tartar

Fresh Catch - Sand Dabs

Ahi Burger w/ Fried Green Beans

Deep-Fried Oreo Cookies

Note: click photographs for larger view and available slide show.

 Steve’s Steakhouse

Steve Bray, owner and operating manager at Steve’s Steakhouse, comes from a long line of pioneers of the small island resort-town of Avalon.

As a fourth-generation islander, Steve’s family heritage traces back to the days before chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. owned the island.  Steve’s great-grandfather was the first county judge of Avalon; his grandfather was a local sheriff and constable, and his father was a local boat captain for 55 years.

Steve spent his early years working in various local restaurants, and in 2001 opened Steve’s Steakhouse.

Our evening started with Thai Crab Cakes, the best Fried Coconut Shrimp we’ve ever had in our lives, and a beautiful bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet Savignon.  Absolutely, out of this world!  What a stunning first impression!

For our entrées my meat-eating bride went for Steak and Lobster, while I enjoyed a beautiful piece of Sea Bass.  Just take a peek at my photographs below and see if your salivation glands don’t go into overdrive.  We slowly dined while enjoying the candlelight, our Silver Oak, and Steve’s wonderful company as he stopped by each table to make all feel welcome and special.

As our forks finally clinked upon an empty plate, we were treated to Steve’s Signature Key Lime Pie, a cup of decaf for Carol and a pipping-hot double espresso for me.  Wow!

When you visit Catalina Island, make certain that Steve’s Steakhouse is at the top of your dinner reservations.

Martini

Thai Crab Cakes

Fried Coconut Shrimp

Surf and Turf

Sea Bass

Signature Key Lime Pie

Note: click photographs for larger view and available slide show.

Ristorante Villa Portofino

Located opposite the waterfront with a dramatic view of Avalon Harbor, Ristorante Villa Portofino offers its guests a choice of dining on the harbor view patio or in the warm ambiance of their Italian-inspired dining room.

The continental cuisine is complimented by an inspired wine list of Italian and Californian vintages and a full bar as well as hand-crafted desserts and one of the island’s only espresso bars.

During our visit, Carol enjoyed Vitello alla Parmigiana (thin slices of veal, lightly breaded and baked in a marinara sauce with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses), while I opted for Risotto del Mar (fresh mussels, clams, calamari, scallops, salmon, white fish, garlic white wine sauce).  Delightful!

Make certain to also leave room for the Tiramisu prepared by their in-house pastry chef.  YUM!

Vitello alla Parmigiana

Risotto de Mar

Tiramisu

Note: click photographs for larger view and available slide show.

The Lobster Trap

The Lobster Trap is consistently voted one of Catalina Island’s best restaurants, and is a clear favorite of the locals. It is a relaxed, come-as-you-are restaurant during the day, and in the evening morphs into a popular bar with live music.

While the restaurant offers a full menu of fresh, locally caught fish, we made a beeline to try out their famous lobster taco.  In fact, our schedule was so tight that we didn’t even have time to sit down at a table to enjoy a meal.  We were here for one reason, and one reason only: to sample the lobster taco that we kept hearing about all over town.

Recommendation?  Make certain to get your self one, or two, or three!  Wow!

What to do on Catalina Island

Not only is Catalina Island a wonderful romantic hideaway, but it also offers a great deal of adventure for those so inclined.

Top 10 Things to do on Catalina Island

• Tour the world-famous Catalina Island Casino
• Tour Catalina Island’s interior on a Hummer Tour
• Explore Catalina Island on a Segway Tour
• Explore Avalon Bay underwater on a Semi-Submersible Tour
• Explore Avalon with a Golf Cart Rental
• Explore the beautiful Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden
• Rent a private cabana and spend the day at Desconso Beach Club
• Get your adrenalin rushing on the Catalina Island Zip Line Eco Tour
• Use your smartphone to play Catalina Island Urban Adventure Quest
• Experience the world’s first Flying Fish Tour

Phew!  There it is, our Catalina Island Travel Guide. If you follow our recommendations, you are certain to build a passel of lifetime memories.

If you would like to explore other options available on Catalina Island, click the link for the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce.

Enjoy!

And, after you’ve had some fun on Catalina Island, come share some of your photographs with us on our Facebook page.  As of this writing, there are over 10,000 “roaming boomers” sharing and having fun talking about travel.

If you enjoyed this article, please follow us at our website, our Facebook page, and on Twitter.

Disclosure: this wonderful experience was provided in part by the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce, The Inn on Mt. Ada,  Aurora Hotel and Spa, Hotel Metropole, Avalon Grille, Steve’s Steakhouse, Catalina Express, Santa Catalina Island Company, and Catalina Segways.  Thanks!  We had a blast!

Few travelers find Pfeiffer Beach, but it is well known and loved by the locals.

The beach is unmarked from the highway, and to get there you must keep a sharp eye for Sycamore Canyon Road located just outside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.  At the end of Sycamore Canyon Road, you will find a nice parking area, restrooms, and the beach only a quarter-mile down a beautiful path.  As of this writing, entrance was $5/car.

Be certain to bring a camera as the rock formations are stunning, and you won’t want to miss showing your friends photographs of the patches of purple sand that adorn the beach.  With manganese garnet in the hills surrounding the beach, colorful shades of violet, ruby red, pink, or even royal purple gets washed down to the beach.  The farther north you walk, the more colorful the beach becomes.

Although somewhat remote, the beach is family-friendly and well worth a visit.  Don’t forget your beach towels!

The beach is “point A” on the map below.

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View Larger Map

California’s Napa Valley is consistently atop annual travel award lists as one of the best food and wine destinations in the world.

This small patch of land produces world-renowned wines. It has also attracted some of the world’s best chefs which has thereby made Napa Valley also legendary for its phenomenal cuisine.

The Napa Valley, 30 miles long and five miles wide, is favored with over 400 wineries with 95% of them family-owned.

With such an overabundance of choices, we feel that Napa Valley is best experienced in tasty morsels.  To do otherwise precludes one from a unhurried savoring, which frankly is likely the antithesis of why you would want to visit Napa Valley in the first place.

For this particular visit, we concentrated our exploration on the southern region of the Napa Valley Wine Country, shown in the circle to the right, and made our base camps in the cities of Napa and Yountville.

Napa Valley is best savored in bite sized pieces!

How to get to Napa Valley

The Napa Valley is served by three international airports. San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK) and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) are each approximately 60 miles away (85 km), and can be reached in approximately 1.5 hours driving time.

We prefer getting to Napa Valley by way of the Sacramento International Airport as we are able to get direct flights from Phoenix, and the traffic is significantly less than will be found at San Francisco and Oakland.

Rental cars are readily available at all three airports.  If you prefer, San Francisco and Oakland have shuttles to the City of Napa, and you can then rent a car upon arrival. Here’s a link for more information about transportation to and around Napa Valley.

Where to Stay in Southern Napa Valley

Bardessono Hotel, Restaurant, and Spa – Yountville

Opened in February of 2009, Bardessono has amassed quite a collection of awards in a short period of time.

It debuted on the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List in its first year of operation, is one of only three LEED Platinum Certified Hotels in the US; and in 2012 has made it to the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List and is Michelin Guide Recommended.

We enjoyed a spa-suite that was custom designed to double as a private spa.  Bardessono believes that personalized spa treatments should be enjoyed in the special seclusion of your room which features a concealed massage table, soaking tub, separate shower, and beautiful double vanities.

One of the unusual features we noticed was that when sensors detect that guests are not in their room, the automatically controlled thermostats allow the temperature to raise or lower a few degrees and reduce excess energy demand. When cooling is required, the first stage of intervention is for motor controlled exterior venetian blinds to lower to reduce the heat gain from the sun.

I was wondering how those blinds got lowered.  I was looking around for chocolates from our housekeeper when Carol explained the environmental features of our room.

Darn!  I was hoping for chocolate!

Our experience generally finds contemporary architecture and design to be cold and uncomfortable, but that was absolutely not the case here.  In fact, we found ourselves drawn into the spirit of the place and everywhere found beauty, comfort, and luxury all knitted together with exceptional design and attention to detail.

We found beautiful sculptures to enjoy, a beautiful garden in which to stroll, a roof-top pool with stunning views of the surrounding mountains; abundant water features with soothing sounds, hammocks under beautiful trees, beautiful flora growing from rich volcanic soils, smiling staff determined to make our stay exceptional, and a general overall sense that Bardessono was destined to become one of those resorts that would reserve a special place in our hearts.

Bardessono also has a remarkable restaurant on-site, but we will tell you about that a little later.

Very Comfy Bed

Luxurious Living Space

Spa Bathroom

Beautiful Common Areas

Roof-top Pool

Relaxing Hammock

Note:  click on photographs for large view and available slide show.

Napa River Inn at the Historic Napa Mill – Napa

We love historic properties, and the Napa River Inn is a member of the prestigious Historic Hotels of America.

The Napa River Inn is located within the Historic Napa Mill built in 1884.  Located in downtown Napa, the Inn consists of three buildings featuring 66 guest rooms designed to reflect 1800s elegance.

From the moment we walked in the front door, we were seemingly transported back to the 19th century where we reveled in the Inn’s beautiful decor.

Our room (see below) was decorated in rich reds featuring beautiful decorative white molding, a slipper-foot bathtub, a large walk-in double-head shower, and wonderfully soft linens found in only the best of resorts.

We greatly enjoyed the Historic Napa Mill location as we were able to walk out the door of the Inn and enjoy shopping, four dining venues, a jazz club, and a beautiful boardwalk along the Napa river.  Plus, each morning we enjoyed a complimentary breakfast from neighboring Sweetie Pies bakery.  YUM!

Lest I forget, you must also walk next door to the Village Sweet Shop and sample Debbie Dever’s dark chocolate cherry bark!  Wowza!

With all of the wonderful culinary amenities available at the Napa River Inn, you just may decide to hole up and never leave. Absolutely everything the luxury traveler needs is right there!

Exterior view

Lobby

Comfortable bed

Sitting area

1800s meets modern technology

Bath w/ dual-head walk-in shower.

Note:  click on photographs for large view and available slide show.

 Maison Fleurie French Country Inn – Yountville

Maison Fleurie, one of the Four Sisters Inns, is the perfect blend of the modern luxuries of a boutique hotel and the traditional amenities and architecture of a bed and breakfast.

In our room we found finely crafted furniture, wonderful fabrics, a wonderful fireplace, and a jetted-tub to whirl away the sore muscles and feet from our day of adventure.

If you like, you can borrow a bicycle to explore the charming town of Yountville after your wondrous complimentary breakfast, and in the afternoon return for wine and hors d’oeuvres.

Although time didn’t permit in our schedule, there is also a pool and hot tub where you might enjoy one of the fine bottles of wine found in your day of wine tasting.

We’ve grown to love small boutique lodging options and Maison Fleurie stands tall with the best of them.

Entrance

Guestroom photo by Tamara Mims

Guestroom photo by Tamara Mims

Pool photo by Tamara Mims

Patio photo by Tamara Mims

Hot tub photo by Tamara Mims

Note:  click on photographs for large view and available slide show 

Lavender French Country Inn – Yountville

One of the sister properties to the property above, this Four Sisters Inn was recently voted as one of the Top 50 Small Hotels in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler.

Lavender, one of Yountville’s heritage homes, offers a touch of Provence right in the heart of the Napa Valley.

As with all of the Four Sisters Inns, we enjoyed a beautiful complimentary breakfast buffet, afternoon wine, tea and hor d’oeuvres; evening turndown with Le Belge chocolate, fresh baked cookies at the desk, a bed full of wonderful linens, a flat-panel TV, a refrigerator, a beautiful gas fireplace; jetted spa tub with shower, and even our own private walled-patio to enjoy our morning complimentary newspaper.

We will also long remember Marion at the front desk.  She had the most wonderful English accent, and interjected our tour of the property with a series of jokes that lifted our tired spirits.  And, she had piping-hot cookies!

We had a delightful stay and can confidently recommend a visit.

Heritage Home

Our Room

Well Appointed Bath

Private Patio

Morning Newspaper

Relaxing Front Porch

Note:  click on photographs for large view and available slide show 

Where to eat in Southern Napa Valley

The Restaurant at Bardessono – Yountville

Executive Chef Victor Scargle heads the team at The Restaurant at Bardessono.

He’s a well-known entity in wine country where his credits include executive chef roles at Go Fish in St. Helena, and Julia’s Kitchen at COPIA, where he earned an impressive 3.5 star review from the San Francisco Chronicle.

Scargle spent five years working with Michael Mina at Mina Group restaurants, including Aqua in San Francisco and Las Vegas, and Pisces in Burlingame; at Aqua he was honored by the San Francisco Chronicle as a “Rising Star Chef” – a highly coveted award which recognizes the best and brightest young culinary talent.  When we’re in Vegas, we always visit Aqua for their Paella.

We enjoyed a spectacular dinner while spending a night at the Bardessono Hotel (above).  Carol and I shared a fabulous wine-pairing tasting menu which included Big Eye Tuna Tartare, Half Moon Bay Sand Dabs, Don Watson Lamb Ravioli, Iberico Fresco Pork, Thomasville Tomme, and Trio of Desserts.

The restaurant was beautiful, the staff very attentive, and was easily the finest meal of this particular trip.  Highly recommended!

Bigeye Tuna Tartare

Don Watson Lamb Ravioli

Chocolate Torte, Panna Cotta, Seasonal Sorbet

Note:  click on photographs for large view and available slide show

Angéle Restaurant and Bar – City of Napa

Angéle is a French country restaurant and bar offering refined bistro fare, wine and cocktails on the Napa riverfront in the heart of downtown Napa.

Their dining room, located in the historic 1890′s ship chandlery now known as the Hatt Building, evokes the simple romance of the classic French brasserie.  If the weather is nice, you might also enjoy dining on their riverfront patio.

We stopped in for lunch and had a fabulous meal. We shared Salade de Betteraves (beet salad with quinoa, apples, puffed farro and ris de camargue).  YUM!  We love quinoa.  For our entrée we shared Croque Monsieur ou Madame (parisian ham and gruyere on country bread, mixed green salad, with an egg on top).  WOW!  Quite possibly the best sandwich ever!

Now, this was quite enough food for lunch, but the waiter seduced us with Grain de Macaroni (its mac n’ cheese folks).  Holy Mouthgasm Batman! We enjoyed Angéle so much, we went back again for dinner.  Fabulous!

Salade de Betteraves - Beet Salad

Croque Monsieur ou Madame - Ham Sandwich

Gratin de Macaroni - Mac 'n Cheese

Note:  click on photographs for large view and available slide show

Oenotri – City of Napa

Oenotri is an Italian restaurant in downtown Napa featuring a daily changing menu driven by ingredients that are local, fresh and in season.

Culinary traditions hale from Sicily, Campania, Calabria, Basilicata and Puglia.  Salumi is hand-crafted in house, and their pasta is made fresh daily. 80% of the restaurant’s produce comes from their own Oenotri Farm, and Head Sommelier Sur Lucero was just recognized as one of the nation’s Best New Sommeliers by Wine & Spirits magazine.

We started our meal with Panna Pizza (roasted river dog delicata squash, gorgonzola, treviso radicchio) Magnifico!  Next, we shared Antipasti (dandelion greens with brown turkey figs, pistachios, and bianco mangiare), and Pasta (potato gnocchi with nocino, walnut cream, parmigiano crocante).

Absolutely a hip, fun place with fabulous cuisine.

River Dog Delicata Squash Pizza

Potato Gnocchi

Dandelion Greens & Brown Turkey Figs

Note:  click on photographs for large view and available slide show

Gott’s Roadside – City of Napa

Don’t tell Carol I told you this, but she just loves food that tends to be a bit on the greasy side of life.  Give her a cheeseburger, a massive pile of onion rings, and she is all smiles.

When we learned about Gott’s Roadside, there was no question that we were going to be paying them a visit.  In fact, she asked our limo driver, while we were out wine tasting, to take us to Gott’s for lunch.

I suppose if you’re going to eat a burger, you might as well eat one that has won a James Beard Foundation “American Classics” Award.

Now, I’m certain that when Carol reads this, she is going to say, “Hey Mr., don’t forget to tell them that when we were done enjoying this wonderful Americana cuisine that you hightailed it across the street to get a cupcake from Kara’s Cupcakes“.

Guilty as charged! 

Where to Day Spa in Southern Napa Valley

Carol w/ her sister Beth at Spa Villagio

If you’re carrying around a bundle of stress, a few aches and pains, or simply enjoy extravagant pampering then you should strongly consider an interlude from your wine tasting at Spa Villagio.

Yountville’s Spa Villagio was recently awarded “Top 50 Hotel Spas in US & Canada” by Travel + Leisure magazine, and resides inside the AAA Four-Diamond award-winning Villagio Inn & Spa.

Carol, and her sister Beth, each enjoyed two hours of expert massage and then luxuriated in a private spa suite for an hour afterwords.

The Spa Villagio Spa Suite is crafted with your choice of scents, sound, and spa refreshments. It is elegantly appointed with fireplaces, oversized sunken jetted soaking tubs, steam showers, wet bars, flat screen televisions, Bose sound systems and private terraces.

I was secretly scurried up to their suite to capture this scene as they were enjoying champagne, laughter, and a wonderful time of sister-bonding.  As this was the day before Beth’s wedding, this is certain to become a cherished lifetime memory.

We highly recommend adding some spa time at Spa Villagio to your Napa Valley experience.

Top 10 Things to do in Napa Valley

1. Wine Tasting.  Click here for our Napa Valley Wine Tasting Guide.  We’ve picked six of our favorite southern Napa Valley Wineries complete with six informative videos.
2. Shopping.  Both of the downtown areas of Napa and Yountville have wonderful boutique shopping to enjoy.
3. Napa Walking Tour.  George Weber, local historian, actor, and beer/wine expert, and owner of the Napa Walking Tour, takes you on a leisurely two-mile stroll of downtown Napa.  With plenty of stops and places to sit down, you will learn the history of Napa from prehistoric times to the present.  You will learn of Napa’s participation in the Gold Rush, Napa’s victorian factory era, the prohibition era, and revel at some of Napa’s beautifully preserved historic homes.  Plus, you sample some local beers, some local wines, tour Napa’s finest Victorian manor, and walk along the newly renovated, multi-million dollar Napa Riverfront Walk.
4. Culinary Institute of America.  If  you’re a die-hard foodie, you’re bound to enjoy the Culinary Institue of America. Partake of unique sensory evaluation guided tastings at the Flavor Bar, shop for everything culinary in the Spice Islands Marketplace, dine in the award-winning Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant, enjoy a cooking demonstration, visit the Vintners Hall of Fame, learn something new about wine in Wine Exploration classes, or take part in a wide range of food enthusiast courses.
5. Murder Mystery on the Napa Wine Train.  Daring and Dastardly Detectives deliberate on death and . . . book rights? A number of the world’s greatest detectives are gathering on the Napa Valley Wine Train to see who will receive the royalties to the recently published best seller, called “The Detectives’ Club.” Under the terms of the contract, any of the eight detectives who are alive at midnight will share in the royalties – $5,000,000. Those who are no longer among the living will receive nothing for their estate. Join them and see if you can solve the murder, or murders, of The Detectives’ Club. A four course meal is included.
6. Oxbow Public Market.  The Oxbow Public Market offers a wide range of artisanal food and wine products, and features ingredients for dinner as well as an inexpensive snack or meal on site.
7. Scenic Drive.  Stir up your inner Lewis and Clark and explore the stunningly beautiful countryside that surrounds the valley.  You’ll be amazed at the beautiful scenery and deep forests that can be found surrounding Napa Valley.
8. Have a Picnic.  Go to the Oxbow Market, grab a bottle of wine from your wine tastings, and take yourself into the countryside for a romantic picnic.  Guys, don’t forget to write down a few sweet nothings to whisper in your wife’s ear.  Wives like that kinda stuff.
9. Hot Air Balloons.  We haven’t personally done this yet.  But it’s on our list of things to do when we next visit.  Here’s a few links.
10. Couples Mud Bath.  You haven’t lived until you’ve been immersed in a piping-hot tub of mud next to the love of your life.  Afterwards, you laugh-out-loud as you hose the mud off of each other.  We’ll never forget that experience!

Additional Resources

If all of that isn’t enough to wet your whistle, here are two additional resources:

• Official Destination Planner of the Napa Valley
• Legendary Napa Valley (Official Napa Valley Website)

Well, that’s our guide to visiting southern Napa Valley wine country.  We love Napa Valley and are certain to be again back as we move north in the valley to complete our series.  Stay tuned!

Disclosure: travel considerations were given by Bardessono, Napa River Inn, and The Four Sisters Inns.  Further considerations were received by the Napa and Yountville visitors bureau.  Thanks all, we had a great time!

If you enjoyed this article, please follow us at our website, our Facebook page, and on Twitter.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: baby boomer travelers love wine tasting.

In fact, according to the American Association of Wineries, an estimated 27 million winery visits currently take place annually, and the US Wine Market Council states that Americans consumed a per capita 3.04 gallons of wine in 2010.

That’s a lot of vino!

The Napa Valley stretches approximately 35 miles (56 km) in a northwesterly direction; its width varies from approximately 5 miles (8 km) wide at its widest point near the City of Napa in the south to approximately one mile wide near the northern-most town of Calistoga.

There are five unique tourism regions within the County that contribute to the total experience that makes The Napa Valley the premier wine, food, arts, and wellness destination.  As if clustered along a grapevine, from north to south, Calistoga, St. Helena, Rutherford, Oakville, Yountville, the city of Napa, Lake Berryessa, and American Canyon each have their own personalities and miles of nature preserves that invite exploration and enjoyment.

Fun Facts From Napa Valley Vintners

• One barrel of wine equals roughly 20 cases, which equals 1200 glasses.
• A ton of grapes makes about 720 bottles of wine, or 60 cases.
• One vine annually produces between four and six bottles of wine, or between 20 and 30 glasses.
• Each bottle of wine contains about 2.8 pounds of grapes; therefore each 5-ounce glass of wine contains a little over half a pound of grapes.
• There are between 15 and 45 clusters of grapes per vine.
• One acre of land is home to between 900 and 1,300 vines.

Establishing the first local homestead in what is now Yountville in 1836, George Calvert Yount was the first to plant vineyards in the valley. The valley has weathered some difficult times in its relatively short history.   The Valley’s once-famed Silverado Mine was exhausted in 1875 after just three years of operation. In 1893 an outbreak of phylloxera, a serious grapevine disease, crippled many of the Valley’s 140 wineries.  And,  prohibition, enacted in 1920, dealt the final blow to the early wine industry. Today, however, there are more than 400 wineries, 95% of them family-owned, producing some of the world’s finest wines.

Note:  if you can’t see the video, click here.

Napa Valley Wine Tasting Tips

• Because of the region’s fairly large geographical area which boasts more than 400 wineries, it is best to sample Napa Valley in small pieces and save some of the area for another visit.
• Plan to spend a minimum of 90-minutes exploring each winery.
• With the distances to be driven between wineries, and the likelihood that alcohol will be consumed, we strongly recommend that you consider visiting no more than 3-5 wineries each day.
• Rather than driving yourself, we strongly recommend the services of a local wine tour company.  This way, you won’t find yourself pulled over by one of Napa Valley’s finest asking you to blow into a breathalyzer.
• Not all of Napa Valley’s 400 wineries are open for tasting.  Here is a printable map to help you find which wineries offer open tasting, and which wineries require an appointment for tasting.
• Some wineries offer open tours, some offer tours by-appointment.
• You should expect to pay a fee for wine tasting, however, some will offer complimentary tasting with a purchase of wine.
• Barrel tasting is becoming popular.  Here are Napa Valley wineries that offer barrel tasting.

For this trip to Napa Valley, we confined ourselves to the lower half of the valley.  Here are the wineries we sampled and enjoyed during our two days of Napa Valley Wine Tasting:

Silver Oak Cellars

Long a favorite of The Roaming Boomers®, Silver Oak Cellars has been producing fantastic Napa Valley and Alexander Valley Cabernets for over 40  years.  One of the reasons for their stellar reputation is that they age their wines longer than most and only use American Oak barrels.

Note:  if you can’t see the video, click here.

Quintessa Winery

Biodynamic farming and gravity-fed harvesting, rather than crushing, make for a unique method of wine-making.  Quintessa Winery is one of our perennial favorites and is always on our list of winery visits.

Note:  if you can’t see the video, click here.

Artesa Winery

Owned by the Raventos family of Spain, whose winemaking history dates to the mid-sixteenth century, the winery takes its name from the Catalan word for “handcrafted.” Today, Artesa Winery focuses on producing small, ultra-premium lots of the varietals for which the Carneros and the Napa Valley are best known –  Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Note:  if you can’t see the video, click here.

Andretti Winery

Founded in 1996 by Mario Andretti and his longtime friend, Joe Antonini, former Chairman & CEO of Kmart Coporation, Andretti Winery is dedicated to celebrating the Italian lifestyle, complete with the finest wines produced anywhere in the world.

Note:  if you can’t see the video, click here.

Black Stallion Winery

Located on the grounds of a historic equestrian center, Black Stallion Winery is the latest addition to the distinguished collection of wineries in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. We had our very first barrel tasting here. Big fun!

Note:  if you can’t see the video, click here.

Domaine Chandon

In 1973, Domaine Chandon became the first French-owned sparkling wine venture in the United States. But Chandon’s beginnings date back to 1690 with the father of champagne. A Benedictine monk and cellar-master at the Abbey of Hautvillers, named Dom Pérignon, set out to unlock the secret of sparkling wine and ultimately developed the traditional champagne method.

Our schedule didn’t allow us time to shoot a video at Domaine Chandon, but we loved our visit nonetheless. Here’s a beautiful photograph I captured of the three sparkling wines we sampled. YUM!

Napa Valley Wine Tasting Tours

You should know that driving in Napa Valley can sometimes be an exasperating experience.  If you look at a Napa Valley road map, it resembles a ladder.  There are essentially two roads traversing Napa Valley (north and south) with short diagonal roads occurring as you step up or down the valley.

With thousands of folks visiting Napa Valley every day, this can create a slow moving string of traffic on the roads.  This is particularly true when the tasting rooms start to close down for the day.  We have seen strings of slow moving cars backed up for miles.You can avoid all of this by starting early and ending your wine-tasting day in the middle of the afternoon.

However, another option is to let someone else do the driving, and consider the use of a wine-tasting tour company.

For our Napa Valley wine tasting experience, we were chauffeured in a shiny black town car.  No worries about locations, traffic, or drinking and driving.  We used Pure Luxury Wine Tours and were very happy.

Napa Valley wine tasting tours come in all shapes and sizes.  You can ride along on a bus following a regular schedule, you can hire a private driver driving an expensive vintage convertible, you can hire a private town car like we did, you can hire a stretch-limo, or I bet you could even do it on bicycle-built-for-two.

Let your imagination go wild, and find a wonderfully unique experience.

Napa Valley Wine Tasting Without the Drive

If you would like to sample Napa Valley wines with out a drive, you can do that too.  Here are a few places we found where you can sample a variety of Napa Valley wines in one place:

• Backroom Wines - ”Off-the-Grid” Tasting Menu changes extremely often, but it always features local, hard-to-access artisan wineries.  Currently offering tasting-flights for $10.  Cheese plates and other yummy snacks are also available to enjoy during your visit!
• Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ – 40 available wines by the glass (2 oz pours available),  large variety of wine flights, and over 400 highly allocated wines on the shelves.  Voted the #1 Wine Bar in the Bay Area.
• The Tasting Room at Napa Wine Company – Sample over 20 alternating wineries in one spot. Described as a launching pad for some of Napa’s most notable cult wines and celebrity winemakers.
• Vintner’s Collective – A multi-winery tasting room that is home to twenty of the most experienced and talented winemakers in the Valley.

Shipping Guide for Your Napa Valley Wine

It is important to understand that you can not bring any of your precious Napa Valley wine with you on the plane.  Carry-on is not allowed.

You can, if you have just a bottle or two, packed your wine in your checked luggage.  If you do this, consider sticking your wine in a sock and then roll it up in a few shirts to protect it during transit.  However, in our humble opinion, shipping is a far safer and more palatable option.

Unfortunately, shipping wine is a bit of a convoluted mess!  It seems that each state has its own rules regarding the shipment of wine, and you will certainly want to be aware of your state’s particular guidelines.  For example, eleven states completely prohibit the shipment of wine, and the rest have limited rules regarding shipment.

A website called Free the Grapes will help you determine your state’s particular guidelines.

You will also find that some wineries, because of required permits, may not ship to your state regardless of your state’s procedures.  If that’s the case, inquire about wine shipping companies who will ship the wine for you.

Well, that’s our Napa Valley Wine Tasting Guide.  There’s a lot of information here to assist you in having a most delightful visit.  We are certain to be back in Napa Valley in the near future where we will once again explore a piece of the valley, and you can count on us to share the experience with you when we do.

Now, I’m off to write our piece on where to stay and where to eat in Napa Valley.  Enjoy!

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Little did we know, when we were invited to visit the Paso Robles Wine Country, that we would completely fall in love with the area.  In fact, we loved the area so much, we called friends from Michigan and were back again visiting only two weeks later!

The official name for Paso Robles is “El Paso de Robles”, Spanish for “The Pass of Oaks.”  One of the early architects of Paso Robles was Drury James, the uncle of the outlaw Jesse James.

Paso Robles is very affordable.  You can still buy a fantastic bottle of wine for $25!

Paso Robles’ early notoriety began in the late 19th century with its healing hot springs and mud bath.  In the 1920s, Paso Robles became the home of the famous concert pianist Ignacy Paderewski and had become an entertainment destination for the likes of Jack Dempsey, President Theodore Roosevelt, Douglas Fairbanks, Boris Karloff, Bob Hope, and Clark Gable.

Later, Paso Robles became famous for the world’s largest concentration of almond orchards, and with the advent of irrigation to the area, the town has morphed into California’s third largest and fastest growing wine region.

Our Favorite Places to Stay in Paso Robles

Hotel Cheval

The Hotel Cheval is a  sophisticated 16-room, European style boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Paso Robles and offers well-traveled baby boomers an intimate and luxurious getaway.

Click here for our full feature…

Note: Click here if you can’t see the video.

La Bellasera Hotel and Suites

La Bellasera Hotel and Suites is a AAA Four-Diamond property where you can enjoy deluxe suites with romantic whirlpool tubs.

Plus, with it being a full service hotel, you will enjoy the gourmet cuisine available in the Enoteca Restaurant and Bar from Executive Chef Brady Thompson.

In addition, you will enjoy the hotel’s pool and perhaps a nice massage from the on-site Paso Robles Spa

Click here for our full feature…

Our Favorite Places to Eat in Paso Robles

Roberts Restaurant and Wine Bar

Robert’s is located near the central park square of Paso Robles, features classic American cuisine with the kitchen team led by Executive Chef Ryan Swarthout.

Chef Swarthout attended the renowned California Culinary Academy of San Francisco, and has worked with acclaimed chefs such as Mark Miller of Coyote Café, Alan Wong of Alan Wong’s and Shawn McClain of Green Zebra.

The Grilled Mahi-Mahi was out of this world!

Click here for our full feature…

Thomas Hill Organics Market Bistro and Wine Bar

Owners, Joe and Debbie Thomas have an organic farm which feeds their restaurant with organically grown, unique, heirloom varieties of fruit, vegetables and nuts.  They also work with local providers for local, organic, grass and well fed livestock for beef, lamb, and free range organic poultry.

Chef Julie Simon hails from Paris, France where she grew up in her parents restaurant and learned that nothing can bring folks together to laugh, love, eat, and share stories like good food.  Her belief in nurturing strong relationships with local ranchers, winemakers, artisans and purveyors brings her back to the values she grew up with in France: good food builds good community.

Click here for our full feature…

Top Ten Things to do in Paso Robles

1. Wine Tasting - We spent four days scouring the Paso Robles Wine Country.  At the link below, we have provided you with videos, Google maps, and what we think might just be the most ultimate wine tasting guide for Paso Robles.
2. Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar Tasting – Where there is wine, there is generally olive oil and balsamic vinegars to experience.  If you’re in town visit We Olive.  When you’re wine tasting in the western region of Paso Robles, then visit the olive mill at Pasolivo Olive Oil. Both places offer olive oil and balsamic tasting along with a host of other delectables.
3. Wine and Cheese Pairing – Vivant Fine Cheese is located in the heart of downtown Paso Robles.  Besides offering over 150 cheeses in their tasting room, they also offer a unique wine and cheese pairing.  We tried it and loved it!
4. Shopping – To my wife’s great glee, downtown Paso Robles offers a bounty of unique boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops to find great treasures to bring home as a souvenir.
5. Visit a Historic Mission – A short 10-miles from Paso Robles is the Mission San Miguel.  Founded in 1797, it is a National Historical Landmark that has been an important part of Central Coast history for over 200 years.
6. Drive to Cambria – Thirty miles from Paso Robles, tucked away on the Pacific coastline, lies the quaint little town of Cambria.  The drive is absolutely stunning, you will enjoy a little boutique shopping, and you will absolutely want to have lunch at Robin’s Restaurant.  Their Salmon Bisque is a must!
7. Hearst Castle – while driving to Cambria, you should also put the Hearst Castle on your agenda.  It’s 10-miles north of Cambria, and a definite must see!  Be certain to call ahead for tickets and tour times.
8. Natural Mineral Hot Springs - The natural mineral hot springs are Paso Robles’ oldest tourist attraction, and to date visitors can still enjoy the rejuvenating power of natural hot springs at the Paso Robles Inn and River Oaks Hot Springs Spa.
9. Central Coast Beaches – Morro Bay is a short 30-minute drive from Paso Robles where you can play in the Pacific and see the iconic Morro Rock.
10. Visit a Museum – The Paso Robles Pioneer Museum is filled with detailed displays, historical literature and educational tours showcasing the history of the area.

If you happen to be in Paso Robles on a Tuesday, you will also want to check out the local farmers’ market.  It is held in the town’s central park from 3-6 pm.

For even more information about your visit to Paso Robles Wine Country, download the official Paso Robles Visitors Guide.

Well, that’s our guide to exploring Paso Robles Wine Country, and the surrounding area.  We hope you find it informative and valuable in planning your own trip to Paso Robles.

And, when you do visit, please come back and tell us about your experience in the comments section below.  We’d love to hear from you.

If you enjoyed this article, please follow us at our website, our Facebook page, and on Twitter.

It’s no secret that baby boomer travelers love wine, and wine tasting has become one of their favorite pastimes.

According to the American Association of Wineries, an estimated 27 million winery visits currently take place annually, and the US Wine Market Council states that U.S. per capita consumption was estimated to reach 3.04 gallons in 2010 with an annual production of 71 million cases with a current market value north of $3 billion.

However, what may be a secret is that Paso Robles, California is steadily becoming a hotspot for the nation’s oenophiles.  In fact, Wine Spectator magazine just proclaimed Saxum James Berry Vineyard Paso Robles 2007 the #1 bottle of wine in all the world (link)!

We recently spent a few days wine tasting in Paso Robles.  We loved it so much, we called friends from Michigan and invited them to join us for a second trip only weeks later.

Paso Robles is California’s third largest and fastest growing wine region!

Paso Robles Fun Facts:

• The official name for Paso Robles is “El Paso de Robles”, Spanish for “The Pass of Oaks.”
• Drury James, the uncle of the outlaw Jesse James, was one of the city’s original architects.
• Paso Robles’ original claim to fame, in the late 19th century, was its healing hot springs and mud baths.
• By the roaring 20s, Paso Robles became the home of the famous concert pianist Ignacy Paderewski and had become an entertainment destination for the likes of Jack Dempsey, President Theodore Roosevelt, Douglas Fairbanks, Boris Karloff, Bob Hope, and Clark Gable.
• Later, Paso Robles became known as  the “Almond City,” and possessed the world’s largest concentration of almond orchards until the Central Valley gained access to plentiful irrigation.
• With irrigation came wine producers, and today Paso Robles is California’s third largest and fastest growing wine region.

Wine Tasting Tours in Paso Robles

When considering a wine tasting vacation, an important consideration is the potentially harmful combination of alcohol consumption and driving.  If no one in your group volunteers to be the designated driver, than a wonderful solution to the problem is a chauffeured tour.

In our first visit to Paso Robles, we used a company called The Wine Wrangler to chauffeur our day of wine tasting:

Note:  click here if you can’t see the video.

The Paso Wine Centre

If you don’t have the time, or inclination to drive to various wineries, the Paso Wine Centre just might be your ticket to experiencing Paso Robles wines.  Here, under one roof, you can sample over 200 Paso Robles wines.

Even more fun, nearly 50 wines are dispensed using an Italian Enomatic wine serving system.  It’s like an adult soda fountain!

Note:  click here if you can’t see the video.

Self-guided Paso Robles Wine Tasting

If your preference is a self-guided wine tasting tour of the Paso Robles wine country, then we strongly encourage you to consider a designated driver.  Better safe, than sorry!

The Paso Robles wine tasting country is geographically divided into two distinctly different areas.  The wineries east of Paso Robles are in predominantly open, hilly terrain with the wineries west of Paso Robles predominently in mountainous terrain.

If you have two days to explore the Paso Robles wine country, then we recommend that you split your wine tasting between the eastern and western regions.

Wine Tasting Tip: allow at least 60 minutes to explore each winery and realistically understand that you can probably visit no more the three to five wineries in any given day.

Eastern Paso Robles Wine Tasting Guide

Here are a few recommended wineries to visit east of the city of Paso Robles:

1. J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines.  Wine Enthusiast’s 2010 American Winery of the Year.  Know for their Rhone-style varietals with 3,700 acres of vineyards and annual production exceeding 1 million cases.
2. Mitchella Vineyard and Winery.  A small family owned estate vineyard and winery.  We enjoyed a picnic lunch on their patio.  We recommend the 2009 Shameless Estate Rhone Blend, and also enjoyed the 2009 Ambitious.
3. Pear Valley Vineyards.  Family-owned vineyard and winery producing 100% estate grown (their own grapes) wine.  We recommend 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon.
4. Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden.  Offering hand-crafted wines and a magnificent sculpture garden.  We recommend the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon.

View Eastern Paso Robles Wine Tour in a larger map

Western Paso Robles Wine Tasting Guide

Here are a few recommended wineries to visit in the mountainous western region of Paso Robles:

1. Terry Hoage Vineyards. Former NFL player, Hoage, and his wife Jennifer, purchased a 26-acre vineyard in the beautiful Paso Robles in 2002 and began their label. Six years later, they were pronounced Top New California Wine Producers by Wine Spectator.  We recommend the 2008 5 Blocks Syrah Cuvee.
2. Calcareous Winery. Named after the limestone soils, they produce award-winning Rhone and Bordeaux varietals and blends. You’ll also enjoy 50-mile panoramic views from their tasting room.  We recommend the 2007 Calcareous Meritage.
3. Justin Vineyards and Winery. Internationally acclaimed Bordeaux blends that Wine Spectator says are in a class by themselves.  We recommend the 2008 Isosceles.
4. Epoch Estate Wines. A boutique producer of ultra-premium Rhone, Tempranillo, and Zinfandel varietals.  Also, the road to Epoch is absolutely stunning.  Make certain that you drive the full length of York Mountain Road.  We recommend the 2008 Tempranillo.
5. Rotta Winery. Founded in 1908 by the Rotta family, it is the only remaining family-owned “original winery in the region.  We recommend the 2006 Heritage Zinfandel.

View Western Paso Robles Wine Tour in a larger map

How To Taste Wine Like a Pro

While visiting the Calcareous Winery, Hospitality Manager John Teeling shared with us the 5S’s of wine tasting.

Note:  click here if you can’t see the video.

Well, there you have it, the ultimate wine tasting guide for Paso Robles, California.  We hope you enjoyed Paso Robles as much as we did.

After you’re finished with your own wine tasting of Paso Robles, come on back and share your favorite experiences with our audience in the comments section below.

Now, have fun, and be safe!

If you enjoyed this article, please follow us at our website, our Facebook page, and on Twitter.

Carol w/ Executive Chef Ryan Swarthout

Paso Robles, California has easily worked its way into the loving hearts of The Roaming Boomers®.

It has small-town charm, 200+ wineries in the surrounding region, and possesses great restaurants like Robert’s Restaurant and Wine Bar.

Robert’s is located near the central park square of Paso Robles, features classic American cuisine, and the kitchen team led by Executive Chef Ryan Swarthout.

Chef Swarthout attended the renowned California Culinary Academy of San Francisco, and has worked with acclaimed chefs such as Mark Miller of Coyote Café, Alan Wong of Alan Wong’s and Shawn McClain of Green Zebra.

Robert’s Restaurant and Wine Bar ~ Paso Robles, California

Ryan has also spent extensive time living and working in Europe. While there, he refined his knowledge of European cuisine and wine while attending intimate cooking classes that focused on regional specialties. Ryan draws from these experiences and the fresh local ingredients available in Paso Robles, to create his menus featuring a fresh approach to classic American cuisine.

The restaurant is elegantly designed with white table linens, but they welcome their guests all gussied up or in their casual attire.  In fact, as their website states,  this is a “dining room that makes you feel both uptown and right at home”.

Ahi Poke

Dungeness Crab Cake

Braised Pork Belly

Grilled Ribeye Steak/Crispy Mac N' Cheese

Grilled Mahi-Mahi

Chocolate Soufflé

Note:  click photographs for large view and available slide show.

Hors d’oeuvre, literally “apart from the main work”, also known as appetizers, starters, or the first course, are food items served before the main courses of a meal, and can be traced back to ancient Roman times.

They are the entrance ramp, if you will, to the chef’s main course. They set the first impression, and if done well, create a sense of anticipation for the chef’s pièce de résistance, the defining dish of the meal.

Chef Swarthout’s appetizers did their jobs admirably well.

We started with Dungeness Crab Cakes (young papaya asian slaw and sweet thai chili sauce), and Ahi Poke (wakami salad and ginger-soy vinaigrette).  The chef noticed that we didn’t order his Braised Pork Belly (with asian slaw) and sent us out a third appetizer.

As you can see from the photographs above, the appetizers were beautiful to behold and even more enjoyable to nosh upon.   However, the braised pork belly, although not the glamorous dish of the three, completely stole the show.  Highly recommended!

Being very well versed in local Paso Robles wines, Chef Swarthout was also generous in providing us with delicious wine pairings as we journeyed through our meal.

For our main course, Carol chose Grilled Ribeye Steak (crispy mac n’ cheese, sautéed broccoli, blue cheese butter), while I’m opted for Mahi-Mahi (coconut rice, sautéed cabbage, papaya salsa, garlic-lime sauce).

I know that a great many of the world’s population, my wife included, get excited about a beautifully aged piece of beef.  The steak, with its accompanying mac n’ cheese, was stunning.   However, my palate prefers to enjoy something that was hitherto swimming in the sea.

Chef Swarthout’s Mahi-Mahi had my taste buds doing a joyous happy dance with each bite.  The fish was perfectly prepared, and the coconut rice was a very delicious surprise.

Chef Swarthout’s Mahi-Mahi had my taste buds doing a joyous happy dance with each bite!

Little did Chef Ryan know, but my absolute all-time favorite dessert is Chocolate Soufflé.  And what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a piping-hot plate of molten chocolatey wonderfulness with a sweet late-harvest wine.  YUMMM!

Well, I hope I’ve made it clear that a visit to Paso Robles, California must include an evening of dining at Robert’s Restaurant and Wine Bar.   And when you do, please tell Chef Swarthout that The Roaming Boomers® say hello.

If you enjoyed this article, please follow us at our website, our Facebook page, and on Twitter.

Disclosure:  our wondrous dining experience was provided by the kind folks at Robert’s Restaurant and Wine Bar.  Thanks!

Carol w/ owner Debbie Thomas (left) and Chef Julie Simon

During our visit to the Paso Robles wine country, we had the pleasure of dining at the Thomas Hill Organics Market Bistro and Wine Bar.

Owners, Joe and Debbie Thomas have an organic farm which feeds their restaurant with organically grown, unique, heirloom varieties of fruit, vegetables and nuts.  They also work with local providers for local, organic, grass and well fed livestock for beef, lamb, and free range organic poultry.

Their fish is from local fisheries, and their bread is made exclusively by in-town bakers who are celebrated artisans in their own right.  And lastly, as you might guess, Thomas Hill Organics Market Bistro and Wine Bar features unique wines from the Paso Robles, and Central Coast region.

Chef Julie Simon hails from Paris, France where she grew up in her parents restaurant and learned that nothing can bring folks together to laugh, love, eat, and share stories like good food.  Her belief in nurturing strong relationships with local ranchers, winemakers, artisans and purveyors brings her back to the values she grew up with in France: good food builds good community.

Pizza (watermelon and pomegranate seeds)

Salad (apples, avocado, red quinoa)

Oven Roasted Local Petrole Sole

Braised PC Cattle Short Ribs

Olive Oil Cake

Patio Seating

Note: Click on photographs for large view and available slide show.

Our dining experience took place in very unique courtyard with billowing sails overhead, romantic twinkle-lights aplenty, and the wondrous smells of the wood-burning fireplace baking thin-crust pizzas and other Thomas Hill delicacies.

We started our meal with Thin Crust Carrot Pizza (beluga lentils, sriracha, toasted cashews, coconut cream, cilantro, pomegranate seeds, watermelon, and crème fraîche).  Wow!  Very, very unique, and perhaps the best pizza ever!

For our salad we shared Thomas Hill Organics Apples & Avocado Salad (watercress, red quinoa, feta cheese, flax seeds, meyer lemon vinaigrette). Again, unbelievable.  We have become huge fans of quinoa.

For our main entrées, Carol enjoyed Braised PC Cattle Short Ribs (creamy celery root polenta, crimini mushrooms, arugula and pozo tomme salad, italian salsa verde), while I was seduced by Oven Roasted Local Petrole Sole (roasted fingerling potatoes, marinated green shell mussels & baby octopus in saffron broth, arugula, fried capers, castelvetrano olive salsa verde).  I can’t even begin to describe the gastronomical ecstasy brought about by each and every bite of our entrées.  Pure magic!

 I can’t even begin to describe the gastronomical ecstasy brought about by each and every bite.  Pure magic!

To complete our journey, for our dessert we experienced house-made Olive Oil Cake.  Moist. Rich. Decadent. Delightful. I’ve never experienced olive oil cake, but I can assure you, I want more!

When you find yourself experiencing the Paso Robles wine country, you most certainly must put the Thomas Hill Organics Market Bistro and Wine Bar on your list of dining options.  The people are friendly, the ambiance romantic, and most of all, we’re gaga about the cuisine.

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Disclosure: our dining experience was provided by the fine folks at Thomas Hill Organics Market Bistro and Wine Bar.  Thanks!  It was superb!

When traveling to Paso Robles, the AAA Four-Diamond La Bellasera Hotel and Suites makes for a wonderful home away from home.

During our visit, we enjoyed a Deluxe King Whirlpool Fireplace Room.  Our room featured a comfy fireplace, a wonderfully comfortable king-size bed with premium linens, and a very romantic whirlpool tub.

After a long day of exploring the award-winning wineries of the Paso Robles region, we found the Mediterranean-styling to be very welcoming and luxurious.

Furthermore, it was a wonderful benefit to simply head down the elevator to enjoy dining at the Enoteca Restaurant and Bar rather than traipsing back out into the night.

We enjoyed Executive Chef Brady Thomason’s signature Coconut Crusted Halibut (jasmine rice, soy glazed vegetables, pineapple curry cream),  Roasted Herbed Chicken Piccata (roasted garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus), and a beautiful bottle of Estancia Meritage produced from local Paso Robles fruit.  YUM!

Another benefit of staying at La Bellesera Hotel and Suites is its location at the junction of highways 101 and 46.

This means that regardless of where you might be, as you’re sampling one of the 200+ Paso Robles wineries, you can quickly have your shoes off, your feet propped up, and be enjoying your warm and cozy fireplace.

We spent three nights indulging in the luxuries of La Bellasera Hotel and can heartily recommend a stay.

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Santa Barbara, California has easily won its way into our hearts as one of our favorite destinations.  We recently returned from our second visit and thought an update to our Santa Barbara Top Ten List was in order.

Santa Barbara is located 92 miles north of Los Angeles and 332 miles south of San Francisco.  It is considered the northernmost part of Southern California and the southernmost part of Northern California.

It is also known as “The American Riviera” because of its dramatic mountains, sparkling seas, lush gardens, white-washed buildings, red tile roofs and abundant sunshine found in the Mediterranean Rivieras.

Furthermore, if you are planning a south to north drive of the world-famous central California coastline, then Santa Barbara is a great place to begin your journey.

Our Favorite Places to Stay in Santa Barbara

• San Ysidro Ranch –  check out our feature article from last year’s visit.  Travel + Leisure calls this the #1 resort in North America.
• Simpson House Inn – this was our home away from home in Santa Barbara this year.  This is the only AAA Five-Diamond Bed & Breakfast Inn in North America.

Our Favorite Places to Eat in Santa Barbara

• Downey’s Restaurant – consistently tops with Zagat.  We loved it!
• Bouchon – wondrous “Wine Country Cuisine”.

Top 10 Things to Do in Santa Barbara

Although these are in no particular order, we think that you’ll find some great experiences in our list:

1. Santa Barbara Red Tile Walking Tour - we spent half a day and enjoyed it greatly.
2. Santa Barbara Urban Wine Tour - if you don’t have time to drive out into the wine country, this is a wonderful way to sample some of the local wines.
3. Sideways (The Movie) Wine Tour - this will take a whole day, but the wine country with its accompanying small town are certain to be a delight.
4. Shopping on State Street - it’s lined with shops, cafés, museums, galleries, day spas and theaters.  We spent a whole afternoon strolling these quaint shops.
5. Arroyo Burro Beach Park - The locals call it Hendry’s Beach -a place to meet for breakfast or a cocktail at sunset, stroll or jog the sandy shore, watch for whales, surf fish, or ride the wild surf.
6. Steams Warf - this is Santa Barbara’s most visited landmark.  It is replete with shops, restaurants, and the area is a great place for people watching.
7. Montecito Home Tour - Montecito is the stomping grounds of Hollywood’s A-list.  Driving alongPark Lane and Bella Vista Drive will produce jaw-dropping views of palatial mansions with ocean views from mountain heights.
8. Explore Nearby Cities - Getting out to explore nearby cities is another must if you have time.  We highly recommend Solvang.  This Danish village is packed with quaint shops and on Wednesdays has a farmer’s market to die for.  We also loved Los Olivos.
9. Art & History - There are a great many art and historical spots to explore in Santa Barbara.  This 116-page on-line Santa Barbara Visitor’s Guide will help you choose which are most appealing to you.
10. 101 Free Things to Do – if the preceding 9 things don’t wet your whistle, then here are 101 more things to do.  Perhaps best of all, they’re free!

Well, there you go!

If you spend some time clicking around on these links, you are certain to find just the perfect experience for your visit to the great town of Santa Barbara.

As I mentioned above, we love Santa Barbara, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see us back again real soon.  We’re not done exploring the area ourselves.

Have fun, and please, come back and share your experiences with in the the comments section below.

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