Travel

Coming Home to Sonoma

December 4, 2015
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Travel

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Fairmont Sonoma Mission InnWine countryWilliams-Sonoma original brass collection in SonomaFairmont Sonoma Mission Inn via Waiting on MarthaBeach towels via Waiting on MarthaWilliams-Sonoma pasta Wine country dining by Waiting on Martha Visiting Sonoma and wine country by Waiting on MarthaVisiting SonomaWine country flowers Blog-Sonoma16Silver Oak Winery in Sonoma

When Williams-Sonoma invites you somewhere, you just go…duh.  And when you combine that with Fortessa and The Fairmont well words might not be enough especially since we were meeting in my happy place (wine country).  I would probably travel to any place on the planet for dear these brands but Sonoma?  Yes and yes.

During my numerous times to Sonoma I had peeped the Fairmont Mission Inn.  I mean how could you miss its pink facade?!  I had always wanted to stay there and being one of the oldest hotels in Sonoma, when I finally got the chance I couldn’t help but feel like like I was coming home.  With its stunning architecture,  it’s amazing how a large upscale resort can sit so quietly in the middle of Sonoma, without disrupting its majestic feel. Sonoma is, after all, a small town with a big city-luxury vibe. 

The Fairmont has done the most amazing job preserving what is; the magic in Sonoma, the beauty of the region, but it’s also included the modern amenities that you’d expect from a high-end luxury resort. Upon our stay, we were treated to dinners and breakfasts that were nothing short of extraordinary. But to top the stay at the inn, I spent the last day at their spa.  And I must say; it’s one of the best spas I’ve ever been to.

Williams-Sonoma joined us with Fortessa in Sonoma, one of my favorite dinnerware brands. If you’re not familiar with them, you’ve probably been enjoying Fortessa dinnerware for years and haven’t even realized it! It’s a family-run business (by brothers) that just gives you that good home-town feel.  Restaurants, hotels, weddings and events have showcased their stunning dinnerware for decades.  And now, to my greatest pleasure, Fortessa finds its way on our dinner tables at home too. 

WS and Fortessa teamed up for a dream day for us to celebrate its founder Chuck Williams’ 100th birthday. We got a glimpse at his original collections (hello copper) at the original WS store, which were beyond amazing to say the least. 

To top off the entire visit, we made a stop to Silver Oak, a winery I’ve long loved, and we spent the last day tasting a slew of Silver Oak’s primo cabs.  I walked through their sweepingly beautiful gardens too, which have always been a favorite. It was truly the most magical way to round off a great visit to one of my favorite places on earth.  

When I told you on Instagram and Snapchat that I was doing wine country, I know you didn’t think I’d do anything but go all out.  I think it’s safe to say that joining the big players: Williams-Sonoma, Fairmont and Fortessa, sure makes for an incredible visit.  I already can’t wait to make my way back again…which will be soon.  Truly, MKR

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All photography is original to Waiting on Martha| THIS STORY IS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WILLIAMS-SONOMA, A BRAND WE LOVE AND USE REGULARLY.  OPINIONS AND IMAGES ARE 100% OUR OWN.

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A Week on the Amalfi Coast

Photographer Kathryn McCrary Shares Scenes from Her Idyllic Vacation to the Vibrant Towns Along Italy's Prized Coast
November 5, 2015
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Everyday

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Visiting Italy via Waiting on MarthaStriped umbrellas on CapriLe Sirenuse in Positano La Dolce VitaRoadside bar in Positano On holiday in ItalyStriped umbrellas in ItalyPasta on repeat in ItalySalerno, Italy Italy via Waiting on Martha La Dolce Vita, Vacationing on the Amalfi Coast The Amalfi Coast

A few months ago, our photographer friend Kathryn McCrary and her husband jetted to Italy, after dreaming about the Amalfi Coast for over three years. After receiving an unexpected flight voucher, the two decided to take the trip of their dreams to celebrate six years of marriage. (Swoon!) 

While we followed along on Instagram, Kathryn and her husband toured Rome, hopped on the train to Salerno, and ferried into Positano to spend five dreamlike days enjoying the best bites and sites the charming coastal town had to offer.  Add a day-trip to Capri and sunset-hike along The Path of Gods, and the couple couldn’t have had more of a magical time. 

“We knew we wanted one last taste of summer, and the beaches of Positano were the perfect location to celebrate and relax,” said Kathryn. “My favorite memory, however, was the boat ride back to Positano from our day trip to Capri. We were all drinking wine and the boat driver stopped to let everyone take a swim. The water was chilly, but jumping off the front of the boat into the deep and salty Mediterranean Sea was one of the most freeing feelings of my life.” 

If our wanderlust was strong before, it was even more so after seeing Kathryn’s sweet scenes from her week along The Amalfi Coast! I then of course asked her the question we all were dying to know: what was your favorite thing you ate?!

“All of the food we ate was great (especially the gelato!), but my absolute favorite spot we went to was Franco’s Bar.  It is the new hip bar of the ultra luxurious hotel, Le Sirenuse.  The view at sunset was amazing and the atmosphere was unreal.”    

P.S. We asked Kathryn if she’d change anything about the trip if she did it again. Her answer? Probably extend the trip by a few more days and stay two nights in Capri or possibly Amalfi. xo

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Photography, Kathryn McCrary

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Waiting On Martha’s Guide To Napa Valley: Part 1

It's Officially Time to Plan Your Trip to Wine Country...Here's Where to Go
October 18, 2015
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Everyday

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To capture the pure, organic magic that is Napa Valley wine country, one learns to cherish more than a glass or two (or five) of wine.  The entire experience, whether that’s learning about the lay of the land, tasting vintage reserves or strolling the property with the sun on your back, can transport you to what feels like a simpler time.  

My guide to Napa Valley, full of family-owned farms, is a place where nobody dresses up for dinner, instead they gather after a long day working the vines to unwind and enjoy the harvest.  It’s a place that welcomes wine and food lovers alike, converging to share their passion and perhaps follow their dreams and belief that one grape, one varietal, can change their life. 

As I plan my fifth trip to wine country, I wanted to celebrate this magical place and share my favorite ways (thus far) to enjoy Napa Valley to its fullest.  As you’ll see in the slideshow above, I gathered my list of must-visit wineries, along with suggested restaurants and travel to-do’s to create the full, majestic experience that will be truly unforgettable.  

It’s true that both novice and expert alike will find something to fancy their tastes in Napa.  And while many flock to the region to brave the crowds with full glasses in hand living up to it’s sometimes obnoxious label “The Disneyland of Wine,” I find that the most magical moments can be found off the beaten path.  Always appreciating the families that made Napa Napa, but always seeking Napa Valley‘s hidden gems. 

My biggest piece of advice for you, whether it’s your first time in Napa Valley wine country or twentieth: don’t be afraid to ask questions.  At the heart of it, these are farmers. This is their craft, they are immensely proud of their hard labor and rightfully so.  You’ll most likely spend time in several beautiful tasting rooms, but when I’m there, I’ll always ask if I can walk the property. Most wineries have beautiful gardens to explore, and “Winery Dogs,” to pet who prove that life in wine country is about as good as it gets. 

To me, Napa isn’t a place, it’s a mindset.  A place where the rolling hills allow me to do something I can never do; disconnect.  A place where I can truly soak up everything I can about the people, the food, the vines, and that dirt that make the wine I have grown to love.  In a few weeks, I’m going back to both Napa and Sonoma, and with that comes our Guide to Napa Valley: Part 2.  Any suggestions for my next visit, please share!  Truly, MKR

MA(I)SONRY

MA(I)SONRY

NESTLED RIGHT ALONG THE MAIN STREET OF MY FAVORITE LITTLE TOWN, YOUNTVILLE, MA(I)SONRY IS BOTH A WINE COLLECTIVE AND AN ART GALLERY. IT'S A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE WHERE YOU CAN PERUSE WHAT THEY CALL A LIVING GALLERY, WHILE TASTING AND APPRECIATING SOME OF THE BEST SMALL PRODUCTION, BOUTIQUE (READ: IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND) WINES THE AREA HAS TO OFFER.

SUGGESTED EXPERIENCE: WINE & CHEESE EXPERIENCE & MORNINGS AT MA(I)SONRY
KULETO

KULETO

LOCATED ON THE EASTERN EDGE OF THE NAPA VALLEY, OVERLOOKING LAKE HENNESSEY AND THE TOWN OF RUTHERFORD, THE KULETO ESTATE IS UNLIKE ANYTHING I'VE EVER SEEN BEFORE. IT'S COMPLETE WITH 82 INDIVIDUAL VINEYARD BLOCKS, THREE DISTINCTIVE SOIL TYPES, AND A RANGE OF AMAZING ANIMALS LIKE TOM THE TURKEY.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TAKING THE WALKING TOUR, AND GETTING UP TO THE ESTATE IS QUITE THE ADVENTURE SO GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME.

SUGGESTED EXPERIENCE: WALKING ESTATE TOUR
ROUND POND

ROUND POND

A TRIP TO NAPA WOULDN'T BE COMPLETE WITHOUT A TRIP TO ONE OF MY FAVORITES, ROUND POND. IT'S A RUTHERFORD FARM AND WINERY THAT SPECIALIZES IN THE MAKING OF PURE, EXPRESSIVE WINES, ARTISAN FOODS AND UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES. NOT TOO FUSSY, NOT LOUD OR BOISTEROUS, JUST AMAZING WINES IN A BEAUTIFUL SETTING.

I ORDER THEIR SAUVIGNON BLANC BY THE TRUCKLOAD AND IF YOU'RE GOING TO JOIN A WINE CLUB, THIS IS ONE TO CONSIDER. LITTLE TIP THOUGH, JOIN THE FOOD AND WINE CLUB SO YOU RECEIVE THEIR MOUTHWATERING OLIVE OILS THAT ARE PRESSED RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET.

SUGGESTED EXPERIENCE: IL PRANZO
LARKMEAD

LARKMEAD

LARKMEAD IS MADE UP OF THREE CONTIGUOUS VINEYARD PARCELS AT ONE OF THE NARROWEST POINTS IN NAPA VALLEY. THE VINEYARD SPANS ALMOST THE ENTIRE BREADTH OF THE VALLEY FLOOR FROM HIGHWAY 29 TO SILVERADO TRAIL, WITH THE NAPA RIVER DISSECTING IT IN HALF.

FROM THE WINEMAKING PERSPECTIVE, IT OFFERS TREMENDOUS DIVERSITY IN THE SOIL TYPES: SAND, SILT, CLAY AND GRAVEL. FROM THE WINE TASTER'S PERSPECTIVE, THERE ARE FEW PLACES I ENJOY MORE THAN LARKMEAD'S BIG, BECKONING FRONT PORCH FOR A GLASS OF WINE.

SUGGESTED EXPERIENCE: TASTING
DARIOUSH

DARIOUSH

INSTILLED WITH A LOVE OF WINE AT AN EARLY AGE, DARIOUSH KHALEDI IS A LIFELONG COLLECTOR AND LOVER OF WINE. UPON IMMIGRATING FROM PERSIA, HE MOVED TO NAPA VALLEY TO PURSUE HIS LIFELONG ASPIRATION TO SHARE THE ART, ARCHITECTURE, WINE, CRAFTSMANSHIP AND CULTURE THAT INSPIRED HIS JOURNEY.

PULLING INTO DARIOUSH, YOU'LL IMMEDIATELY FEEL THE PERSIAN INFLUENCE BY THE GORGEOUS PILLARS. IT'S ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND METICULOUSLY-DESIGNED WINERIES WITH ITS RICH COLORS, ART AND FURNISHINGS. THE INVITATION-ONLY TASTING IS HOSTED BY DARIOUSH HIMSELF IN HIS PRIVATE CELLAR SURROUNDED BY HIS PERSONAL COLLECTION OF WINES.

WHILE IT SAYS "BY INVITATION", YOU CAN REQUEST AN INVITATION. AND IT DOESN'T HURT THAT THEY PRODUCE SOME OF MY FAVORITE WINES, WITH THEIR VIOGNIER BEING AN ABSOLUTE MUST-TRY.

SUGGESTED EXPERIENCE: BY-INVITATION-ONLY TASTING
LADERA

LADERA

LADERA SITS ATOP HOWELL MOUNTAIN, HIGH ABOVE THE NAPA VALLEY FLOOR. THE VINEYARD'S TERRAIN, IN SPITE OF ITS ALTITUDE, IS BOTH ROLLING AND GENTLE. THIS PEACEFUL SCENE IS NOTHING LIKE THE LAND'S VOLCANIC PAST, AND THE DEEP RICH COLOR OF THE SOIL IS APPARENT WHEN VISITING THE VINEYARDS.

GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME TO GET THERE, AND PRINT OUT DIRECTIONS. ABOUT HALFWAY UP HOWELL MOUNTAIN, OUR GPS LOST ITS SIGNAL.

SUGGESTED EXPERIENCE: TERRACE TASTING
SILVER OAK

SILVER OAK

THE CABERNET SAUVIGNON AT SILVER OAK IS REASON ENOUGH TO VISIT THIS PRIZED WINERY, BUT THE PICTURESQUE GROUNDS WILL ENTICE YOU TO STAY. GUESTS CAN WANDER AROUND THE STUNNING COURTYARD, FOUNTAIN AND ICONIC WATER TOWER BEFORE GATHERING IN THE GORGEOUS TIMBER-FRAMED TASTING ROOM COMPLETE WITH A LARGE STONE FIREPLACE.

SUGGESTED EXPERIENCE: THE SILVER WINE & FOOD PAIRING
Blackbird Vineyards

Blackbird Vineyards

PURCHASED BY MICHAEL POLENSKE (OF MA(I)SONRY) IN 2003, BLACKBIRD VINEYARDS (A FORMER WALNUT ORCHARD FIRST PLANTED WITH 5,717 MERLOT VINES IN 1997) IS NOW A PREMIUM LABEL IN ITS OWN RIGHT. FITTINGLY, THE WORD MERLOT IS FRENCH FOR "LITTLE BLACKBIRD."

SUGGESTED EXPERIENCE: CALL TO SCHEDULE A VINEYARD TASTING
FAR NIETE

FAR NIETE

FAR NIETE IS A STUNNING HISTORIC, TRI-LEVEL WINERY BUILT INTO THE SURROUNDING HILLSIDE. THE 40,000 SQUARE FOOT WINE AGING CAVES AND 13 ACRES OF BREATHTAKING GARDENS OFFER MUCH FOR THE EYE TO SEE, WHILE ITS WINES ARE NOTHING SHORT OF EXCEPTIONAL.

SUGGESTED EXPERIENCE: GUIDED TOUR
MUMM

MUMM

MUMM NAPA HAS TIES BACK TO THE LEADING INTERNATIONAL CHAMPAGNE BRAND IN FRANCE, AND FOLLOWS TRADITIONAL WINE-MAKING TECHNIQUES OF ITS FRENCH HERITAGE TO CREATE THE FINEST, HAND-CRAFTED SPARKLING WINES.

SUGGESTED EXPERIENCE: TASTING ON THE PATIO
CHAPPELLET

CHAPPELLET

CHAPPELET WINERY'S MOUNTAIN-SIDE ESTATE VINEYARDS ON PRITCHARD HILL HAVE BEEN RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE WORLD'S PREEMINENT SITES FOR GROWING BORDEAUX VARIETALS, IN PARTICULAR, CABERNET SAUVIGNON. THE LAND IS CONSIDERED A "RARE TAPESTRY" OF 34 DISTINCTIVE BLOCKS, INCLUDING DISTRICT PLOTS OF CABERNET SAUVIGNON AND PLANTINGS OF MERLOT, MALBEC, CABERNET FRANC, PETIT VERDOT AND CHENIN BLANC.

CHAPPELLET WAS ONE OF THE FIRST NAPA VALLEY WINERIES TO PLANT COVER CROPS AND ADOPT NO-TILL FARMING PRACTICES, AND TODAY THE ENTIRE VINEYARD IS FARMED ORGANICALLY.

IT IS ONE OF MY GO-TO SPOTS WHENEVER I'M IN TOWN AND I MAY BE REPEATING MYSELF, BUT AS FAR AS WINE CLUBS GO, THEIRS IS WORTH IT.

SUGGESTED EXPERIENCE: TOUR & TASTING
THE FRENCH LAUNDRY

THE FRENCH LAUNDRY

THE FRENCH LAUNDRY, CONSTRUCTED OF RIVER ROCK AND TIMBERS, WAS BUILT AS A SALOON IN 1900 BY A SCOTTISH STONEMASON. THE BUILDING LATER OPERATED AS A FRENCH STEAM LAUNDRY IN THE 1920S.

NOW IT STANDS AS ONE OF THE MOST WELL RESPECTED, EXCEPTIONAL RESTAURANTS IN THE WORLD, WHERE THE FOCUS ON INGREDIENTS AND EXECUTION IS KEY TO ITS SUCCESS EVERY DAY.

SUGGESTED EXPERIENCE: FULL TASTING MENU, MAKE RESERVATIONS MONTHS IN ADVANCE, AND WHEN YOU'RE DONE ASK FOR A TOUR OF THE KITCHEN
OAKVILLE GROCERY

OAKVILLE GROCERY

FOUNDED IN 1881, OAKVILLE GROCERY IS THE OLDEST CONTINUALLY-OPERATING GROCERY STORE IN CALIFORNIA, OFFERING A HIGHLY CURATED SELECTION OF THE BEST PRODUCTS FROM FARMERS, ARTISANS AND PURVEYORS IN THE NAPA AND SONOMA VALLEYS.

IT'S THE PERFECT PLACE TO STOP MID-TASTE AND GRAB A SAMMIE AND CHIPS.
SOLBAR

SOLBAR

WITH A MICHELIN RATED MENU, SOLBAR AIMS TO IMPRESS WITH ITS FARM-FRESH, SEASONAL INGREDIENTS AND PHENOMENAL DISHES. IT EXPERTLY DELIVERS INVENTIVE NEW TWISTS ON TIME-HONORED CALIFORNIA SOUL FOOD RECIPES.
LA LUNA

LA LUNA

DON'T LET ITS SIMPLE EXTERIOR FOOL YOU. LA LUNA IS A PLACE WHERE EVERYONE FROM FIELD WORKERS TO WINERY OWNERS THEMSELVES CONVENE FOR LUNCH, AND IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, SOME OF THE BEST TACOS I'VE EVER HAD!
GOOSE & GANDER

GOOSE & GANDER

GOOSE & GANDER , A WINE COUNTRY PUBLIC HOUSE, IS A GATHERING PLACE FOR LOCALS AND VISITORS TO CELEBRATE NAPA VALLEY'S ABUNDANT BOUNTY OF RUSTIC AMERICAN FOOD. ITS MOUTHWATERING BAR BITES CAN BE ENJOYED IN THE PUB-LIKE DINING ROOM, CHERISHED BASEMENT OR LUSH PATIO. ITS MENU IS SEASONALLY-DRIVEN, AND COMPLIMENTS SCOTT BEATTIE'S RETRO-FRESH LIBATIONS OR A BOTTLE OF WINE. NOT TO MENTION, THEY ALWAYS HAVE BOTTLES UPON BOTTLES OF PAPPY VAN WINKLE ON TAP.

ONE OF MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE NIGHTS WAS SITTING IN A CORNER WITH SCOTT, THE ORISONS, AND FRIENDS FROM LOCAL WINERIES, DRINKING, EATING AND SOLVING THE WORLD'S PROBLEMS.
BOTTEGA

BOTTEGA

BOTTEGA IS PART OF THE HISTORIC VINTAGE ESTATES, LOCATED IN ONE OF THE OLDES WINERIES IN THE REGION, AND IT HIGHLIGHTS SIGNATURE BOLD ITALIAN FLAVORS WITH A REFINED TWIST. HEAD TO THIS HOT-SPOT FOR HOUSE-MADE INGREDIENTS AND TONS OF LOCAL PRODUCE FOR LUNCH OR DINNER.

SUGGESTED EXPERIENCE: DINNER ON THE PATIO
AUBERGE DE SOLEIL

AUBERGE DE SOLEIL

WITH AN AWARD-WINNING MENU AND WINE LIST, AUBERGE DE SOIL IS DEFINITELY A MUST-TRY. ITS RICH INTERIORS ARE STUNNING, BUT ITS FAMOUS TERRACE OFFERS SOME OF THE BEST AND MOST SOUGHT-AFTER IN THE VALLEY...FULL OF THE MOST GORGEOUS PANORAMIC VIEWS.

SUGGESTED EXPERIENCE: APPETIZERS & COCKTAILS ON THE TERRACE AT SUNSET
VINTAGE INN

VINTAGE INN

VINTAGE INN IS A STUNNING EXPANSE OF 80 SPACIOUS GUESTROOMS AND COZY COTTAGE VILLAS, ALONG WITH FIVE ELEGANTLY-APPOINTED PRIVATE SPA SUITES. THE BEST PART? IT'S ALL WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF SEVERAL WINE TASTING ROOMS IN THE TOWN OF YOUNTVILLE.
THE FRENCH LAUNDRY GARDEN

THE FRENCH LAUNDRY GARDEN

THE FRENCH LAUNDRY GARDEN IS THE EDIBLE GARDEN OF THOMAS KELLER, AND GROWS ROUGHLY 30% OF THE VEGETABLES SERVED AT HIS RENOWNED RESTAURANT, THE FRENCH LAUNDRY.

SUGGESTED EXPERIENCE: GRAB A COFFEE FROM BOUCHON AND TALK A WALK THROUGH ALL THE GARDEN HAS TO OFFER.
WHAT TO BRING

WHAT TO BRING

WHAT TO BRING, YOU ASK? PREPARE FOR SUNNY DAYS AND COOL NIGHTS. THE MOST IMPORTANT ESSENTIALS: A GREAT CAMERA, COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES AND EASY LAYERS.

Map Hand Lettering, Jenn Gietzen

*This guide wouldn’t have been possible with the collaboration of a few special friends: Maisonry Yountville, Blackbird Vineyards, & The Orisons.  Opinions, images, and love of all things wine are 100% our own.

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