I’ve always been a fan of a great at-home bar. I strongly believe it’s a must-learn life skill to mix up classic cocktails, and as an avid host, it’s important to provide an array...
Looking back on Easter as a child, I remember how excited I was to dig through my Easter basket. Full of chocolate bunnies, malt ball Easter eggs, Peeps, golden coins, and my favorite Cadbury...
Lets be honest, salads can be boring. So I’m always trying to think outside of the box to come up with salad recipes that I’ll thoroughly enjoy, but are beyond easy to make. Enter...
Lets be honest, salads can be boring. So I’m always trying to think outside of the box to come up with salad recipes that I’ll thoroughly enjoy, but are beyond easy to make. Enter...
Here at WOM, we don’t hide our love affair for a great cup of coffee. I, for one, whole-heartedly claim to find my most creative self at the bottom of that mug. I find myself looking forward to my morning cup of jo as a way to press play on my bustling day, and yes, to revive any waning focus during my afternoon.
I’m not sure if it’s just the coffee lover in me that finds the stuff so beautiful or what, but I’m constantly swooning over so many gorgeous coffee photos. There’s intimacy in those great shots, those moments captured at the start to one’s day, on that first date, on a break at the coffee shop. Simply taking the time to appreciate this daily ritual can be soothing.
Hope you enjoy these nine pin-worthy coffee photos in the slideshow above just as much as I do! And I think it’s about time we share a few of our favorite local coffee shops on here soon, no? Cheers, Kat
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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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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 , 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 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.
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 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.
SUGGESTED EXPERIENCE: GRAB A COFFEE FROM BOUCHON AND TALK A WALK THROUGH ALL THE GARDEN HAS TO OFFER.
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.
*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.
“Being happier is something we can all choose to do” explains Happier, an app that serves as a handy, virtual gratitude journal. Happier‘s mission is simple; it encourages you to celebrate the good around you. Since celebrating the good stuff is something we take very seriously here at WOM, this app quickly became my new favorite discovery in iPhone App Land.
But then I kept on a’ downloading, and I discovered Acorns and Trippeo. Two apps that all seem to make my life a little easier (investing spare change from everyday purchases and auto-generating expense reports both sound great to me). It’s safe to say I was geeking out by the time I was playing around with Sleep Cycle (I’m a data nerd)… and how can I forget Splitwise? A friend recently told me how Splitwise took all of the headache out of planning a guys’ weekend at the cabin by perfectly divvying up grocery (and beer) runs. Genius. And then of course I always love a good photo editing app for Instagram like the rest, and always appreciate any apps that help me find the best deals when I’m traveling.
It’s amazing how some apps can truly make life a little brighter, quite easier and a lot fuller. Check out the list of 10 awesome apps for iPhones by clicking on the image above. Do you use any of my favorites too? What other apps are rocking your world? I’d love to add them to my list! Cheers, Kat
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HAPPIER
I'M A FIRM BELIEVER THAT GRATITUDE IS EVERYTHING. HAPPIER SERVES AS A DAILY GRATITUDE JOURNAL AT YOUR FINGERTIPS, AND IS MY NEW FAVORITE WAY TO START MY DAY.
TRIPIT ORGANIZES ALL OF YOUR TRAVEL INFO IN ONE PLACE, FOR EASY REFERENCE ON-THE-GO. THE APP DOES A GREAT JOB MAKING YOUR ENTIRE ITINERARY EASY TO READ, AND YOU CAN EVEN AUTO-IMPORT THE DATA STRAIGHT FROM YOUR CONFIRMATION EMAILS. NO MORE SCRAMBLING IN LINE, LOOKING FOR CONFIRMATION NUMBERS, HOTEL ADDRESSES OR CHECK-IN TIMES.
SAY HELLO TO A PERFECT NIGHT'S SLEEP WITH SLEEP CYCLE, OR AT LEAST A LOT OF INTERESTING DATA THAT SHOWS HOW YOU WERE SLEEPING AND THE BEST, MOST PERFECTLY-TIMED WAKE UP ALARM IN THE MORNING.
IF YOU DON'T HAVE VSCO DOWNLOADED ALREADY, STOP READING AND GET IT NOW. IT OFFERS MORE THAN ADDITIONAL FILTERS; THE EDITING CAPABILITIES WILL DRASTICALLY UPGRADE YOUR INSTAGRAM GAME.
"ENJOY BECOMING BETTER EVERY DAY" WITH PEAK, AN ENGAGING BRAIN TRAINING APP. THESE SHORT AND FUN GAMES ARE A WELCOME CHALLENGE AND DISTRACTION TO YOUR DAY, ALL WHILE MAKING YOU A BIT SHARPER.
TRIPPEO IS GODSEND FOR ALL CREATIVES, FREELANCERS AND EXPENSE REPORTERS ALIKE. THIS INTUITIVE APP STORES RECEIPTS AND CREATES EXPENSE REPORTS, MAKING FINANCES SUPER EASY WHEN ON-THE-GO.
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