Another wet day in Napa Valley!

A local eccentric began building a reproduction medieval Tuscan castle here twenty odd years ago (as you do). I’m not normally a fan of fake theme park-y type attractions, but I have to say Castello di Amorosa was quite well done. Everything looked fairly authentic and the attention to detail was impressive. Plus, the wine was good which is a sure-fire way to win my family over.

Despite the lack of regal attire, The Man and I made ourselves at home. (Don’t worry, we were allowed to sit on the furniture – remember it’s not actually from the 13th century!)

Did I mention it was WET?!

We returned to Yountville, this time walking past Bouchon (where we’d had our fancy dinner the night before) to the adjacent Bouchon Bakery where we picked up some treats to take home for dessert. (I had a giant macaron, just in case you were wondering.)

It was a really charming town, especially with all the festive decorations. We were particularly taken by the real Christmas trees outside every shop. They’re there overnight – decorations and all – and nothing seems to happen to them.

After that we made our way to the Hess Collection. Despite the country gardens and historic stone buildings, it is home to an impressive contemporary art gallery inside a stunning new interior.

Oh and yes, it is also a winery. (Cool Christmas tree huh? Evidently made of wine barrels, it could have made it onto this roundup.)

At dusk, we bid farewell to the wine region and made our way back into San Francisco.