A Visit to the Atrio Spa at Las Alcobas, Napa Valley

Let's be real - the holidays are stressful. There are holiday parties, end of the year deadlines, races to finish work before vacation hits, and presents - a whole lotta presents to buy for a whole lotta people. I tend to enjoy the season because everyone's in a much more tangibly happier mood. People smile and move a little slower, generosity is doubled, and I'm also super into holiday honey-baked hams (just being honest). That being said, just like you, I, too crave moments of tranquility. I would be lying to you if I said that I didn't methodically plan when to hit the grocery store or shopping mall just to ensure encounters with people were as minimal as possible. (Again, just being honest, lol.) So, what's the perfect relief for getting away from it all? For me, it's wine country. Ask my friends - they'll all joke about how I am practically a resident of the area because I am there so often.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting the Atrio Spa the Las Alcobas property for the first time. If you're unfamiliar, the property is a little over a year old and located in the heart of St. Helena.  It boasts a whopping 68 rooms and suites, a beautiful pool that overlooks the vineyards, a yoga room, and the Acacia House restaurant by none other than Chris Cosentino of San Francisco's Cockscomb. Oh, and one more thing to note - the hotel is an adult-only retreat. So kiddies under 16 have to stay at home. Do you see where I'm going with this post yet? Basically, Las Alcobas is the perfect getaway or treat before/after the holiday rush. Whether it's a gift for you (because #treatyoself), or a present for someone special (they gon' love it, and you), it's a no-brainer.

Corner 103: A Sonoma Wine Tasting Experience

At this point, I've been wine tasting more times than I can remember. And I'm not complaining - I love it. My palate has developed and my taste for wine has grown. I've done tastings with cheese, tastings with chocolate, tasting with food pairings and more. I've almost done it all. Up to this point, I've figured out what I like and what I don't like, but not why. That is, until my wine tasting experience with Llyod Davis of Sonoma's Corner 103.

Viansa Sonoma Photo Diary

Should I go ahead and start a new series on the blog called "Wine Wednesdays" and get it over with? Ha. With all the wine country trips I've made this year, I might as well, right? But seriously. Here we go with another one! In this previous post, you saw what I wore, so why not backtrack a bit and talk about there "where" part, shall we? A few weeks back, we were invited to get whisked away to an afternoon at Viansa Sonoma. For those who haven't been, Viansa is just at the entrance of Sonoma country. It's about a 30-45 minute drive from the city and one of the first wineries you'll see on your way into wine country. The property originates back to 1904, when the Sebasitiani family first purchased the land, but winery itself was founded in 1989. In 2014-15, the estate was redone - the vineyards replanted and wetlands that the property looks over, restored. Needless to say, it was a treat to spend the day at the beautiful property. These photos do it zero justice, but hope you'll humor me and scroll through anyways.

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Photo Diary

That time we stuffed ourselves silly & drank lots of wine. Sonoma Wine Weekend is a marathon of eats and drinks with over 200 wine vendors, there's no way to make it to everyone. Best tips? If you can, make a day of it - get there early to take advantage before it fills up. Get a group together and go in on a bus to Sonoma if you're coming from out of town (200 wineries means lots and lots of drinking! Be safe. Don't drink and drive, duh!). And finally, do some research before you arrive. You won't make it to every single booth - pick your favorite restaurants and wineries and hit those up first!

Food Friday: Durant and Booth

Durant and Booth 7856 St. Helena Highway, Durant House, Oakville, CA 94562

I've been fortunate enough to make several trips to wine country this year. But, in complete honesty, I've never been much of a wine-o. That is - until this year. I'm far, far, far from being a wine connoisseur, despite how many wine tastings I've been to. Though, I'd like to think the more tastings I take part in, the closer I get to figuring out what I like in a fine wine. My last wine tasting this summer season was at Durant and Booth, a new wine house located in Oakville in Napa Valley. Ever since my visit at the end of July, I have been dreaming about my next visit. After the jump, you'll see why.

Travel To... Napa Valley's Bardessono Hotel

Bardessono Hotel 6526 Yount Street Yountville, CA 94599 

Close your eyes and imagine the most tranquil surroundings you can think of. The sun is warming your skin, the air is crisp with a calm, calm breeze, and the sounds all around you stop - if just for a moment - as you take in another breath. This captures just a snippet of my blissful Sunday with Napa Valley's Bardessono Hotel.