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Me: “Do you know how much I love you?”

Samantha: “No…”

Me: “Can I tell you how much I love you?”

Samantha: “No…”

Me: “Can I show you how much I love you?”

Samantha: “Yes!”

Lots of big hugs & Schmoopy kisses ensued.

Well, she can write ‘Love Samantha’; two of the most important in the English language, in my opinion.

Those of you living in California will likely find it humorous that I am featuring In & Out Burger as a kid-friendly dining option. Fast food burger joint?  Duh, we go all the time.

But as many visitors to the Napa Valley hail from parts beyond, folks–particularly those traveling with kids–need to know about this place.

While it is a chain, their success lies in their dedication to simplicity and quality. This is not your McDonalds with 152 different menu items. At In & Out, the choices are very limited. Limited, yet just right.

The vibe of the restaurant is of a slightly retro, Southern California surfer hangout. It is consistently extremely clean–there is no having to wipe your own table off with paper napkins here.

Seating is indoor or out. The stickers they give out will keep the kids happily occupied until the food is ready. Contrary to what you’d think from the name, it can take a while for the food as it is all freshly made. Be prepared for a wait of up to 10 minutes; it’s worth it.

Who: All ages; there are highchairs and stickers

What: The best old-fashioned, highest-quality burgers, fries and shakes

Where: There is one location in the Napa Valley at 820 Imola Avenue in the town of Napa (there’s nothing special about the area, except maybe the Target next door)–click here for more locations across California

When: 10:30am until 1:00am

Why: Fabulous food that’s satisfying and inexpensive

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Today I noticed the first blossom on our plum tree. Hard to believe that an entire year’s gone by-

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Part of our Valentine’s Day celebration yesterday was a picnic at Tudal Winery.

Discovered on the Napa Vintners site, this winery fit all our criteria: family-friendly, picnic area, low-key atmosphere.

And it was indeed quite low-key as you can see below the manner in which we were greeted (that there is Cheyenne, we found out).

We proceeded to a seated tasting in the winery building/shed. Samantha entertained herself with drawing as we tasted through a nice, Burgundian-style Chardonnay (Burgundian-style connoting little of that oaky, buttery–and to us, overwhelming, quality of most Chardonnays), a beautiful, fruity, textbook-Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and a jammy, peppery, but not over the top Zinfandel.

And–to kiddo’s delight–in place of the usual bland tasting room crackers, they had fishy crackers.

The atmosphere was casual, congenial and educational–and without any sort of pretension.

With the Zin in glass, our group headed out for a quick tour of the vineyards…

…the production facility…

…and the barrel room…where we tasted the Syrah…

… and ended up in what could be called the sales room.

We bought a bottle of the Sauvignon Blanc (limited production and no longer available–seriously, we got the last bottle), headed out to the picnic area, and easily settled in.

As we nibbled, sipped and chatted…

…Samantha explored the picnic area and gardens. She found this old tractor…

…and we found that it was quite dirty…

…and apropos for Valentine’s Day, there were even heart-shaped decorations (made from barrel rings).

Who: All ages, except perhaps the toddlers who are mobile, but can’t/don’t listen yet

What: A low-key, casual winetasting experience, with a short tour and a pleasant picnic and garden area, including bocce courts

Where: 1015 Big Tree Road, Saint Helena, phone 707-963-3947 (tastings are by appointment, so call ahead)

When: Best on days when you can picnic; we’re certainly visiting again come summertime

Why: To taste good wines, to learn a bit (but not too much) about the winery & winemaking, to picnic, to let the kids explore an interesting and safe picnic/garden area

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Winter is still very much here–in fact it has been gray and rainy almost non-stop (I just happened to sneak these shots in between the rain clouds).

But Spring–with all its sweet promise of exhilaration, exuberation and energy is thisclose.

The scene: A cave tour at a local winery

Samantha: “Oh no! He doesn’t look very happy!”

Tom and me, simultaneously: “Actually, kiddo, he is REALLY happy…”