Today (even though home and work chores beckoned) we decided to go to a winery for a picnic.
After consulting the Napa Vintners website, we dropped by Sunshine Market for our favorite selection of cheese & charcuterie and headed north to Benessere Vineyards.
Part of the Napa Vintners family-friendly winery list, we were not disappointed.
In fact, we had an absolutely wonderful time.
Benessere is located just a few minutes north of Saint Helena down a country road off Highway 29, and along a gravel lane that skirts the Napa River (which is just the slightest trickle, if at all, this time of year).
Walking up, we immediately felt comfortable when we saw another family with two small children enjoying a picnic lunch on the patio.
Through that intimate garden patio is the small, comfortable Tasting Room. The bar is only large enough to host a handful of folks at a time.
We were graciously and patiently welcomed by a wonderful woman who reminded me of my Grandma Jarecki.
We tasted through their wines and were most impressed by their 2005 Phenomenon, a Super Tuscan-style blend. Big, bold, fruity and balanced, Tom mentioned it is his favorite of all the wines we’ve 
tasted at wineries recently.
We also enjoyed all the wines, particularly the 2006 Sangiovese, the 2005 Sorridente and the 2005 BK Collins Old Vine Zinfandel–all solid, nice wines.
Samantha made friends while we tasted.
We bought a bottle of 2007 Pinot Grigio, then headed out to our picnic table and enjoyed the food, the wine and the views.
It was very quiet and tranquil.
The vineyards were beautiful with all the fall colors.
I found my new favorite cheese, a Camembert-style bloomy rind cow’s milk cheese from Sweet Grass Dairy out of Georgia.
Samantha enjoyed playing in the garden and in the vineyard.
Here are some more shots from our most lovely day:
