jessicapecota.com

I am told that, here in the Napa Valley, all the grapes have been brought in (that’s winery-speak for have been picked).

Once that happens, the vines quickly begin to change color.

For those who don’t think there is much to fall color in California, I say come visit. It is just glorious here right now.

Benessere Vineyards, Saint Helena

Silverado Trail at Deer Park Road

One of the things I am thankful for is that we live in one of the most beautiful, wonderful places on earth.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Eskimo kisses at Benessere Vineyards this past Sunday.

Benessere Vineyards, Late November

The big plastic bins you see here are used during harvest; they hold loads of grapes.

I was certain there’s a technical names for these bins–and there probably is–but a quick google search gave me “plastic grape bins”. Hm.

You’ll see these huge bins at pretty much every winery, unless maybe they do custom crush or otherwise make their wine offsite.

We really had a great time at Benessere Vineyards yesterday.

Today I’d like to share more about what Samantha did while we tasted wine and then enjoyed our picnic.

First, she danced on the garden patio immediately adjacent to the Tasting Room (that means she was able to be independent–as were we–but that she was within sight at all times).

Then she helped us set up & enjoy our lunch.

Lunch was intermingled with playing in the garden, particulary under the acorn tree, collecting the fallen nuts (or whatever type of tree/nut this might be–please correct me if I’m wrong).

Then she ran in the vineyards and picked grapes (the few still on the vine, apparent leftovers from harvest).

Lastly, we got to spend some very-appreciated time together.

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: