12.19.2023

Fujifilm X-T4 + XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR: 1/125s, f/11, ISO800

My second adventure took Steven and I north to Napa Valley, renowned for its grapes. Kay had to work on this day, so it was just the boys. Our first planned stop was Hall Wines in St. Helena which is quite deep into the valley. Nearly all properties in this region were manicured landscapes that I’m sure host many weddings and special events with acres of vines by the row as far as the mountains on either side. Hall Wines was like an indoor-outdoor modern art gallery. Walking around the public the property was a feast for the eyes. I didn’t quite do it justice.

Before I continue: Why am I so bad at saving my progress before closing my laptop? 😣

The first thing that caught my eye turning into the property was a giant shiny metallic rabbit that I forgot to take a picture of before we left. But after that, there was this long rectangular “infinity” water feature in the outdoor drinking area. I brought my tripod and filters so I set them up to attempt a long exposure to glassify the water. Fortunately, the wind decided to calm down for the 10 second exposure so as not to disturb the trees too much. After walking around a bit longer and taking photos not worth sharing here, we went into the lobby to sign up for a tasting! *save.

Fujifilm X-T4 + XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR: 1/125s, f/2, ISO800

We went from an outdoor art exhibit to an indoor one. Looking back, I did not take enough photos as per usual. Imagine an enclosed bar area with giant 2ft square panes of glass hanging from the ceiling from different heights slowly moving as the air circulates in the room, and one wall of the room painted in vibrant colors in geometric shapes. Or click here. I mentioned to Steven that my preferred grape was Pinot Noir, to which he answered with disgust, “you mean flavored water?” The tasting menu listed 4 Cabernet Sauvignon’s but also included an unlisted starter Chardonnay and an unlisted signature Cabernet Sauvignon for a total of 6. Steven drove us a long way, so he opted to take one sip of each glass and hand me the rest, and I am NOT one to waste! We both agreed that the Chardonnay was very good for a Chardonnay. We both dislike the “buttery” flavor profile, but this one was more citrusy but full-bodied like a typical Chardonnay. All of the wines were varying levels of good and very good. Many of them were on the dry side, which I like, but I was definitely thirsty for some water when we left, even after having tanked the complementary bottle! My favorite was the signature unlisted wine at the very end. I was definitely tipsier than usual when we exited, but I was still functional. I swear it. I nursed the heck out of these glasses. We left WAY later than we planned, so we skipped the bakery and second winery. *save.

Fujifilm X-T4 + XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR: 1/125s, f/8, ISO800

We headed over to the Oxbow Public Market on the way back and walked around the little storefronts. Steven noted the space being more empty than usual, but I felt it was still casually trafficked and not empty at all. It’s a really cool space. We patronized the Fatted Calf (for some reason it seems like their current website is hacked, so here’s a link to their vendor page). With absolutely ZERO hyperbole, I must proclaim that this Fatted Calf Market Muffuletta sandwich is the best sandwich I have ever eaten. Wow! I’m almost certain this isn’t the wine speaking.

We made one last stop at Kara’s Cupcakes to pick something up for Kay before heading home, and this was the end of day 2.