Trip For Ten, Part III

Day 4 - Both Doug and I were looking forward to a different type of day after our adventuresome previous day. We "slept in", we can't seem to sleep past 7:30am, and soon went for our morning jog together. It wasn't as picturesque as our jog in the city, but we greatly enjoy the cool, crisp 50 degree weather for a jog, so that was enough encouragement to get out the door and be active in and of itself.

We packed up our room which looked like it had been ransacked by thieves. We packed only one suitcase, but crammed it entirely too full so once it opens it gets messy quickly. Doug is encouraging me to vacation even from my neat and tidy self and not get too worried about our hotel room, but it felt very good when we had everything organized to leave the hotel.

We were off to Sonoma County (with a quick stop at the Gap Outlet - fun!). Doug had again done great research of the different vineyards - the favorites, the must-see's, the best deals and experiences. He chose 2 that were right next to each other and less than 10 minutes from our next hotel. The first was Viansa. I was very impressed with their beautiful gardens, their picnic area and the lovely views from their hilltop perch.

We split a lunch and had a little visitor. I have to say, I'm proud of this picture. Very artistic, isn't it? It was actually Doug's idea. =)

Not to mention they had a bocci court! Doug and I played a few rounds. So fun. Look at the gorgeous hills in the distance!

The wine tasting here was OK. It's an awfully pretentious sport, wine tasting. A little high brow for me since I know nothing about it. Doug can pretend better than I can.

Next we went to the Jacuzzi vineyard which also has The Olive Press on the same location. We loved, loved, loved our experience at The Olive Press. Thanks to Amanda who visited here on her honeymoon last year and highly recommended it to us (she also brought us back oil and vinegar that was amazing!). The Olive Press employees were very helpful, kind and generous as we tasted through all the different olive oils and balsamic vinegars. They were all delicious. They even had chocolate olive oil ice cream that we got to taste (with a blood orange olive oil on top)...so good!!

Next we crossed the hall to the Jacuzzi wine tasting. Again, it wasn't our favorite thing. The man serving us was really short with us, looked super bored with his job. It seemed he needed a break or a day off. We finished our tasting and headed out. Look how pretty the Tuscan-style architecture was here.
We headed to our hotel. It's amazing here. We love it! Our Marriott points have really paid off yet again (well, when does free stuff not pay off?). Our little balcony overlooks "Train Town" across the street. It makes us miss Koen so much! He would love it. I sort of want to go just so that I can take pictures and videos of everything for him. =) Buddy, I wish you were here (for a few hours) so that we could go together!
Despite the "Train Town" attraction at our fingertips, we headed out to the pool. It's hot here in Sonoma, but there is still a cool breeze from time to time, so it's a perfect blend for a few hours in and by the pool. The facility here is really lovely. I feel like we are totally pampered sunning ourselves by the pool under a cabana awning.

Doug had researched all the local restaurants and had made a reservation for us at Della Santina. It was a charming little restaurant with rave reviews from the New York Times and Rachel Ray to name a few.
We got seated in their charming back patio (complete with heaters because these people here don't understand what real cold is).

Our meals were delicious (we love, love fantastic Italian food) and the service was nice. People watching is always interesting. We never mean to, but it just sucks you in. We had a birthday party of 40-somethings next to us. It was fun to watch all their courses come out (not to mention the amazing chocolate cake at the end and they also got sampler platters of desserts on top of that!). Then on the other side of us was the wine-snob type, I wish there was a nicer way to put it, but that is literally the best description. They had a few glasses of one bottle and then sent it back saying it was "corky." Seriously?

We had walked to the restaurant, so we enjoyed a cool and crisp walk back to the hotel (about a mile). It was another great day. We are really loving how each day is a little different, but each one we fully enjoy.