ChateauChatter: Enroute

It's a long way from Auckland to Raissac sur Lampy...so...rather than flying business or first class we stayed a few days enroute in San Francisco.

We have visited SF a number of times so it was not a new destination for us but there were some places we wanted to see. The Rock was one, but unfortunately all trips to Alcatraz were booked out until late August so it is on the 'still to see' list.

We did get out to Sonoma and Napa Valleys - the heart of California winemaking.

With breakfast provided onboard a limo coach along with a glass of mimosa (similar to a buck fizz) we travelled for an hour or so north of San Francisco to Sonoma. On the way we stopped and looked for the Golden Gate bridge.

San Francisco's famous fog was alive and well. But once over the bridge - a change in temperature and lots of hot sunny weather.

First stop was in Sonoma Valley...and the first wine testing of the day at 10am! Beautiful country, much reminiscent of NZ countryside in mid January, brown, dry with haymaking in progress. However the vineyards are oases of verdant green.
Sonoma is a small town of about 8000 people. Small and very pretty with shops set out around a park-like square. Sonoma is the little cousin to Napa which we didn't get to.
By the way we didn't partake of wine here but instead settled for a very nice latte at an aptly named Cafe Basque (or something like that).

Lunch was a picnic affair at another winery. All very pleasant before we moved onto our last stop - wines to taste plus a sculpture garden to wander around.

David enjoying lunch - no wine provided!

Liz in the BIG chair - a challenge for short legs

Some interesting works....

After a day in the heat of Sonoma and Napa Valley it was a pleasant change to return to the cool of San Francisco. In fact it seemed colder than Auckland when we went out each evening for dinner. Not warm and balmy at all.

The remainder of our visit was done on foot. The following are a little of what we saw.