2005 July

Many Chinese Americans live in San Francisco Bay Area. Have you been to Napa Valley, the wine country of America? It’s so pretty up there this time of the year.

Remember about 10 years ago, I traveled and camped in one of France’s wine country: Burgundy. Napa reminds me the valleys of Burgundy: the same rolling hills covered by green vines, the same elegant vineyards where wine cellars filled the air with delicious aroma. Like 10 years ago, we camped in Bothe State Park in the heart of Napa Valley. Camping in America is so much better than Europe. I guess Europe is too crowed for camping. When I was in Burgundy, it happened was the same time as Tour de France where all the hotels are full and we ended camping in a camp ground that was so cramped everyone is less than 10’ away from each other and I could hear loud snore from our neighbors. Here, we are surrounded by magnificent redwoods. When the day is over, a bright full moon climbs up to the tips of redwoods, we can hear little creatures and the creek quietly flows by.

Wine tasting is an adult thing. When the handsome waiter pour you a wine and murmur into your ear with heavy European accent about this special beauty, you close your eyes, lightly circle the wine glass, and inhale the aroma of the wine, then drink, and feel the after taste on your lips. Aah, it’s like a love story.

If you enjoy good wine and food, Napa is the place to go. Every time I visit Napa or Sonoma, I can not resist the temptation: on the way home, I would always have a box of fine wine in the back of my car.

Some info: Napa 60 miles north of San Francisco. From I80 to highway 29. Normal driving time: 1 1/2 hour.

On the way to a vineyard




July’s grapes


An old mill on the road side. The miller had his head stick out the window: Attention, I’m going to start the mill!



Napa is THE wine country not only for California but for America too. Wine always goes with romance just like Frenchman does. Everything else other than wine in Napa is very expensive and upscale. Neighboring Sonoma county also have many vineyards, plus famous Jack London's old house and estate. It's as romantic as Napa at a discounted price. However, overnight stay in Sonoma's charming bed & breakfast would easily cost more than $250 per night. We stayed couple of nights in one of these a few years ago and my LG still hides the receipts.

Bring your loved ones there and pamper her with all you might! Life is precious and many Chinese had a hard one. Let's enjoy it more! Treat youself whenever you can.