Friday, February 22, 2013

ahhh napa..


the napa valley of northern california is world renowned for a reason- its sheer natural beauty combined with world class vineyards, natural thermal baths and mud treatments make for a most hedonistic stay.
On my first visit to northern california before I moved from the east coast, I was taken there for a weekend and I think that may have been the turning point in my decision to move west- what a concept that you can actually live near all this..


so just back from a couple of days in calistoga and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves...this time of year, the mustard flowers are in bloom nestled in line next to dormant vines eagerly awaiting their next sprouting.
the extra vines pruned into movable sculptures along the road side create an outdoor art installation all over the valley-



on our way up, we made a plate delivery (my other favorite thing to do) at the amazing Silver Oak Vineyards.



 I have written of it before and the work that I do for them, the high end curios.  I create a line of custom pieces that capture their aesthetic and spirit in which they make the most delicious wine--famous for their cabernet sauvignon. The vineyard itself is stunning and I love making plates, platters and bowls and more for them. They are exclusive to Silver Oak and are all wine related-












I love the challenge of coming up with one of a kind pieces for them over and over..like the seriality of the vines and the barrels, more and more plates...
this time I delivered plates, platters and lazy susans--all available now in the tasting room-
so do consider a trip up to Napa- a taste of the grape, and be transported..