Preview

Just wanted to let you in on two little behind-the-scenes secrets regarding our california wine country vacation spot.

One, my staff and I are brainstorming and preparing several Wine Country Inn guest food and wine events for this fall. These will (we hope!) be different, fun, and introduce you to new wines, foods, and people you otherwise wouldn't have met while visiting the Napa Valley. Again, more info to come shortly....

And two, here's something fun that could turn into something BIG: a Wine Country film production company, Susan and Wayne Boyer of Twin Brain Productions, are attempting to produce what they call a non-scripted reality show about life here in Wine Country. They've lined up three wineries/vineyard management companies, have spent several days filming, and now are producing what's called a "sizzle reel" -- a 5- to 7-minute video which they'll use to promote the show and the concept to the big cable execs back East (or wherever those big cable execs hang out). If Susan and Wayne get the "green light" on the project, called Crush, they'll begin production almost immediately and plan to produce 5-7 episodes, sort of a year-in-the-life-of-a-winemaker/vineyard manager type thing. And little birds have whispered into my ear that if the series gets picked up, the Wine Country Inn has already been scouted out and approved for some sort of filming/shots. Wouldn't that be fun, some filming here? Why, I might even have to get a facial from the spa ladies beforehand! Anyway, stay tuned....

P.S. Pics courtesy of Lori Laube

Room 2

Occasionally I thought I'd talk up an individual room, suite, or one of our five luxury cottages. Today I'd like to talk about Room 2. This is located in the main building, and is the closest room to our sun-drenched pool. I particularly like this room's patio: surrounded by plant life, it's an excellent place to relax in the morning with a cup of coffee, read during the day, or enjoy in the afternoon with that someone special in your life a great glass of Napa Valley wine (and perhaps with one of our fruit and cheese plates, too). The rate for this room runs between $275 and $335 per night, depending on the season, and includes our full breakfast, afternoon wine tasting, and complimentary evening restaurant shuttle service.

We hope to see you soon. If you're interested in learning more about our rooms, you can of course check us out online or -- and this makes me so warm and fuzzy inside -- you can call us toll-free at (888) 465-4608 and TALK TO A REAL PERSON.

Heirloom Tomatoes

Of course we're partial to the Napa Valley, seeing as how we're pretty much in the center of it, especially when it comes to Napa Valley vacations. We do acknowledge our neighbor on the other side of the mountain, though: Sonoma County. They have lots of great wineries and some fantastic restaurants. It's definitely worth a day trip from the Inn, should your schedule permit.

One big event that's especially fun is the Heirloom Tomato Festival at Kendall-Jackson Vineyards. They showcase more than 150 different types of heirloom tomatoes, plus there's lots of food and wine. The K-J Wine Center is about a 35- to 40-minute drive from the Inn, and our staff will be happy to give you directions. And here's an inn-sider's tip: this event ALWAYS sells out, so if you are interested in going, I suggest that you purchase your tickets now. Here are the details:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

$: $55 per person before June 30; $65 thereafter

Tickets: call (800) 769-3649 or visit their web site

Note: The pics are from the K-J gardens...