Monday, April 28, 2008

Working Lunch

Most of the time being an innkeeper is a lot of fun. You get to meet lots of new people, play around (a lot) on computers and with Photoshop, and make decisions like whether to add more pepper to my Clam Dip recipe or not. Sometimes, though, it can be tough, tough, tough, especially during "working" lunches when my staff and I visit local restaurants to stay up-to-date on what's current and cool here in the Napa Valley, and also network with our neighboring wineries friends. Let me tell you, this legwork and checking things out can be gruelling!

Case in point: Last week, myself, the Inn's manager, Deniese, and our marketing manager, Tim, met at Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen in downtown St. Helena with the Nord family. While their primary focus is on the family's vineyard management company, they also recently have released their own wine label, Nord Estate Wines. We met with the Nords both to learn the "story" behind their wines and, of course (!) taste. I'm excited to say that their wines are quite good. And here's the cool part: we're adding the Nords to our Inn-cursion wine tour program, and they're going to do their tastings in the vineyards. Fun! Anyway, just know that we're working hard, hard, hard to make your stay at our Napa Valley inn as relaxing, fun, and as special as possible.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Painting in the Valley

For those of you who wish to unleash (or even better, discover!) your inner artist while visiting the Napa Valley, we suggest that you check out Alla Prima Studio, which runs a series of 1-, 2- and 5-day painting workshops. Led by owner/artist Gretchen Kimball, you'll discover some of the most magical and visually attractive places in the valley.








Contact Gretchen directly for details.
(707) 265-8536

Monday, April 7, 2008

Spring is Springing!

Just a quick note that our grounds are really beginning to "blossom." And it won't be long before Maury will be planting our expanded on-site garden, too. And you didn't hear this from me, but coming soon a BIG announcement from our Napa Valley getaway. What, you want a hint? O.K., one word: chicks!

We hope to see you soon.