Centsational Style

For Father’s Day, Mr. CG wanted to go wine tasting and have a picnic at some of our favorite wineries along the Highway 12 corridor that connects Kenwood to Glen Ellen in Sonoma.  Ah, June.  The sunshine could not have been more perfect today. 

Our first stop was Ledson Winery, known to the locals as ‘The Castle’.  This Gothic French-Normandy structure  is stunningly beautiful. While it looks as thought it may have been around as long as the 100 year old oak trees on the grounds, it actually was built in 1993.  There are several tasting bars located within, and outside you can walk the grounds, taking in the vineyards and gardens. 

Today we simply strolled the grounds and the gift shop.  The critters are fond of the oak trees at Ledson.

I like to walk through the dusty fields and watch the grapes grow.

Our next stop for a picnic was the world famous Chateau St. Jean.  No doubt, you’ve seen their wines in restaurants near you.  This place is my favorite winery in Sonoma.  Nowhere transports me faster to Europe than in this unique location.  As you meander through impeccable gardens, filled with bloom filled containers and fountains, the gravel crunches under your feet, just like the formal gardens of France. 

Here’s a peek at the tasting room, and the stylish seating area inside the gift shop. 

Outside, we shared a picnic on the great lawn, next to a blooming magnolia tree, with paper lanterns overhead.  I was able to catch up on the latest BH&G issue, despite the munchkins crawling all over me.  

Notice the Water Resistant Outdoor Blanket?   It’s made by Tuffo, and I am crazy about it.  This blanket is chocolate brown nylon on one side, and a stylish blue stripe on the cloth side.  It has its own carrying case and is machine washable.  I bought it two years ago from Amazon, and I use it all summer long.  At the pool, at the park, or anywhere public.  I keep it in my car, and I highly recommend it for your outdoor adventures. 

Now back to our Sunday.  I never dreamed I’d ever feature a picture of a public bathroom, but oh my, have you ever seen a better entrance to a restroom than this?

On our way into the town of Sonoma, we stopped to photograph the award winning Kenwood Inn & Spa because the light was so perfect at this stunningly beautiful spot.  This oasis is reminiscent of Tuscany in every way, with its butternut tinted walls covered with creeping ivy, its courtyards, and its corridors.

I was a complete trespasser today, exploring the paths of the Kenwood Inn surrounded by grapevines and more fountains.  At the end of one path was a spectacular private villa, with an amazing view of Sonoma’s Valley of the Moon.

I stopped to kick up my toes at the outdoor spa, faking that I was an actual guest.  Ah, now wouldn’t this be the life ?!  

Our last stop was one of our favorite places on earth, the Sonoma Square.  This public square is one of the few, perhaps only, plazas in California where you can publicly consume adult beverages, due to grandfathered consumption laws.  We purchased a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc from our favorite Sonoma Wine Shop, pulled out our favorite blanket and picnic basket, then lounged with a glass on the grass. 

We had no worries about drinking and driving.  We had our designated driver with us. 

Stay tuned for Friday’s giveaway, featuring savory selections from the wineries featured today.  And I was able to refurbish that highboy dresser I found at the Goodwill.  It looks remarkable – can’t wait to show you !

And congratulations to Pam at Ramblings of a Happy Homemaker for winning the Lavender Bee Farm giveaway ! 

Cheers,

Kate