posted 10-16-2012 09:51 PM         

If you were referring to me as the person from Oahu, please feel free to share my email address. The only reason it is hidden is because I didn't want to get spam.

posted 09-24-2012 12:42 PM            

I was beginning to think that everyone on this Board had left the country.

Your EuroCave is a lot fancier than mine. Mine is plain with a plain door since it sits in the garage. With a capacity of 200 bottles, I predict that next year you will have another on order.

I have been a fan of Clif Lede Cabs for several years, though I have never had their Songbook. Will have to try and make it past there for a taste.

It has been a while since we have been to Biale. Don't know why. Guess when Kandice left, we just never made it back.

Have fun filling the EuroCave.

posted 09-24-2012 12:02 PM            

I ended up getting an EuroCave. It holds a little over 200 bottles and i cant wait to fill it up.

I had Biale Black Chicken Zin last night and it was great.

If you get a chance try the Cliff Lede Songbook. I thought it was outstanding too.

Cheers,

posted 09-19-2012 12:51 PM            

What did you end up getting for a wine cabinet?

Hi RC,

Back in my working years, I traveled to the islands of Hawaii 3 to 4 times each year. Some of those I was able to take Mrs. Hawkeye and some I was not. Maui was my favorite of the islands. Just commercial enough to have a lot of fun, but not as commercial as Oah'u. Second I would choose Kauai for the scenery. Oah'u was way too commercial for me and Hawai'i was too far between things for me.

We do have someone from Oah'u that frequents this board, but I will let him contact you. I have his email address but do not know if he would want me to give it out or not. Maybe he will see this and respond to you.

I would like to go back, but Mrs. Hawkeye says she has seen enough of Hawai'i. I would really hate to take that 13 hour flight again. My tolerance is even pushed for the 5 hour flight to Napa. Maybe I should move there!

-Hawkeye

posted 09-19-2012 10:17 AM            

I am jealous of both of you. I can't wait to get back...looks like a great itinerary Damombo. You will loooove Hall Rutherford if you haven't been already.

My wine cabinet came in today and I will start moving bottles to it tomorrow. Very excited about that.

Hawkeye if I were you I would tell Mrs. Hawkeye that the parks will be closed next year due to cutbacks.

RC I have been to Hawaii 5 or 6 times and if you want to email me I can give you my recommendations on what islands.

Cheers to all.

posted 09-18-2012 07:25 PM         

OK, now I am doubly jealous! I hope you and Mrs Hawkeye have a great trip and will be looking forward to the trip report.

Funny thing.....it would seem that Mrs Hawkeye and Mrs RC have been talking! I have been informed as well, that "someplace else" is in her thinking for next year. Hawaii has been mentioned several times! It does not help that our nephew just moved there and has been keeping us all informed on how great it is. We've never been, so it probably will be the choice for the "main" vacation next year. However, that does not mean that I can't be a thoughtful husband and plan a "quick" get-a-way for 2 - 3 days in the Wine Country.

Have fun and keep the glass filled!

RC

posted 09-18-2012 02:49 PM            

Funny you should mention B Cellars - I dropped them this morning The Groupon for Napa/Sonoma was a wine and chocolate pairing at Rutherford Ranch, which is right there by Hall Rutherford. How could I resist? Chocolate, wine and location - perfect!

Barnett's fee is $40. The first time we visited there wasn't a fee. That's a fairly recent development However, when we last visited, they didn't charge us a tasting fee - we did buy wine, and that could be why. This time is "on the house" - they had a little computer glitch last Spring and charged our credit card out of the blue! They caught it quickly (probably because of the phone calls they were getting) and sent us an apology along with an invitation to stop by - which I'm happy to take them up on

I don't think we will have time to go to both Mill Creek and Everett Ridge. We will hopefully make it to one or the other just before closing. Never enough time!! We need to just take an entire month and stay.

Well that is bad news! Except that there are other interesting and beautiful parts of the country to explore. Hard to believe, but it's true. Have you ever heard of Tauck Tours? A friend of mine swears by them, but she isn't wild about planning or driving - so letting a tour do all that is perfect for her. She and her husband are going to start in Salt Lake City and end up in Rapid City, SD and will have seen all sorts of National Parks - Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, and Mount Rushmore included. Sounds pretty fabulous.

We might not get a Napa trip next Spring - we have a nephew getting married in Visalia, CA in May. That will be the CA trip - may have to spend a day or two in Paso Robles - see if I can talk the family into a little side trip

posted 09-18-2012 12:44 PM            

We have 23 days until lift off! It is my turn to gloat!!!!

Damombo, you certainly have put together a very nice itinerary. Monday may be a little tight, especially with Hall Rutherford. It seems to take forever to get there. The tour and tasting do take a considerable amount of time, but oh so worth it. Not only the ambiance, but the wines are spectacular although a little pricy. If I were to remove one, for me it would be "B" Cellars. Our visit there was not very "warm" and we would not return. Even though we had a reservation, we were led to a sofa, sat down, someone came past occasionally and poured a little wine with no explanation. I think they had another group that were probably big spenders.

At terraces, please tell Sharon Crull hello for me. We will be visiting them in October. Also, hopefully you will get to taste their Balsamic Vinegar after you ride around the vineyards in their mule.

We have not been to William Harrison either. Have thought about it a couple of times, but never seem to pull the cord.

What is Barnett charging for a tasting fee now? The one time I inquired, they wanted $100 for a tasting. I marked it off my list quickly.

Now for the bad news! I have been told by Mrs. Hawkeye that she wants to go somewhere else next year, maybe Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. We have done many of the other National Parks. I believe the southern Utah National Parks were my favorite followed by the Sedona Red Rocks. I would go back to either place in a minute.

Have a great trip and I will let you know about Mill Creek and Everett Ridge. Why not go to both, they are very close to each other.

-Hawkeye

[This message has been edited by Hawkeye (edited 09-18-2012).]

posted 09-17-2012 06:56 PM         

Looks great! I know that you will have a great time. Every time I see a new trip plan posted I get a little jealous because we don't currently have one planned

posted 09-17-2012 11:17 AM            

So far we are planning to go by Rockwall and Rosenblum in Alameda - that is right by the Oakland airport, where we fly in, so it's on the way to Napa. Then hopefully make it to Yountville in time to stop at Somerston Wines before our appointment at Ma(i)sonry.
That'll do it for arrival day. (All new for us except for Rosenblum)

Next day, Sunday, will be starting off at Field Stone in Alexander Valley, then Sausal, picnic at Seghesio, followed by Bella, Dutcher Crossing, and Sbragia. Field Stone, Bella, and Sbragia will be new for us.

Monday will be Vincent Arroyo, maybe B Cellars, appointments at Hall Rutherford and Terraces, followed by William Harrison. All but Vincent Arroyo will be new for us.

Tuesday is Cakebread, Madrigal, maybe Guilliams on Spring Mountain, and Barnett on Spring Mountain. Hopefully we can get from Barnett to Mill Creek or Everett Ridge before they close (and I'm waiting for Hawkeye's input before I decide which one to try to get to)

Wednesday will be over in Sonoma County again, and the only thing I have planned so far is an afternoon appointment at Ledson.