Best Ports in Napa Valley

On the hunt for the best port in Napa Valley, my cousin E and I have traveled to vineyards all over the valley. He loves them sweet and syrupy, I love them to be smooth and nutty... so we tend to disagree on what quantifies a good port. However, we have found some diamonds in the rough that we can both agree on. Here is our list of the top four finds:

4. V. Sattui - All the sweet wine lovers in California know of V. Sattui. A great place to stop in the valley and grab lunch, this vineyard is known for its picnic grounds and sweet wines. (It is little known fact that it is one of only two vineyards that are allowed to host weddings in the valley.) Personally, I love their dry reislings for sunny picnics. However, my cousin E loves their sweet and syrupy Port as well. Not my favorite, but it's still worth the stop to see the vineyard, try the BBQ, and sit out at the picnic area and enjoy the scene! http://www.vsattui.com/

3. Rutherford Hills - Tucked away in the hills above the Auberge du Soleil hotel and napa valley, this vineyard is famous for its wine cave and picnic area with views of Napa Valley. (You may recognize it from the 2009 Top Chef Finale.) However, its hidden secret is its 2005 Zinfandel Port. Coupled with chocolate covered blue berries, this port is smooth with a hint of cherry and blueberry jamminess. (is that a word?) This port is perfect for stand alone, or my favorite, dashed over some vanilla ice cream and sprinkled with raisins. A tour of the Rutherford Hills wine caves & tasting is $20, and is one of the best wine tours of the valley. Ask for Jack... he's the most entertaining tour guide on staff. My suggestion is to pack a picnic lunch (or swing by Dean & DeLuca) and have lunch on the Rutherford picnic grounds. Its less crowded than V. Sattui and since its on the Silverado Trail, its less touristy and not as crowded as V. Sattui's grounds. http://rutherfordhill.com

2. Heitz Cellars - One of the oldest vineyards in Napa Valley, they have been selling wine for nearly 48 years. Located next to V. Sattui, I have driven past this unassuming vineyard dozens of times without knowing about this hidden gem. Recommended by some other port enthusiast, my cousin and I swung by to try the free tasting and was surprised by both ports that are available. The Ink Grade port is a shinning example of the best port has to offer. Smooth, rich, yet hints of ripe berries and sweet plum... this is a port that everyone will love. Even my cousin's fiance, who hates ports, thought this was tasty. The 2004 Grignolino Port was also delicious, with hints of orange and caramel. Its deep ruby hues reminds me of the antique ruby gem stones i covet at a local SF jeweler. This unassuming vineyard is highly recommended! http://www.heitzcellar.com/

1. Prager Winery & Portworks - To be short and sweet, this is a must stop for any port lover. The 2005 Aria White Port is magical and takes your taste buds on a Willy Wonka-esque adventure starting off nutty, then a fruity sweet flavor... and leaves you with a hint of burnt caramel. Mmmmmmmm... pure yumminess. The 2004 Royal Escort Port is nothing to be laughed at either. Coupled with the Prager's caramelized walnuts, it is nectar from the Gods and you think that you should always have liquid desserts before dinner. Tastings are $15 for 5 ports/wines and you can keep your glass. The gardens outside the tasting room are beautiful, however the tasting room (tucked away through a barrel cellar that leaves you smelling of oak and old vineyard) has aesthetics that needs polishing and reminds me a couple dive bars i've hoped to forget. In some ways this is a good thing as you know that the vineyard pours all it's love and energy into their wines. http://www.pragerport.com

Advice for Rome...

In honor of my kid brothers having a Roman holiday next week, I thought I would post some travel notes. My colleague, Ginger, gives this advice for travelers going to Rome:

1) When you visit the Coliseum, buy the tickets to the Forum. There is a separate (very short) line for the Forum. The ticket gets you into both the Forum and Coliseum, and you don't have to wait on the 4 hour line for Coliseum tickets.

2) Try the Pizza Dolche, if you can find it.

3) If you visit The Pantheon, eat at the restaurant with the outside tables (apparently you need to try the gnocchi and sage)

4) If you go to the Vatican, do the guided Vatican tour... its worth it. (And the non-vatican tours are bogus.) Keep in mind, if you look at every piece of art at the Vatican for one minute each, you'd be there for 7 years...

5) "Don't be afraid to do all the regular touristy stuff because it is UNBELIEVABLE!!"

(PLEASE NOTE: Photo posted is from another blog.)

Giants vs. Rockies

Yesterday, thanks to an unnamed director at my Firm, i was able to get my hands on two luxury box tickets to the Giants vs. Rockies game at AT&T Park. The ballpark is one of the most beautiful ball parks I've been too, with the stands facing the bay, and views of Oakland and the Bay Bridge. Luckily, I brought my Colorado Rockies gear back with me so that I can support my team and give the local fans a hard time. Although there were some nail biting moments, the Rockies stayed true against Barry Zito and show-off Torres, and won in the 11th Inning 2 -1. Of course, one of my friends in the box bought some Fat Tire so we could celebrate the Colorado's win! All in all, it was an extremely fun night with some good friends from the office. To quote my friend, I prefer to sit with the proliferate. However, an evening watching two of my favorite baseballs teams from the lap of luxury is not bad either.

Leopoldina Productions on the web!

It's official! My new professional photography website kicks off today! Please check it out!

I would just like to take some time to thank all my family and friends who have encouraged me to believe in my dreams and take things to the next level! I need to start scanning all my film and add them to the site soon... in the meantime, there are enough tasty treats to use as a digital portfolio. Enjoy!

3 Best Kept Secrets of DIA...

Happy Memorial Day! First and foremost, in honor of this day, I want to give a special shout out to my brother Jake and his colleagues who risk their lives everyday for our country. Coming from a family of US Veterans, I also want to thank all the men & women who have sacrificed their blood, sweat, and tears for us over the years. I saw a shirt that said, "Home of the free because of the brave!" I totally believe that and I am grateful for all you do!

I am celebrating from the halls of the Denver International Airport, on my way back to San Francisco. Being a frequent traveler through DIA, I thought i share it three best kept secrets, in Late-Night Show style:

Secret # 3: Terminal A Security Check-In

Anyone who has gone through the long security lines in DIA knows how time consuming they can be. The secret is the Terminal A entrance on the Departures level by the airlines check-in desk. (If you are facing the Burger King, head left to the end of the corridor.) First of all, even with long lines, its quick and fast. And there is always an interesting art/history exhibit in the glass cases along the way to keep you entertained. If your flight isn't departing from Terminal A, no worries - just shoot down the elevator to the Tram. Believe me, this has saved me hours of long security line waiting.

Secret # 2: Bathrooms by Arrivals

As any woman traveler knows, using the restrooms in the airport means long lines and small awkward stalls with gross sinks. Take my advice, and use the restrooms on the main floor of DIA next to the Arrival exit in the main hub. Not only are the stalls super big, the restrooms are beautifully designed with tile inlay and extremely clean. But the best part is that there is almost never a line!

Secret #1: The New Belgium Taproom in Terminal B

Makers of my favorite beer, Fat Tire, I always try to find an excuse to visit New Belgium brewery in Fort Collins, CO. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that New Belgium have a Taproom/Restaurant at the end of the United Terminal (Terminal B, by gate 90) Not only do they have my favorite Colorado beers on tap, they have great food and views that overlook the runways. If you have a long layover or arrive early for a flight, swing by and enjoy one of Colorado's best exports.

MeadowGrass Music Festival - Part 2

Here are some photos, courtesy of my Dad, for today's closing acts, Great Lake Swimmers and The Greencards. Both were outstanding! Check them out!













The Great Lake Swimmers!





Greencards:

MeadowGrass Music Festival

My Dad surprised my mom and I with a BBQ picnic dinner and tickets to the MeadowGrass Music Festival in Black Forest, CO this evening. What a treat, especially with the unusually warm Colorado weather! This bluegrass festival is hosted at La Foret Camps, with the beautiful Black Forest and Rocky Mountains as a back drop.

Tonight's line-up was sponsored by the Black Rose Acoustic Society, a community that hosts an open stage concert bi-weekly at the Black Forest Community Center. My parents are members and are looking forward to going to more shows now that their youngest chickling is leaving the nest.

The concert kicked off with Changing Colors, a Manitou Springs based band of two brothers (Conor and Ian Bourgal) that sounds like a cross between Glen Hansard of The Frames and Guggenheim Grotto, with s sprinkle of old school Ryan Adams. In other words, my kind of sad folk music.

Next, we were in for a treat with a special jam session of a group of instructors from the Colorado Roots Music Camp called "The Uncamped Band." The group included Cary Black on Bass, Raul Reynoso and Cyd Smith on Guitar, and Fiddle virtuoso Kailin Yong. This group of talented musicians played a variety of music and jazzy solos that gave a peek into what happens when you put a room full of talent together and see what happens. Their rendition of Nuages by Django Reinhardt brought the crowd to their feet with a standing ovation.

The final band to take the stage is a Colorado Springs treasure called Grass it Up! This fun bluegrass band lit of the stage with a mixture of old blueglass covers and original music. It was hard to stay in your chair with their fast picking tunes sung by lead David Jeffrey and the fantastic fiddling of "Black Beard," aka Ben Lewis. Grass It Up performs every Wednesday in Colorado Springs at the Front Range BBQ, a venue that has grown into a hub for bluegrass music in Colorado and a showcase for nationally touring bluegrass bands. If you are in the Colorado Springs area on a Wednesday evening, I recommend you check them out.

As it was getting late when Grass It Up wrapped up their jam session, we didn't stay for the BonFire post-show picking contest with the various bands. I am sure it was a ton of fun! As the La Foret camps have both cabins and campsites available for the weekend as part of the entrance fees, I told my parents that next year we should make plans to camp-in at least one night. Either way, I am planning to go back on Sunday night and hopefully see my old friend, Brock Gleeson. (Shameless plug, check out Brock's new EP "Water" at his website linked here.) With the Sunday line-up including the Great Lake Swimmers and The Greencards, I am sure it will be a ton of fun! If you are in the area, check it out!

To hear songs from last year's line up, click here.

Bon Voyage, Peanut!

My littlest brother, Peanut, graduated from high school last week and is now on his first solo flight... all the way to Germany. Inspired from his departure, I thought I post a eight step guide for departing on your first solo flight (paparazzi style).

Step #1: Say Goodbye to those you love...
















Step #2: Check to see if you have all your valuables. aka: Track down the postman with your European cell phone...









Step #3: Pack your fragile items with care...













Step #4: Make sure you have all your paperwork...











Step #5: Get some fatherly advice...











Step #6 (thanks to Caribou Coffee): Be a Hero minus the dorky cape (otherwise known as, give your sister a hard time so that she misses you...)
















Step #7: Leave without looking back (so you can't see Mom crying)...











Step #8: Don't forget to send postcards back to those who love & miss you...
















All joking aside... I love you, Peanut! Have an awesome time! I can't wait to hear about all your adventures!

Hiking Colorado - North Cheyenne Canyon

Today, my mom and i decided to enjoy the beautiful summer weather and go for an "easy" hike. After debating the many amazing trails in the Colorado Springs area, my mom suggested that we check out Helen Hunt Falls in North Cheyenne Canyon Park.

Up for an adventure, my mom, uncle, and I jumped in the car and thought we check it out. We were in for a surprise. As we winded through the long mountain road in North Cheyenne Canyon, we drove past a beautiful river surrounded by several trail heads and picnic grounds. Only a few minutes short drive from Old Colorado City and downtown Colorado Springs, I was surprised how close this mountain refuge was... and more surprised that I never hiked the trail before.

The trail started at the base of a water fall. The late afternoon sun quickly racing behind the mountain, the beautiful waterfall and greenery was a delicious respite from the early afternoon's heat. The hike, although a short 1/2 mile, follows the river straight up the mountain to beautiful views. Although it is a good 15-20 minute workout for the out of towner, it was worth it. (There are a lot of benches to stop and catch your breath along the way! My mom, the local, did the hike with her arm in a sling with no problem.)

Doing some quick detective work, I came upon this description of North Cheyenne Cañon Park by the city of Colorado Springs:

North Cheyenne Cañon Park, known for its towering evergreens and wildflowers, stunning rock formations, hiking paths and waterfalls, was a popular camping ground for American Indians, particularly the Ute tribes. Purchased in 1885, General Palmer and Fred Chamberlain enhanced the park with more donations of land. The High Drive and Crystal Park Trail traverse the steep sides of the mountains. The Bruin Inn provided visitors a spot to buy refreshments near Helen Hunt Falls. Eventually, the Columbine Trail was built from the mouth of the Cañon three miles up to Helen Hunt Falls. Between 1914 and the 20s, massive stone bridges, walls and arches were constructed throughout the valley. North Cheyenne Cañon Park is now 1,626 acres, including the Stratton Open Space. Helen Hunt Falls and Starsmore Discovery Center are popular visitor centers in the park which feature nature exhibits, a climbing wall and educational programs.

Hiking Colorado - Garden of the Gods

Located only a few short miles away from my parents home in Colorado Springs is a majestic park filled with dramtic red sandstone rock formations that has made it world famous. It wouldn't be a trip home without a hike in Garden of the Gods and a snapshot or two of the infamous rock formations, include the one called "the kissing camels" in the photo above.

According to legend, the 1350 acre city park got its name from two surveyors, who started out from Denver City to begin a townsite, soon to be called Colorado City in August 1859. While exploring nearby locations, they came upon the sandstone formations. M. S. Beach, who related this incident, suggested that it would be a "capital place for a beer garden" when the country grew up. His companion, Rufus Cable exclaimed, "Beer Garden! Why it is a fit place for the Gods to assemble. We will call it the Garden of the Gods."

With a plethora of hiking trails and magnificent views, this is a must stop for any visitor to the Colorado Springs. Whether it is an easy stroll winding through the largest rock formation on Perkins Cental Garden Trail (which is a 1.5 mile paved loop that is handicap accessible) or the challenging and rocky 3 mile Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trail that nearly circles the entire park, there is something for every level of hiker.

For those history buffs: The land was originally purchased in 1879 by Charles Elliott Perkins, the head of the Burlington Railroad, with the intent to build a summer home by the urging of General William Jackson Palmer, who founded Colorado Springs. According the park website, Perkins later added to the property but never built on it, preferring to leave his wonderland in its natural state for the enjoyment of the public. Perkins died in 1907 before he made arrangements for the land to become a public park, although it had been open to the public for years. In 1909, Perkins' children, knowing their father's feeling for the Garden of the Gods, conveyed his four-hundred eighty acres to the citizens of Colorado Springs and declared the park, "forever free to all the people of the world."

You can find maps and more information at http://www.gardenofgods.com