Dry Creek Passport Weekend - Day 4: Heading Back to San Francisco

Rodney, Don, John and I drove back to San Francisco on Monday. We got a late start because I HAD to take advantage of the spa at the Healdsburg Inn and had a "little" shopping to do at Xtravaganza on the square. Okay, noon isn't that late.

We decided to drive back through Napa for a change of pace and I wanted to make a stop at the St. Helena Olive Oil Company. On the way across Mark West Road, I suggested a detour to another of our club wineries - Dutch Henry. In addition to their great red wines, we found a wonderful 2009 Sauvignon Blanc and Rose. Both had just been released the day before. Rodney and Don also picked up a great Merlot and the Chafen Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. They promised to share the Chafen with us if we cooked...a small price to pay.

Next stop was the St. Helena Olive Oil Company where we picked up some Rosemary Olive Oil, 19 year old Balsamic Vinegar (see post about Barndiva Sandra's Balsy), Smoked Sea Salt, Hot Pepper Sauce, and Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce. I'm pleased to say that Rodney and Don did even more damage.

Next stop was a recommendation from Elizabeth Wiley at Meadowlark Restaurant. (Wiley has never steered us wrong and this was no exception.) Mustard's Grill is not your typical truck stop. They have their own garden where they grown vegetables and herbs for use in the restaurant. None of us could decide what to have and everything we had was wonderful. I bought the cookbook so be nice and maybe I'll cook for you.

We made one last stop at Chandon for a quick sparkling tasting.

We are already planning on returning for Passport 2011 (April 30 - May 1). If you are interested in joining us, let me know. I'm already looking into our lodging options as we would all like to stay at the same place this time.