Rain in Napa....

There is a lot of rain right now in Napa, but the air is crisp and clean. Tasting rooms are slow and the towns are quiet, but the treasures are many and this is such a good time to sneak away for the weekend.  The CIA Greystone just launched an olive oil and chocolate tasting bar, can't wait to try it. Downtown Napa has a special tasting card that works for 14 tasting rooms downtown. Perfect time to check out downtown and have lunch at Oxbow market. Norman Rose Tavern, a gastropub downtown, is getting a lot of buzz as well. A few famous chefs including Chef Morimoto plan to open restaurants downtown this summer. The area is started to feel rejuvenated and if they can just landscape along the river and create a pretty walking path, it will become a wonderful destination. Yountville still offering it's moveable feast with some great deals at their local restaurants as well as some great hotel deals. Farmstead is opening a new restaurant on hwy 29 in St. Helena that will add to the farm to table fresh options in Napa valley. From what I hear, spring flowers are starting to bloom due to some early sun. Heading back next week and I can't wait!