One, Two, Three, GO

Beautiful view at Pleasant Ridge

Spring growth in the Vinyard at Pleasant Ridge Winery

Pretty at Pleasant Ridge

Liking all these spring blooms at Francis Coppola’s

Looking out from where we sat for dinner

We ate out on the terrace-it was a little breezy

These cabanas are all rented out for the whole summer already (Coppola’s)

Spring in the vineyard near the Terrace where we ate

Pool and scenery view

Nice view of vineyards at Coppola’s

We began the day in a leisurely fashion, even though we were up by 7:30 (California time)! Decided we should make a trial run to the airport so we would know where to go for our Hot Air Balloon ride EARLY in the morning….takes about 15 minutes to get there (later found out it is cancelled, but rescheduled for Thursday). Visited Railroad Square in Santa Rosa and had a delicious lunch while there.

The next decision was where our first “official” winery tour would be and decided on Paradise Ridge Winery. We had been told by a local that they have a sunset wine tasting but when we called, they said it begins NEXT Wednesday…..we decided to go ahead and visit them anyway and were GLAD we did. The view was absolutely gorgeous…..we even got to see a wedding rehearsal while enjoying our tasting.

Next, we went to the Francis Ford Coppola Winery. It was AMAZING!! The employees were so friendly and the scenery was even more beautiful than the previous winery. We decided to have dinner there and not only was the food fabulous, we were seated on the terrace and had a spectacular view (glad they brought blankets and draped them over our shoulders as it was a little breezy and cool). We heard over and over again (from the employees) that Mr. Coppola visits regularly and is very kind and engages them in conversation. He usually sits at a particular table near the pool and just hangs out. He is very family oriented and has recently celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary! Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Coppola!!

It has been a wonderful experience and this is only our first full day in the Sonoma/Napa area…..big plans for tomorrow so stay “tuned in.”