By Michelle Portesi
Our winter this year has been a freaky, pathetic, sorry excuse for one, to say the least. While we’ve been severely lacking in snow, we’ve also still had freezing cold temperatures, overcast days intermingled with freakishly warm, sunny ones. And then, snow again in fits and spurts. We’ll take it. We need the water, but…
Either way, by April, I’m fairly sick of winter no matter what the snow accumulation…or lack thereof. I start longing for fecund greenery, a riot of colorful gardens and consistently warm sunny days, which we won’t be seeing here in mountain country for a few more months to come. To feed the fantasy of warmer climes, I’ll find myself watching ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ – yet again- to get my warming Mediterranean climate fix. And then I’ll do the next best thing. I’ll plan a trip to Napa.
One of the greatest things about living at the Lake Tahoe basin is the proximity to just about every type of area: Ocean, Desert, Big City Urban and especially, Wine Country.
Fortunately, at just the apex of my ‘I’m sick of winter ‘ doldrums, Napa hosts a marvelous event every year at the end of April called ‘Kitchens in the Vineyards’. (April 25, 2015). A tour of usually 5 houses (most notably, their kitchens), often set on estates or vineyards themselves, it’s a chance to see some amazing architecture and interior design, stroll through some lovely gardens, dine on wonderful food – (Some of the area’s top chefs have edible tidbits at every home) …and of course, in between the tours, drink great wine.
Peju Winery. Photo by Michelle Portesi
The tour is self guided at your leisure. We’ll often start with a nice breakfast, see a house or two, stop for lunch, see a few more houses while maybe stopping at a winery in between – and then pick a wonderful outdoor evening dinner venue.
While we’re still suffering freezing temps here, Napa is bursting with Springtime fervor. Roses in heavy bloom, gardens in full swing and the many wineries in the area are gearing up for the new vintages to be bottled this season. And forget the movie ‘Sideways’. Swill that Merlot if you please, and Cabs and Chardonnays too!
The Roman Spa, Calistoga CA
But what is really wonderful about this event is the tour itself. Whether you’re considering a new house purchase, selling a house, staging a house, updating your decor or gearing up for a remodel, you’ll walk away with an amazing array of inspiring ideas for both inside and out!
To purchase tickets for the house tour: musicinthevineyards.org
THINK OF ME, LYNN RICHARDSON, FOR ALL OF YOUR LAKE TAHOE AND TRUCKEE REAL ESTATE NEEDS!
YOUR FRIEND IN HIGH PLACES 
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