Day 9 - The realization we have to leave sets in

We started the day out by heading back over to Goosecross so that the rest of the gang could have a visit. Geoff was running late, so we headed to the tasting room to taste and shop. We were able to sample the Cabernet Franc and very much enjoyed it, taking a glass with us outside for a nice mid-morning respite. As we were finishing Geoff arrived giving every one an opportunity to say hello before we headed to our appointment at Nickel & Nickel.

We arrived at Nickel & Nickel, despite my brief bubble headed moment of heading the wrong direction, in time for our appointment. Wow what a beautiful winery. We were greeted in the "parlor", of the restored farmhouse, with a nice glass of Chardonnay before being escorted outside for the tour. We toured the barn, that was exported from the east coast and re-assembled with no nails, or metal only peg and groove and is now used for offices, lab and special events. Then on to the crush and fermentation area where we were able to meet Darice Spinelli, the wine maker, and thank her for time in setting this tour up for us. From the fermentation area we headed to the barrel room which was amazing and then to the basement of the farmhouse for a tasting of their single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. After we all drained our glasses we decided it was time for lunch.

We headed to St. Helena for lunch and to walk around shop and take a break from wine tasting - I know it was shocking when we all said we needed a break. Lisa and I decided that we wanted to find a candle that smelled like the fermentation and searched the St. Helena shops to no avail.

Since we all were leaving the next day we decided to head back to the hotels and get our belonging together for our departure the next day and to prep for our wonderful dinner planned for that evening.