Mira The Newfoundland, Miramonte Wineries, Temecula, California

*remember clicking on the pictures enlarges them

We were greeted by Mira, The Newfoundland as soon as we got out of the car. She sauntered slowly over to us from her shady spot under the tree, as if on cue. Unsure where to go, we followered her to the door around back. Mira seemed to know the way. She walked up a ramp, obviously made just for her.....

She walked behind the counter in search of someone to assist us. She continued her trek into the back room where she announced our arrival. Or at least it seemed that way; as immediately thereafter we were greeted by someone to pour wine for us.

Her job done, Mira rejoined us in the main room and laid down at our feet while we tasted wine and chatted with the hostess. We'd been sent to this particularly winery, Miramonte because I like Pinot Grigio Wine. One of the workers from another winery where we lunched (next post); suggested we make a stop here. She said they were known for their Pinot Grigio.

Miramonte was founded in 2000 and since that time has grown by purchasing additional lands to produce more grapes. They have a nice blog and webpage where you can order wine and learn more about their special Etched Bottles. Like many of the wineries in Temecula Valley, California they have a wine club, and wine tasting. They have entertainment on Friday and Sat; though we elected to avoid the crowds we experienced on our last venture to Temecula and opted for a week day visit. The etched bottles probably appeal to the younger set with a large red tongue sticking out. Not a fan personally; but the etching's were indeed not just painted on...they were etched. They also cater large group events.

You can enjoy your wine on the nice outdoor patio. Even if the weather's a bit cool table heaters are provided. The view from the patio was very nice and peaceful. We were here at the end of the business day; so once we did our tasting at the counter indoors, we made a purchase and headed back to our condo.

This nice bottle of Pinot Grigio was carefully packed in my suitcase for the journey home; as were the 2 wine glass. You keep your wine glasses from the wine tasting; as a souvenir, which is also helpful in remembering which winery you enjoyed. Once home I put colorful napkins in the glasses hoping you can see the logo for Miramonte Wineries (front and back).

The journey across the mountain pass to reach Temecula is beautiful. Lots of switchbacks and here's Ernie and I at one of the beautiful vista's along the way.

We had a beautiful day in the sun; though it was quite windy. No doubt that's obvious to you from my blown hairdo. The valley is below us.

If you'd like to learn more about Newfoundlands, please visit my SIL's blog and be sure and tell her I sent ya. She takes part in rescues.

HEY...did you miss Stanley's adventure?

Pack Traveling Wine Glasses

You might be scratching your head right now as you look at this picture and wonder what's the lady showing me a picture of a broken wine glass for? Nah, it's not broken; it's packable. Is there such a word as packable? If not, I think there should be. The picture on the left is what it looks like broken down, packable. Takes very little room.

Step 2, the glass on the right is what you'll see when you turn and pull the stem portion out. Note the screw area on the top of the stem, and that same area on the bottom of the bowl. That's how you put it together. Easy and quick. Simply screw it together.
This picture shows your very nice non breakable packable stemmed wine glass. This is a must for your all traveling needs. I pack 2 of these wine glasses oallthe time when I travel. They're light weight so not an issue even if flying vs car traveling. These 2 are new ones hubby purchased for me on one of our recent traveling excursions. After many years, many miles and lots of vacations the ones I had were scratched and didn't look nice. Though they are still quite usable and have made their way from our traveling/vacation box to our football tailgating box.

I highly recommend these to ease all your packing troubles. I dislike drinking wine from a paper cup in a hotel room, or worse a Styrofoam cup. The other added advantage is a non breakable glass when sitting at the pool side, on the beach, or relaxing from a patio or balcony in our travels. And since it's reusable, it far more environmental friendly than those Styrofoam cups and glasses in the hotel rooms.

Even if you're not a wine drinker, these would be handy and nicer to drink from than the Styrofoam and paper often in hotel rooms.

St. Charles, Missouri

St. Charles, Missouri (Saint Charles, Missouri), you'll find it listed both ways. A beautiful little quaint village. Old shops to cruise, cafe's to enjoy a fabulous glass of local wine. Art, antiques and more. Peaceful little sleepy little village along the river.

St. Charles was founded in 1769 by Louis Blanchette, a French Canadian Fur Trader, The Rendezvous and jumping off point for The Lewis and Clark Expedition, first Capital of the State of Missouri in 1826, and home of Daniel Boone one of the first settlers who built a home in the area. It is the oldest settlement in northern Missouri and the third oldest in the state. Originally named for St. Charles Borromeo, Arch Bishop of Milan Italy. There is much history here to explore and enjoy. There were the French Fur Trappers, the Native Americans, an influx of German immigration in 1830, as well as Spanish influence in this beautiful little village.

San Carlos Borromeo was the name of the 2nd church built in the area. A beautiful statue of San Carlos Borromeo, Patron Saint of Learning sits on a hill over looking the village.

This plaques documents The mission given by President Thomas Jefferson to Lewis and Clark with a quote from Thomas Jefferson and a journal entry from William Clark.

We spent a very enjoyable day here and I look forward to a return visit. A short car ride from St. Louis, it's easy to make a day trip. Though it might be fun to lodge there next time in one of the historic bed and breakfast locations.

**Will explore Daniel Boone's house in Defiance in a few days, don't miss it.
***Still have a couple of weeks to vote, I do truly appreciate your voting for my blog.

Sausalito, California

Salsalito, across the bay from San Francisco is worth an afternoon of touring. The quaint city on the hillside has narrow winding streets lined with flower boxes adorning the windows. A busy little place, heavy traffic. Park the car and walk, you'll see more. A fun place to shop, tour art galleries, and have lunch or a snack but pricey!

A jumping off point for many tours of the wine country, though you can taste plenty without hoping a tour bus. This glass was the largest wine glass I've consumed wine in. And one glass was enough!
As we crossed the bridge, we looked across the cloudy bay towards San Francisco.

A HUGE packing barge/ship. These are busy ports. We actually had a hard time even seeing the ship with our eyes, but through the beauty of computer edits; I am able to show it to you against the backdrop of San Francisco

This view gives you a feel for how hilly it is, and how the houses are built into the hillside. Just outside the city is a floating city where houseboats are plentiful. Salsalito is home to the #1 Art Festival in the country held annually on Labor Day. We felt one afternoon of walking around was enough; though perhaps exploring the night life would have been fun. I wouldn't say this is a must to add to your travelagenda; but if you're in the area spend a few hours.

Wine Country

Napa is not the only wine country destination in California. We were staying in Southern California in Desert Springs and a beautiful hour plus drive away is Temecula. Up over a mountain pass, some fantastic scenery awaits you...be aware though, in some places the road is narrow and no guard rail exists. A fun day, one I recommend.

You buy a pass at the various wineries which entitle you to taste x number of wines. We did a double pass and got 6 sips at 2 different wineries. Hubby and I tried not to get the same 6 sips. At each winery you leave with your sample wine glass. This is the price list, and special glass from LaCereza. Hubby liked the Champagne's here, though I was partial to The Pinot Grigio.

Mountains in the far distance with the vines in the foreground make a peaceful setting. We stopped for lunch at Meritage, which is just to the right of this field. Meritage is nestled in hills on The Calloway Winery. Here, I recommend Sangiovese.


A fun day, a scenic drive! There are no rest rooms, or places to eat in route across the mountain pass so go prepared. We were there on a Sat., on a return visit I would make a point to go through the week to be able to have smaller crowds.

Adult Day, not family oriented.