Explore Napa Like You’ve Got a Friend On The Inside (You Do!)

Explore Napa Like You’ve Got a Friend On The Inside (You Do!)

Explore Napa Like You’ve Got a Friend on the Inside (You Do!) Your perfect trip to wine country — and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Napa Valley isn’t just about wine; it’s a lifestyle. One that celebrates the best things in life: beauty, nature, play, community,...
Quinoa Salad

Quinoa Salad

Recipe for the Platypus Quinoa Salad Ingredients One cup of “regular” quinoa Two cups of vegetable or chicken broth One small onion, coarsely chopped Two cucumbers, peeled and chopped Two yellow/summer squash chopped One red bell pepper chopped 3-4 scallions chopped...
Sonoma: the Town, the Valley, the County

Sonoma: the Town, the Valley, the County

When you say “Sonoma” to a local, we assume you mean the town of Sonoma. Like NYC—when someone says “New York,” they usually mean the city, not the state or the county. So if a wine country local asks, “Sonoma-Sonoma?” with a curious, cocked head, it’s because they’re...
Golden Beet Sauerkraut with Turmeric

Golden Beet Sauerkraut with Turmeric

Empty heading by Sam Paone of Golden State Pickle Works, Collective Cultures, and Jarring Everything Ingredients10 ounces Green Cabbage 1 ounce Gold Beets 1 ounce Kohlrabi 1 ounce Carrots 1 teaspoon fresh turmeric (or 1/4 teaspoon dried) About 8 – 10 grinds from...
Napa Or Sonoma

Napa Or Sonoma

A practical guide to choosing the wine country experience that fits your preferences, plans, and travel style.   Full disclosure: I have lived in Sonoma for almost 25 years. However I have worked in the wine industry in both Napa and Sonoma for most of those...