In which we visit Napa Valley, part 2

As I mentioned before, Zack and I had been to Napa Valley a few times before together, so we knew the general order of things and also had a few new places we wanted to try.  Unfortunately two of our previous favorites we're closed (Arger Martucci, I miss you!), but that left plenty of time to explore some new places.

The highlight of this trip for me was actually not a new winery, but new restaurant & bar!  Goose and Gander has to be one of my favorite bars I've ever been to, and that's saying a lot, this I love trying amazing cocktails everywhere I go + a two unit "filler" class I took senior year on the history of scotch whiskey makes me a discerning whiskey drinker aka old-man-in-a-24-year-olds-body.  Goose and Gander lived up to both high standards, with a cozy atmosphere, lively crowd, super friendly bartenders, and the perfect amount of people to space ratio to boot.  Don't miss this spot in St. Helena!  Basically the whole time we were there was a highlight, but I'd especially recommend trying a small batch production scotch from their list (so small that sometimes it's only 1 barrel!) and a whiskey cocktail.  I can't remember the name of mine, but it was topped with an apple coconut foam that was an amazing mix of sweet taste and interesting texture with the bitter whiskey.  (Food & drink reviewer I am not.)  I've been to bars with fresh herbs galore, but these drinks were serious... it takes about 10 minutes minimum to make each one, so it was a bonus that the bartenders were willing to talk to the patrons in between rounds.  Have I talked it up enough?  Make your way to Goose and Gander ASAP!

Besides good wine, tasty food, and a new playlist for driving from vineyard to vineyard, Napa really pulled through on the perfect February weather.  I know the California drought is awful and all, but I can't help enjoy the 70 degree summer weather in winter without the summer Napa crowds!  All in all, no complaints: a weekend spent in Napa is well spent.