Franco and I left Paso Robles with mixed emotions. The wine, the people, the sunny California weather… all very tempting. However, we had our assignment in Washington and so we headed north. Since it was Franco’s first time in the US, we took the scenic route along the coast. My mistake! Franco was so in awe of the spectacular scenery in California and Oregon that he almost forgot what we were about. I have to admit that I was also impressed with the scenery. I had seen it before but “it never gets old.”

I am flabbergasted. There I was in the tasting room at Chateau Montelena. I happened to turn to my left and who was standing there but Franco. I had a strange feeling once we parted company in Italy that I would run into him again. Well, better sooner than later. It seems that Franco hit the lottery (for how much he will not say) in France and decided to come to America. He had decided, as had I, to tour the Napa Region. After a short bring-each-other-up-to-date session, we agreed to pool our resources and tour together. Why not, since he had purchased a 2011 Lincoln SUV? Whattasetofwheels!!