Did some wine tasting recently at Tank Garage Winery in Calistoga, CA. Housed in a restored 1930’s service station, the tasting room exudes a punk-lounge-meets-‘50s-diner vibe. The fun extends to the wines — all blends with some funky combinations, and they never repeat the same wine (or DIY-style label) twice. What’s available is unique to their current releases.

Shunning appellations and styles (most wines are simply “California”, but taste far more expensive) keeps bottle prices astoundingly low for Napa Valley (most bottles range from the mid-$30’s to upper-$40’s, but do of course creep up a bit for blends that feature Napa Valley cab). And tastings are only $30, a relative bargain anymore.

If you’re looking for a fun alternative to the typical Napa wine experience, seek these guys out. And Calistoga in general, actually. While technically in very northern Napa Valley, it really does seem a world away.

#napa #wine #calistoga #winetasting

https://www.tankgaragewinery.com/

Was fortunate enough to snag a ticket to Community Day at the Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity Archives (https://www.eamesinstitute.org/visit/) in Richmond, CA. This free event featured an abbreviated version of their usual $85 tour, and was only announced in a couple of small local media outlets as a thank you to the community on their one-year anniversary of opening. Only a few full tours are offered each week, and tickets disappear immediately when released.

TBH, I wasn’t all that familiar with the Eames’ work. I was aware of the chairs, of course, but had no clue about the people who designed them. More than just furniture makers, the Eameses were true artists and designers, making everything from films to art to signs.

It’s a privilege to have this collection practically in my backyard. It’s a truly fascinating glimpse into two amazingly gifted artists.

#Eames #InteriorDesign #Furniture #Art #RichmondCA #Museum #Archives