Earlier this month we took a quick trip to wine country– WITH AN INFANT!! I’m here to report that you can totally do it, but you should be prepared to ensure you make the most of your trip. Be sure to make a reservation before arriving as most wineries only allow children during specific hours and it fills up quickly. Also, be sure to pack your baby wrap bc there a few vineyards that banned strollers.

Continue reading A PINCK Guide to: Napa at Shades of Pinck.

There is no better feeling than being able to check something off of your bucket list!

While on my latest trip to Napa, I did just that. I was finally able to dine at THE French Laundry. You know…that world famous restaurant that has received like every honor & accolade imaginable and takes months to get a reservation?! Yeah, that one! Anyone who is anyone has eaten here (think: athletes, politicians, food critics, movie stars, EVERYONE).

Continue reading The BEST restaurant in the world, no really // The French Laundry at Shades of Pinck.

Running late for a tasting in Napa, specifically the town of Calistoga, I was starving and desperately in need of a quick bite to eat (because you should never do wine tastings on an empty stomach).

It was then that I stumbled across Buster’s Southern BBQ, a quaint little restaurant on Foothill Boulevard, and decided to try a little northern California BBQ. Being that I’m from South Carolina, I know a thing or two about BBQ…as it is basically a food group here.

Continue reading A quick bite in Napa // Buster’s BBQ at Shades of Pinck.

It doesn’t matter if you buy a bottle of wine from your local grocery store every Wednesday night or if you have the occasional glass at celebratory dinners, if you enjoy wine, even slightly, Napa Valley should be on your list of places to experience. Most people think that you have to be at least a level one sommelier to enjoy Napa, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It is actually the perfect place to become more knowledgeable of your favorite types of wine, and an even better place to taste new ones.

Continue reading 5 wineries + vineyards you should visit in Napa Valley at Shades of Pinck.

There aren’t very many good reasons to be up and about before the first ray of sunlight has even broken through darkness. Unless, of course, you’ve rolled out of bed to experience Napa Valley from its best angle. In that case, you’ve found more than just a good reason–you’ve found a great one!

Nestled in the heart of Yountville you’ll find the launch site of Napa Valley Aloft, a family-owned commercial ballooning company that has taken their love and knowledge of hot air balloons and created a uniquely memorable experience for tourists and natives alike.

Continue reading The most spectacular view of Napa Valley at Shades of Pinck.