Live from Napa

In addition to working as an editor for Body+Soul (which is now going to be called "Whole Living" magazine, btw), I do a live, daily radio show called "Whole Living" for Martha Stewart Living Radio on Sirius 112/XM 157 (10a, 7w) (You can sign up for a free trial of Sirius XM, too). And this week we're doing a remote broadcast from the Napa Valley Mustard Festival, live from the Villagio Inn & Spa in Yountville, CA. Needless to say, we're having a lovely time.

Yesterday, my radio producer Jennifer Sendrow and I went on a Napa Valley Bike Tour--really a lot of fun, and a great way to see the region. We also loved our guide, Vito the part-time vegan-tour guide-entrepreneur-relationship coach (no joke). We'll have him on the air on Friday and it will be a trip.

While it was a hair chillier than I would have liked, nothing beats pedaling through postcard view after postcard view.

Let me tell you something I learned that fascinated me, from Fran at Baldacci vineyards. Of ALL the types of soil on the planet Earth, the
Napa Valley region has 50% of those types. Meaning it's rich and varied
and comprehensive as far as dirt goes--and that's why you can try a
pinot noir in one place, go up over the hill and into a neighborning
area, perhaps even on a neighboring hillside, and the wine you get from
those grapes will in fact taste different. Fascinating, right?

We stopped at several wineries for tastings throughout the day, including Baldacci, Rugusci, Laird, and Hopper Creek Winery - and while the first three were a bit fancier and more formal, Hopper Creek took the cake for the most informal and fun. We basically sat at the bar in Dan Blach's barn and hung out. He's a character.

If you detest stuffy and want a down-home, thumb-your-nose-at-big-business feel, Dan's your guy. We enjoyed all our tastings, but it's probably no coincidence that Jen and I both bought our only wine that day from him.

Afterwards, we joined the rest of the Martha radio clan and hit up Mustards for dinner. Pretty phenomenal meal. If you're in Napa, you have to check it out. I ordered something I'd never ordered before: Spiced-Smoked Duck, blood orange, wild rice, early spring onion confit.

Eating and drinking, quite simply are sport out here in Napa. After my juice cleanse, I'll admit it's a bit of a shock. But what a delicious shock it is.

Tune in to WHOLE LIVING, 10a, 7w on Martha Radio, sirius 112, XM 157!

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