Did you know that the town of Yountville has a Michelin star for every 580 residents?

After The Astronomer and I brunched on the greatest steak and eggs ever at Ad Hoc, we took a relaxing stroll down Washington Street to The French Laundry‘s meticulously groomed garden. The three-acre garden, which is located across the street from the famed eatery, provides all three of Thomas Keller’s Yountville restaurants with fresh vegetables, herbs, and inspiration. In fact, the frisée that we devoured at Ad Hoc was picked fresh from here earlier in the morning.

Meandering along the neat rows of beets, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts on a Sunday afternoon was idyllic and calming.

Everywhere I looked were heads of happy lettuces and sprouts. Everyone who makes the trip out to Yountville must stop by this amazing green space, if just for a moment, to take in the peace and beauty.

Before driving back to Los Angeles, we made one last stop at our friend Scott’s house—Young Inglewood Wineries—in the town of St. Helena.

Sadly, Scott was out of town, but he left The Astronomer and me a special surprise wrapped in a brown paper bag on his front porch. The wine he gifted us was bottled a week prior, so labels hadn’t been printed yet. We’re going to enjoy the bottle of ’07 red (60% Cab Sauv, 30% Merlot, 10% Cab Franc), French oak (~50% new) with grilled steaks or bucatinni and meatballs. Thanks, Scott!

The Astronomer gets a big smooch for planning a spectacular weekend in Wine Country.