Typical Friday in the Napa Valley

So, it's trite and touristy, but if you know good folks (like us!) you can make a memorable tour out of an afternoon in Napa. How about a visit to the Hess Collection on Mt. Veeder?

Up 29, West side of the Valley, typical stuff. We sidetracked off to Redwood Road, West of Napa, through a typical subdivision, past a few road splits, looking (and praying?) for the first of only the two signs, through forest, tight turns, redwood trees, narrow mountain roads, and then...

The tasting room is on the left, but there are two floors of absolutely wonderful art pieces collected by Donald Hess. Stunning stuff, mostly over sized, and superbly done.

All this on the side of a mountain on the West side of Napa Valley. You don't get here by mistake, believe me; you have to know what you want.

And yes, there's wine. Good stuff. Just look for "Hess Collection" at your local wine shop. And, next time you're in the neighborhood, please visit. You'll have a memory for life.