One of my favorite memories from my trip to San Francisco.
A key to understanding the differences between wines: tannins. Tannins are the textural elements that make wine taste dry. In most cases, there are a higher concentration of tannins in red wines than white wines.
You should drink most white wines within 1-2 years, the sooner the better. Red Wines are better with age,10-20 years. Why you ask? Back to tannins. Tannins allow wine to better with age.
You are told to “swirl” your glass of wine, particularly reds, but works for whites as well, to make it softer on your tannins and brings out the true aroma.
Most wines are named after the key grape variety used to make them and some regions are better at certain types of grape varieties than others. For instance, Napa Valley is known for their Cabernet Sauvignon made with the cabernet sauvigon grape grown in the region.
If you can’t see through the glass, it’s a good red wine.
Hopefully I didn’t just lie to yall… lol
BONUS:
From my friend to yours — time for a dinner party!
» The Reticulated Giraffe at the San Francisco Zoo | The smallest giraffe in the first frame (on the right) is only 6 weeks old! At the end of the video, you can see the zoo keeper on his way out to greet us.
In coordination with the scheduled feeding, the zoo keeper spent over 25 minutes with us answering questions about the giraffes, and providing general knowledge about the zoo’s mission and how they care for the animals.
Though the zoo is small in size, it was the perfect mid-afternoon adventure.
“Your city is remarkable not only for its beauty. It is also, of all the cities in the United States, the one whose name, the world over, conjures up the most visions and more than any other, incites one to dream.”
This picture captures so many elements of San Francisco — plummeting streets, sideways cars, and beautiful views of the water and surrounding cities
My trip to San Francisco was just the change in scenery I needed. I was able to visit most of the ‘must-see’ sites without adhering to a crazy, pre-planned schedule. For people who like to do short trips, I think 4 days, 5 nights is plenty of time to get a feel for the city and its unique culture. The fact that it is only 49 square miles makes it that much easier.
Day 1: Napa Valley, Golden Gate Bridge, In-N-Out, the Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf (Bistro Boudin)
The obligatory picture of the Golden Gate Bridge on our way to Napa Valley. We started with a tour of the Marina, and made a quick pitstop at In-N-Out for lunch right off Rt. 101.
Day 2: Tour of San Francisco | Haight Ashbury (Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery), Alamo Park, Painted Ladies, Full House House, Mrs. Doubtfire House, Ghirardelli Chocolate Marketplace, the Presidio, Ocean Beach
I’m smiling, but I was tight! The new Full House owners repainted the house and blocked the front view with a tree — Danny Tanner would not approve.
Unbelievable view from Ocean Beach, almost no one else there. It looks dream-like here, but it was actually freezing!
Day 3: Ferry Building & Farmer’s Market (Mijita Cocina Mexicana), Saulsalito (Salito’s Crab House & Prime Rib), Street Car
Great food on Day 3 — make sure you get to the ferry a little early to explore the Farmer’s Market. Even though we couldn’t get tickets for the Alcatraz tour, we got an incredible glimpse on the ferry back to San Francisco.
Day 4: The Crepe House on Polk, San Francisco Zoo, Americano Restaurant & Bar, Google San Francisco Office
After dinner, I ended my trip with a tour of the Google San Francisco office right by the water complete with two trips down the slide, selfies in the photobooth and a little ping pong.
Since my return to the East Coast, every time I hear “Not A Bad Thing” on the radio I close my eyes and I can almost feel the warmth of the sun on my skin as we cruised over the Golden Gate bridge. San Francisco, my little piece of paradise.
