Dana at the bar, busily not obsessing over her Blackberry.

The Carneros Inn is situated amid rolling hills of vineyards, in the heart of the Carneros appellation just south and west of the town of Napa. Gorgeous!

The weather this weekend was cool and rainy. This didn't diminish our enjoyment of the region and the facilities, but it did alter our game plan a bit.

Another signature shot of me dawdling with photos while Dana forges ahead.

I found the outward architecture to be a little bit cold and uninviting, like institutional housing or military barracks. Once you got inside the rooms, however, you quickly realize that there have never been barracks as tastefully furnished and appointed as these -- thoughtful attention to detail is evident throughout.

Each cottage has its own enclosed patio, complete with a space heater for when the clouds and cool air roll in off of the nearby San Francisco Bay.

An "arty shot" taken on our way back from one of the two restaurants on the property.

We did spend a rainy Saturday touring different wineries -- hiring a driver for the day made it possible.

Napa Valley is a jewel. This shot was is taken at Joseph Phelps winery, on the eastern fringe of the valley.

More Phelps.

This was taken at Niebaum-Coppola winery, illustrating the way that grape vines are commonly cultivated in a manner almost resembling crucifixion.

Portraiture by Dana, outside the Neibaum winery.