b'4DAY TWO The following morning we left the tranquility of Sonoma for theNapa Valley where we were joined by proprietor Tim Duncan at Silver Oak Cellars in Oakville for a private tour and luncheon. Theancestor of the Duncan family was Nicholas Duncan from CountyMayo in the West of Ireland, who settled in New Jersey in 1841, thesame year in which he married Isabella McBoyle, whose family originated from the town of Boyle in County Roscommon.RaymondT. Duncan (whose middle name is Twomey after his mothersmaiden name) first engaged in the California wine trade, when inpartnership with Justin Meyer, he established Silver Oak Cellars inAlexander Valley, Sonoma County, in 1972.For 40 years, they havebeenproducingexceptional,food-friendlyCabernetsthatare 5extensively aged to be drinkable upon release. Their Alexander Valley and Napa Valley Cabernet wines are as distinctive as they aredelicious. The Silver Oak and Twomey wines were beautifully pairedwith Chef Dominic Orsinis delicious menu. You can find his recipesat www.silveroak.com/food/recipes.After such a gracious and charming luncheon, we made our wayto our home for the next three nights, the Villagio Inn & Spa inYountville, Napa Valleythe ideal location for exploring the NapaValley. We dined at Clos Pegase in Calistoga where founder and proprietor Jan Shrem created a temple to art and wine, sharing notonly his wine, but his personal art collection with guests.The visitwas both an enlightening and enjoyable experience, with figuresfrom Greek and Roman mythologyfrom Pegasus to Bacchus andGaiamaking continual appearances in the art and architecture ofthe winery, and the unique cave theatre.6connect2014 | 60'