A Taste of Folktale Winery and Vineyards

woman tasting wine, picture

For my birthday this year, Joel and I did what we always do, got in the car and headed toward the coast. Instead of aimlessly driving the bending roads, this time we had a destination in mind: Folktale Winery and Vineyards.

image of two empty champagne glasses at a wooden table with greenery in the background

On a previous backroad adventure, we had driven past the beautiful estate on Carmel Valley Road and made plans to come back and check it out on my birthday in the coming weeks. When we arrived, we were immediately greeted with champagne. Smiling ear to ear, we made our way to an empty table in the back.

woman sipping wine, picture

As we took our seats, we looked around and enjoyed the ambiance. The soft noise of friends catching up filled the air, and the delicious smell of fresh bread put us at ease.

woman eating bread and cheese with wine, picture

We ordered one of each tasting flight, picking and choosing our favorites, attempting to describe the creative flavors. Of course we couldn’t resist the Wood Fired Artisan Bread Board with Sea Salted Cultured Butter and Pimento Cheese, too. We felt like we were back in the UK, making sure to savor every last bite.

woman tasting wine, picture

Once we realized our glasses were empty and the bread was all gone, we felt a rush of sadness, wishing we could stay a while longer. Joel and I became wine members that day. We laughed on the car ride home because we realized it was our first, big adult decision together. Folktale has that effect on you, or maybe it was just the wine.

Cheers to the Weekend

beer in woman's hand, picture

I’ve always been a wine or cocktail girl. Sure, maybe a cider from time to time too, but a beer? Not my cup of tea, so to speak.

Woman and man toasting to the weekend with their beer glasses, picture

But when your boyfriend loves a refreshing, cold one after work, and there’s a fun brewery down the street from your house, you decide to give it a go.

Steel Bonnet Brewery in Scotts Valley, California, picture

As it turns out, my taste buds grew accustomed to hazy IPAs, and I have to admit, beer pairs best with a veggie burrito from Taqueria Los Gallos next door. If you’re ever in Scotts Valley, head to Steel Bonnet Brewing Company for good vibes, good beer, and good company.

Picture of a woman's mule shoes and cropped denim

Cheers to the weekend!

On me: Universal Thread Mules // UO Blouse // H&M Oversized Sweater

Moss Landing

Moss Landing, Monterey, Hunter Rain Boots, Express Top, Sunset

Just 30 minutes South of Santa Cruz is beautiful Moss Landing.

Moss Landing, Monterey, Hunter Rain Boots, Express Top, Sunset

With a craving for Phil’s Fish Market, we decided to hop in the car and make the most of our afternoon.

Moss Landing, Monterey, Hunter Rain Boots, Express Top, Sunset

After filling up on artichokes and fish tacos, we went exploring.

Moss Landing, Monterey, Hunter Rain Boots, Express Top, Sunset

As we walked down a secluded path towards the sunset, we paused to take it all in…

Moss Landing, Monterey, Hunter Rain Boots, Express Top, Sunset

Once again, I opted to wear my trusty, new Hunters but this time paired them with a fancier, feminine top. I wasn’t sure if the combo would work but I was pleasantly surprised. That’s what’s so great about these boots—they’re versatile!

Moss Landing, Monterey, Sunset

“There’s a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they’re absolutely free. Don’t miss so many of them.” —Jo Walton

Morning Rituals

Our favorite place to get coffee in the Sunset is at Andytown. At one point, I think we were going there religiously once a week. From the atmosphere to the coffee, this place is is great if you are ever visiting San Francisco.

Andytown Coffee

2 Snowy Plovers (Pellegrino+espresso+whipped cream=perfection) & 1 Cappuccino

Andytown

Strawberry Corn Muffin & Vegetable Pastry

Andytown

Even on a foggy day, the Snowy Plover is a must. Once you try it, you’ll crave it.

For coffee runs, I usually wear a variation of this outfit:

Hollister Jacket

Hollister Jacket

H&M Sweatshirt

H&M Sweatshirt

ModCloth Flats

ModCloth Flats

Gap Jeans

Gap Jeans

“San Francisco is a city where people are never more abroad than when they are at home.” -Benjamin F. Taylor

Outerlandssf

Nordstrom Sunnies

Outerlands is one of my favorite spots to brunch in the city. They are located on Judah Street in the Inner Sunset, just a few blocks up from Ocean Beach. Since it is finally starting to feel like Spring in the city, we opted for outside seating.

Outerlands Sf

I ordered the iced ginger lemon apple cider–a perfect way to start the day. You can even add bourbon if you don’t have class to go to after!

outerlands sf

Joel began with a cappuccino…

outerlands sf

…then upgraded to a gin and juice (ford’s gin, fresh grapefruit, vanilla bean syrup). Their sandwiches really hit the spot. Joel got the cast-iron grilled cheese with avo.

outerlands sf

I chose their veggie sandwich (squash, feta, kale, romesco). Superb. Oh, and did I mention how much I loved the side of pickled veggies?! It was a refreshing touch.

outerlands sf

Our sweet tooth couldn’t be ignored. We split the glazed donut (matcha, pepita, grapefruit). It was served warm and satisfied our cravings.

selfie

We were completely stuffed, so we decided to walk it off at Lands End. As you can tell from the picture, Joel doesn’t like taking selfies as much as me. Fear not…it hasn’t stopped me from documenting our every move yet! (he-he)

Abercrombie T-shirt, Chelsea crew Sandals, Urban Pants, Nordstrom Sunnies

This is my go-to laid back look: cotton pants, a loose tee, sandals, and sunnies.

Abercrombie T-shirt, Chelsea crew Sandals, Urban Pants, Nordstrom Sunnies

“San Francisco is 49 square miles surrounded by reality.” – Paul Kanter