Along the Mayacamas Mountain Range, where the Pacific fog creeps up the Napa Valley in the late summer afternoon, a heavy mist disguises its calling card as deep green moss on majestic oak trees. An aged, gnarling oak branch frames a breathtaking view of the southern valley through a valance of leaves. The table top is adorned with acorn seedlings representing the native woodland circle-of-life in this world-renown wine region: from acorn to mighty oak tree; from oak tree to oak barrel – the guardian of the wine until it reaches maturity. A bottle of chardonnay, a bowl of farmer’s market fruit and a fresh loaf of crusty bread gives one pause to contemplate: This is indeed a “Flavorable Outlook.”

Featured wine: Far Niente chardonnay