Hi friends!
Sorry I didn’t post last night but we didn’t end up getting in until 12:30 and I was so tired by that time that I couldn’t even see straight, let alone even open my laptop! I did, however, sleep like a total ROCK and now feel very caught up and on par with California time. I think my real saving grace yesterday was the fact that right before I went to my tasting I chugged down some Berry SuperFood AND a packet of Emergen-C. Honestly, I felt like I just took a double espresso…I had so much energy despite my tired raccoon eyes.
The tasting went very well and I was so honored to meet some AMAZING blog readers and friends!
These girls are awesome for coming and supporting!!!! Thank you SO much! Brianne even brought me some delicious vegan baked goods that I can’t wait to dive into! 
I poured wine for about two hours and mingled with all the guests. It was so fun and different to be on the “other side” of the wine tasting because usually I’m the one who is drinking the wine….not working! I met a lot of great people though and sported my purple Murphy-Goode shirt proudly!
After the tasting was over we all quickly headed back to our hotel rooms to get ready for dinner. Half of us cooked last night and the other half (including yours truly) will be cooking TONIGHT for the group of 25. We were at the actual house that the “winner” will live in and it was very, very cute!
We all sipped on some chilled Fume, played some tunes and chatted while dinner was being prepared. I love the laid back family-style mentality of Murphy-Goode and the town of Healdsburg as well. Everyone is so friendly and honest; it really makes me feel at home and welcome!
Dinner was great too—Annie, Hardy, Rocky, Nick and Todd made delicious goat cheese bruschetta for appetizers and then chicken schnitzel, goat cheese stuffed hamburgers, grilled veggies, pasta salad, cucumber salad and ginger-honey infused cantaloupe slices for dessert! Wow!
My plate:
Lots of wine tastings!! 
Gillian, a wine educator in Sonoma, came in and taught us her method of wine tasting. It totally blew me away!!!!! She was basically a wine tasting rockstar and taught some very interesting ways of looking at wine, to say the least. At the end of the night we all tried some amazing Murphy-Goode Terra a Lago Cabernet and for the first time, I think I really “got” it—thinking of wine is terms of how it enters your mouth, what it feels like when its there and how it leaves. This Cab was 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and, basically, was like a party in your though. At first its all sweet and innocent but then it just explodes with flavor and tannins and, boy oh boy, you can still feel it goin’ all the way down. Definitely a wine to be savored and full of passion with unexpected mind-blowing, tongue prickling sensations. Wooheee!
After wine tasting and dinner, we all sat round the table and played some Liar’s Dice. I lost but I wasn’t the first or second person out of the game so I got to keep my hotel room. The first two out had to switch hotels!
Dave won. Surprise, surprise.
I literally passed out into my bed a little after midnight and for the first time in DAYS, slept like a rock until my alarm sounded at 7:30. I jumped in the shower and raced downstairs to grab a bite to eat before my interview–-I was first!!
My appetite came back! Yay!! I had a big bowl of yogurt with granola, strawberries and banana with grapefruit juice and green tea on the side. I LOVE Hotel Healdsburg’s granola. It must be really bad for you because it just tastes totally delicious and has a crunch and sweetness that I am addicted to.
My interview went well. I’m not a person at all that cracks under pressure; instead, I thrive under it! I actually think the time I shine the most is when people fire questions at me and I secretly enjoy it. I was very happy to go first and now I have the entire day to explore Healdsburg. At 2:45 I am meeting my group to go grocery shopping for tonight’s dinner but other than that, I’m on my own. Originally I was going to work out but since I’ve already showered and everything and its such a gorgeous day, I think I might just walk and explore the town instead. I don’t have too much time here and I can work out at home, right?! haha
More pictures to come from our dinner tonight (for 25 people!!!), wine tasting and Texas Hold ‘Em. I can’t believe I have to go home tomorrow…..I’m in denial. I think I could live here forever!
{ 75 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
glad to hear that you are having so much fun!!
Wow, what an amazing experience you are having. It’s really fun to read about it. Actually I feel nervous for you!!!
But it’s great that you feel so empowered during the stressful interview. I REALLY hope you get the job. Can’t wait to hear about what your team creates for dinner tonight.
Definitely drooling over your dinner photos…
I’m so excited for you!! This is such a cool opportunity and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you get the job. Can’t wait to hear!
You are totally living the dream right now! Enjoy every minute of it!
Glad to hear the interview went well! Have fun exploring
this is so exciting. i’m glad you’re just soaking in every minute of it!
What an awesome experience! Enjoy it
Sounds like you are having a great time! Lovely food and wine pics
Can’t wait to hear more!
“I’m not a person at all that cracks under pressure; instead, I thrive under it!”
Beautifuly said! Such an inspiration! Good Luck Jenna!!
Sounds amazing!!!
Yes, enjoy Cali. You can work out when you go home!!!
Sounds like things are going well and you’re having a great time! Safe travels home!
oakville grocery is one of my all time favorite places in the world. the weekend sounds amazing…good luck!!
-andrea
What an experience! Glad you’re enjoying it.
Aww I’m really glad you’re having such a fun time!! That’s amazing that you do so well in interviews. I always get so nervous for them! Public speaking, I’m fine with- but getting fired at question after question.. ack , that’s nerve racking!
Jenna the place looks beautiful! i’m crossing my fingers for you!!!!
good luck dear!
I’m so glad you’re having fun! Wooo hooo!
keep it up, i really hope you get the job!
-muffy
That place looks stunning! What an experience. Good luck!
good vibes to you my dear – looks like SO MUCH FUN
Good luck Jenna! I really hope you get it
Just wanted to let you know that I referenced you in my Baltimore Food Examiner column article about the Green Monster today!
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-10966-Baltimore-Food-Examiner~y2009m7d21-Have-you-tackled-the-Green-Monster
I’m so happy for you!!
I secretly thrive under interview pressure too
Jenna!
Your trip looks fantastic and I think it’s great that you thrive in the interview process!
You’ve inspired me to drink 3 glasses of wine in the past week…and I don’t ever drink anything during the weekdays…but you make it looks so good and tempting!
See, Murphy Goode…she’d be a great choice!
OK I live in the area and never heard of Murphy-Goode. I am inspired to try it now and visit the winery…but only if you get the job!!!
Crossing my fingers for you!
← Previous Comments