I have been dying for a vacation. Roaming through the streets of Italy or picnicing in front of the Eiffel Tower, it is just what my soul has been yearning for. We are always looking for a different place or a different time that is better and more enjoyable than our current state. Too seldom do we look into our own backyard to feed our desires, and inspire us in ways that we believe travel can only do. Images keep popping up on my news feed of couples wine tasting in Tuscany and exploring the old architecture in Europe. Little did I know I could have a similar experience, without traveling across the world to get there.

Napa is one of my favorite places on Earth. Besides the fact that I am not judged for drinking wine at noon… it is so incredibly beautiful. Each winery has its’ own culture and distinct style. One of my favorite wineries, Castello di Amorosa, is an authentically-built, 13th century inspired Tuscan castle nestled on a hill top in Napa Valley. It literally transports you to Tuscany and is only an hour and a half outside of the city. You are free to explore multiple levels of the castle while tasting their exclusive Italian-style wines, and escape the daily routine amongst the most beautiful scenery.  There are chickens wandering the grounds, goats, a beautiful pond, flowers everywhere you look and stunning vineyards where you can pick and taste the grapes before they are harvested into your favorite wines. It is truly a little piece of heaven on Earth, and you don’t need a plane ticket to get there.

I am wearing the most incredible wine-colored lace gown from Alter Ego. I don’t think i’ve seen a more perfect dress in all my life. There are built-in shorts and it is completely lined so you don’t have to worry about wearing something under the dress. This dress easily transitions into fall with the rich wine color and sleeves. I paired the dress with a pair of nude heels so that they don’t take away from the dress. You only need minimal jewelry when wearing this, the dress speaks for itself! I accentuated the waist with a skinny chain belt but left the rest of my jewelry minimal.

The stunning flower arrangement was created by the wonderful ladies at my corner flower shop, The Bud Stop, who make the most intricate and stunning bouquets I have ever seen. They are my go-to when I am expecting company, and always become a conversation piece with of all the unique and rare flowers they use.

Dress: Alter Ego | Belt: Nordstrom | Heels: Steve Madden

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These photos were taken by Andrea Lowry Photography, an incredible Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer based in Sonoma County. If you are looking for someone for wedding, engagement, maternity or family photos – she is your girl. I am consistently blown away by her attention to detail and her ability to capture emotion in such a beautiful way.

I hope you all enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed creating it. And I hope this gives you the extra push to drive up to Napa for a day at the Castello. Thank you so much for reading.