This weekend I’m heading up the West Coast for a Birthday Weekend (not mine). After careful consideration I’ve packed the following essential items:

• 1 case (12 bottles) of the delicious and very quaffable Pinehurst Merlot/Cab Blend
• 3 bottles of the impossible-to-get-hold-of 2007 Premium Chardonnay (gold medal winner at the Chardonnay du Monde 2009 Competition). These are for the birthday boy.
• 1 pair of spiffy wellington boots, 1 rain coat/farm jacket and other clothing
• fresh oranges
• 1 New York style cheesecake (YUM)
• 2 sleeping bags (just in case)
• 1 medicine kit (again, just in case)

I’ll see you on the other side of the weekend. Have fun.