Take a Wine Tour in High Style
A Napa vacation probably sounds like heaven to a lot of people, but what if you don’t have the luxury of staying for several days?
How could you possibly see all there is to see in just one or two days?
The answer is to plan a winery tour, but even that raises several more questions.
Before you start to feel overwhelmed, we’re here to help.
The first thing you’ll need to do before you start planning your trip is decide how many people will go with you and how much money you plan to spend.
When you have a guest list and a budget, you can then start putting together the best wine tour ever.
We’ll get you started with these steps.
Plan Your Transportation
You can always drive yourself and your guests to the wineries, but before you pick up the keys, ask yourself a few questions.
Will you honestly be safe to drive after visiting the first few spots? If the answer is no, start planning to let someone else drive right away.
Asking your other guests to drive isn’t very fair, either.
Instead, consider hiring car service so everyone can enjoy the day or weekend trip in style.
Once you’ve decided to let someone else do the driving, your next decision is the type of vehicle.
A limousine will offer plenty of room for up to ten people, and you’ll certainly turn heads when you arrive at each winery.
Planning for more than ten guests?
Consider a bus instead.
A party bus is another great way to cruise the hills while enjoying several different wines.
Choose Your Wineries
Unless you’re planning to stay a few weeks, you’re not likely to see all the wineries in Napa Valley.
Rather than run yourself ragged trying to get to as many as possible, you should instead plan a few highlights and then visit some vintners that interest you.
For instance, if your group loves Malbec, you might simply visit those wineries that specialize in this varietal, such as Antica Napa Valley, Sodaro Estate Winery, or the von Strasser Winery.
If you have time after visiting the various wineries that feature the Malbec, then you could squeeze in a few that specialize in other wines.
By focusing your trip on the wines you really love, you’re more likely to have a more fulfilling experience.
Many of the wineries have special features that you can consider when making your plans.
If you hope to eat very well while tasting your wines, consider visiting those that have a great in-house chef. You can add Dolce, Long Meadow Ranch, V. Sattui Winery, and Cakebread Cellars to your list.
If you prefer to learn about the wines and the process for creating them, plan to visit vintners that provide classes or other educational opportunities. Arietta, Ehlers Estate, Jessup Cellars, Mira, and Spiriterra Vineyards are just a few that are happy to provide learning experiences.
Plan Overnight Stays
If you do have the luxury of spending a night or two in Napa Valley, several hotels, bed and breakfasts, and inns await you.
For pampering, you should book your stay at the Villagio Inn and Spa, which boasts the AAA Four-Diamond Award.
The Bardessono Hotel can also offer some serious relaxation, as well as truly elegant and luxurious surroundings.
For something a little bit different, consider Safari West, which involves a stay in a luxury tent inside a wildlife preserve.
More intimate lodging is also available, like the Beazley House, known as Napa’s first bed and breakfast.
The Cottage Grove Inn offers private cottages for guests, so you can really relax in style.
Other unique lodging includes the Rancho Caymus Inn, a hacienda-style hotel; La Belle Epoque, a gorgeous Victorian bed and breakfast; or the Candlelight Inn, a sprawling Tudor-style estate-turned-inn.
Any of these and more can offer you the respite you seek.
Just be sure to book your transportation and lodging early so you won’t miss out. Also, check with the wineries you hope to visit and make sure they don’t require reservations or appointments. With this information, you’re set to enjoy the Napa Valley tour of a lifetime.
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